Psalm 79 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

79:1

Psalm 79:1-13. This Psalm, like the seventy-fourth, probably depicts the desolations of the Chaldeans (Jeremiah 52:12-24). It comprises the usual complaint, prayer, and promised thanks for relief.

(Compare Psalm 74:2-7).

79:2-3

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

79:4

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

79:5

How long — (Psalm 13:1).

be angry — (Psalm 74:1-10).

jealousy burn — (Deuteronomy 29:20).

79:6-7

(Compare Jeremiah 10:25). 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).

79:8

former iniquities — literally, “iniquities of former times.”

prevent us — literally, “meet us,” as in Psalm 21:3.

79:9 glory of thy name [and for] thy name‘s sake — both mean for illustrating Thy attributes, faithfulness, power, etc.

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 Ephesians 1:7).

79:10

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

blood shed — (Psalm 79:3).

79:11

prisoner — the whole captive people.

power — literally, “arm” (Psalm 10:15).

79:12

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.

79:13 pasture — (Compare Psalm 74:1; Psalm 78:70).