Psalms 79
13 verses
Psalm 79 is a communal lament mourning temple destruction and appealing to God for mercy and vengeance on desecrating nations, exemplifying the theological concerns of Book 3. The psalmist employs vivid imagery and direct address to God, establishing the intimate dialogue between worshiper and the divine that characterizes the psalmic tradition. The theological assertions center on God's character as both judge and redeemer, creating a comprehensive vision of divine justice and mercy integrated with human experience. The psalm reflects on both personal circumstance and communal identity, suggesting that individual faith finds validation through shared experience with the covenant community. The liturgical context indicates this psalm's function in worship where personal piety integrates with communal celebration of God's acts and attributes. The concluding movement typically affirms confidence in God's faithfulness, exemplifying the psalmic pattern of transformation through prayer and remembrance of divine acts throughout history.
VERSES IN THIS CHAPTER
1
O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.
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2
The dead bodies of thy servants have they given to be meat unto the fowls of the heaven, the flesh of thy saints unto the beasts of the earth.
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3
Their blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem; and there was none to bury them.
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4
We are become a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us.
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5
How long, Lord? wilt thou be angry for ever? shall thy jealousy burn like fire?
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6
Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee, and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy name.
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7
For they have devoured Jacob, and laid waste his dwelling place.
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8
O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low.
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9
Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name’s sake.
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10
Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight by the revenging of the blood of thy servants which is shed.
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11
Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee; according to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die;
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12
And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.
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13
So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations.
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COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS
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