Psalms 79:1-13
This psalm reflects the feelings and the prayers of the remnant of Israel when the Gentile nations will have invaded Palestine and profaned the temple. The faithful lament; they are the objects of scorn and derision to their neighbours (v. 4; cf. Psalms 80:6; Psalms 44:13). Today in countries where oppression which once existed has given way to religious tolerance, mockery remains one of the modern weapons of persecution. The faithful Christian will be treated as a fanatic, or as being proud or a crank. We shall not escape that if we would remain separate from the world. Nevertheless, even more than the enemies without, the believer who is not set free from himself may well have to deal with accusing voices within himself. Sins of the past are remembered, for trials often evoke the painful examination of his conscience. Then the soul which senses its own misery (end of v. 8) makes its appeal to the tender mercies from on high. "Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name . . . and purge away our sins, for thy name’s sake" (v. 9). Our position as those who have been saved is quite different, but it is still for His name’s sake; it is because He is faithful and just toward His Son Jesus Christ, that God pardons our sins and cleanses us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).