Psalms 79 — with JFB Commentary
The King James text with the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary (1871, public domain) directly beneath the verses it explains. Verses without a JFB note stand alone.
1O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.
PSALM 79
Psa 79:1-13. This Psalm, like the seventy-fourth, probably depicts the desolations of the Chaldeans (Jr 52:12-24). It comprises the usual complaint, prayer, and promised thanks for relief.
1. (Compare Psa 74:2-7).
2The 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.
2-3. (Compare Jr 15:3; 16:4).
3Their blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem; and there was none to bury them.
2-3. (Compare Jr 15:3; 16:4).
4We are become a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us.
4. (Compare Psa 44:13; Jr 42:18; La 2:15).
5How long, LORD? wilt thou be angry for ever? shall thy jealousy burn like fire?
5. How long--(Psa 13:1).
be angry--(Psa 74:1-10).
jealousy burn--(De 29:20).
6Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee, and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy name.
6-7. (Compare Jr 10:25). Though we deserve much, do not the heathen deserve more for their violence to us (Jr 51:3-5; Zec 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 (Is 12:4; Ac 2:21).
7For they have devoured Jacob, and laid waste his dwelling place.
6-7. (Compare Jr 10:25). Though we deserve much, do not the heathen deserve more for their violence to us (Jr 51:3-5; Zec 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 (Is 12:4; Ac 2:21).
8O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low.
8. former iniquities--literally, "iniquities of former times."
prevent us--literally, "meet us," as in Psa 21:3.
9Help 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.
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 Ep 1:7).
10Wherefore 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.
10. This ground of pleading often used (Ex 32:12; Nu 14:13-16).
blood ... shed--(Psa 79:3).
11Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee; according to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die;
11. prisoner--the whole captive people.
power--literally, "arm" (Psa 10:15).
12And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.
12. into their bosom--The lap or folds of the dress is used by Eastern people for receiving articles. The figure denotes retaliation (compare Is 65:6, 7). They reproached God as well as His people.
13So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations.
13. sheep ... pasture--(Compare Psa 74:1; 78:70).