← Chapter 78 Chapter 80 →

Lutheran reading notes

In Psalms chapter 79, the wisdom literature continues to explore prayer, worship, lament, praise, and trust in God. Lutheran interpretation often emphasizes humanity’s limitations and the need to rely on God's grace and promises. The chapter highlights the contrast between human striving and the faithfulness of God.

Theme: Wisdom, prayer, and faithful living Key people: Wise figures Key place: Israel Liturgical use: Wisdom lections
1 [A Psalm of Asaph.] O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps. {of: or, for}
Psalms 79:1 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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.
Psalms 79:2 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3 Their blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem; and {there was} none to bury {them}.
Psalms 79:3 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4 We are become a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us.
Psalms 79:4 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5 How long, LORD? wilt thou be angry for ever? shall thy jealousy burn like fire?
Psalms 79:5 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6 Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee, and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy name.
Psalms 79:6 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7 For they have devoured Jacob, and laid waste his dwelling place.
Psalms 79:7 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8 O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low. {former...: or, the iniquities of them that were before us}
Psalms 79:8 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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.
Psalms 79:9 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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. {revenging: Heb. vengeance}
Psalms 79:10 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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; {thy...: Heb. thine arm} {preserve...: Heb. reserve the children of death}
Psalms 79:11 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
12 And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.
Psalms 79:12 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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. {to all...: Heb. to generation and generation}
Psalms 79:13 highlights wisdom, prayer, and faithful living with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.