A Cry for Mercy, and the Fruit of Peace (Psalm 79)

Scripture reading – Psalm 79 

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* Please note that words and phrases in brackets are the author’s amplification.

Psalm 79

Psalm 79 likely dates from after the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple. Once again, Asaph is cited as the author.

The Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple (Psalm 79:1-5)

The psalmist cried out to the LORD, for there was no other to whom he could appeal, “O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; Thy holy temple have they defiled; They have laid Jerusalem on heaps” (Psalm 79:1). Nebuchadnezzar’s army had overtaken Jerusalem, defiled the Temple, and left the dead in the streets (Psalm 79:1-2). The blood of the slain flowed through the streets like streams of water. There were none to bury the dead, whose bodies were left to become carrion for birds and beasts (Psalm 79:3).

The psalmist complained, “We are become a reproach to our neighbors, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us” (Psalm 97:4). The writer did not argue that God’s wrath was unjustified. However, he asked, “How long, Lord? Wilt thou be angry forever? Shall thy jealousy burn like fire?” (Psalm 79:5).

A Cry for Pity, Mercy, and Vengeance (Psalm 79:6-13)

Judah’s sins had brought God’s judgment upon the nation. Yet Asaph made a case for God’s wrath to be poured out on the heathen for their abuses and wickedness (Psalm 79:6). The psalmist reminded the LORD that the wicked had “devoured Jacob” [slaughtered Israel and Judah] and “laid waste his dwelling place” (Psalm 79:7). He begged for the LORD’s mercy (79:8) and appealed to Him to save His people, not for their merit but for the sake of His testimony among the nations (Psalm 79:9). He reasoned, “Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is their God?” (Psalm 79:10). 

Calling for God’s vengeance, Asaph implored the LORD to hear the prisoners’ sighs and to save those “that are appointed to die” (Psalm 79:11). Reminding the LORD that the heathen took pleasure in His people’s travails, he prayed that God would exact vengeance “sevenfold,” saying, “They have reproached thee, O Lord” (Psalm 79:12).

What was the basis for the psalmist’s prayer for deliverance? It was the LORD’s covenant relationship with Israel and Judah. The author reminded the LORD that they were His “people and sheep of [His] pasture” (Psalm 79:13a; Psalm 95:7; Psalm 100:3). Confessing his humility on behalf of the nation, Asaph promised, “We will give thee thanks for ever: We will shew forth thy praise to all generations” (Psalm 79:13b).

Closing thought –

The sorrows and sufferings that befell Jerusalem and Judah stemmed from their wickedness. Yet the psalmist remembered the LORD’s promises of grace and mercy. He understood that the LORD chastened Israel and Judah because they were His people and that He loves those He chastens (Hebrews 12:6).

A personal invitation – Friend, you may find yourself bearing the weight of God’s chastening. Remember, the LORD is gracious and merciful. Like a loving father who chastens a son, the LORD loves His children and corrects us so that our lives might yield “[i.e., bear] the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised [trained; disciplined] thereby” (Hebrews 12:11).