Bible Commentaries
Psalms 79

Introduction

PSALM 79

:-. This Psalm, like the seventy-fourth, probably depicts the desolations of the Chaldeans ( :-). It comprises the usual complaint, prayer, and promised thanks for relief.

Verse 1

1. (Compare :-).

Verse 2

2, 3. (Compare Jeremiah 15:3; Jeremiah 16:4).

Verse 4

4. (Compare Psalms 44:13; Jeremiah 42:18; Lamentations 2:15).

Verse 5

5. How long— ( :-).

be angry— ( :-).

jealousy burn— ( :-).

Verse 6

6, 7. (Compare :-). Though we deserve much, do not the heathen deserve more for their violence to us (Jeremiah 51:3-5; Zechariah 1:14)? The singular denotes the chief power, and the use of the plural indicates the combined confederates.

called upon—or, "by"

thy name—proclaimed Thy attributes and professed allegiance (Isaiah 12:4; Acts 2:21).

Verse 8

8. former iniquities—literally, "iniquities of former times."

prevent us—literally, "meet us," as in Psalms 21:3.

Verse 9

9. for . . . glory of thy name [and for] thy name's sake—both mean for illustrating Thy attributes, faithfulness, power, &c.

purge . . . sins—literally, "provide atonement for us." Deliverance from sin and suffering, for their good and God's glory, often distinguish the prayers of Old Testament saints (compare :-).

Verse 10

10. This ground of pleading often used (Exodus 32:12; Numbers 14:13-16).

blood . . . shed— (Numbers 14:13-4.14.16- :).

Verse 11

11. prisoner—the whole captive people.

power—literally, "arm" (Psalms 10:15).

Verse 12

12. into their bosom—The lap or folds of the dress is used by Eastern people for receiving articles. The figure denotes retaliation (compare Isaiah 65:6; Isaiah 65:7). They reproached God as well as His people.

Verse 13

13. sheep . . . pasture—(Compare Psalms 74:1; Psalms 78:70).