Psalms 79

Chapter Summary

The psalm begins with a description of the devastation of Jerusalem and the temple, with the nations having defiled the sanctuary and killed the people of God (Psalms 79:1-4). The psalmist then calls upon God to pour out His wrath upon the nations that have not known Him, and to remember His people who are being mocked and ridiculed (Psalms 79:5-7). The psalmist confesses the sins of his people and asks God to forgive them and to restore them for the sake of His name (Psalms 79:8-9). The chapter concludes with a expression of trust in God's sovereignty and a call for Him to judge the nations and to shepherd His people (Psalms 79:10-13).

Context for the Chapter

Psalms 79 is part of the fifth book of the Psalms, which is characterized by its emphasis on the restoration of God's people and the coming of the Messiah. The chapter is likely written in the context of the Babylonian exile, where the people of God are facing defeat and desecration of the temple. The psalmist's lament and petition are set against the backdrop of God's covenant promises to His people, and the chapter looks forward to the day when God will restore His people and judge the nations.

Heart Application

As we read Psalms 79, we are reminded of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. We are called to confess our sins and to seek God's mercy and forgiveness, and to look to Him as our shepherd and protector. May we be encouraged to pray with the psalmist, 'May your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need.'

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Psalms 79 is a prayer for God to help His people when they are in trouble. The temple in Jerusalem has been destroyed and God's people are being hurt. The prayer asks God to forgive His people and to punish those who are hurting them. It reminds us that God is our shepherd and that we can trust Him to take care of us, as seen in Psalms 79:13.

Voices from the Church

“The psalmist's cry is not merely for vengeance, but for the glory of God. He desires that God's name may be hallowed, and that the nations may know that He is the Lord.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The psalmist's confession of sin is not a mere formality, but a heartfelt expression of repentance and a desire for forgiveness. He recognizes that God's mercy is the only hope for His people.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Lament over the Desecration of the Temple (Psalms 79:1-4) — The psalmist describes the devastation of Jerusalem and the temple, and the killing of God's people.
2. Call for God's Wrath upon the Nations (Psalms 79:5-7) — The psalmist calls upon God to pour out His wrath upon the nations that have not known Him.
3. Confession of Sin and Petition for Forgiveness (Psalms 79:8-9) — The psalmist confesses the sins of his people and asks for God's forgiveness and mercy.
4. Expression of Trust in God's Sovereignty (Psalms 79:10-13) — The psalmist expresses his trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, and calls upon Him to judge the nations and to shepherd His people.
5. Conclusion and Final Petition (Psalms 79:13) — The psalmist concludes with a final petition for God to shepherd His people and to lead them to safety and prosperity.

Core Doctrines

God's Sovereignty

Psalms 79 teaches that God is in control of all things, even in the midst of chaos and destruction. This is evident in the psalmist's call for God to judge the nations and to shepherd His people.

Corporate Confession

The psalmist's confession of sin highlights the importance of corporate confession and repentance. This doctrine emphasizes the need for God's people to acknowledge and repent of their sins, both individually and collectively.

God's Mercy and Forgiveness

The psalmist's petition for God's mercy and forgiveness emphasizes the importance of seeking God's pardon and restoration. This doctrine reminds us that God is a God of mercy and compassion, who desires to forgive and restore His people.

The Importance of God's Name

The psalmist's motivation for his petition is to uphold God's reputation and glory. This doctrine highlights the importance of God's name and reputation, and the need for His people to live in a way that honors Him.

Lessons from Psalms 79

1. The Importance of Trusting in God's Sovereignty — The psalmist's trust in God's sovereignty is a powerful reminder of the importance of trusting in God's control over all things. This lesson encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
2. The Need for Corporate Confession and Repentance — The psalmist's confession of sin highlights the importance of corporate confession and repentance. This lesson reminds us of the need to acknowledge and repent of our sins, both individually and collectively.
3. The Power of Seeking God's Mercy and Forgiveness — The psalmist's petition for God's mercy and forgiveness emphasizes the importance of seeking God's pardon and restoration. This lesson encourages us to seek God's mercy and forgiveness, and to trust in His power to restore us.
4. The Importance of Honoring God's Name — The psalmist's emphasis on God's name and reputation reminds us of the importance of living in a way that honors Him. This lesson challenges us to consider how our actions and words reflect on God's name and reputation.
5. The Comfort of God's Presence and Care — The psalmist's expression of trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness is a powerful reminder of the comfort of God's presence and care. This lesson encourages us to trust in God's presence and care, and to find comfort in His love and mercy.

Themes from Psalms 79

1. God's Sovereignty — The psalmist's trust in God's sovereignty is a powerful reminder of the importance of trusting in God's control over all things. This theme is developed throughout the chapter, as the psalmist calls upon God to judge the nations and to shepherd His people.
2. Corporate Confession and Repentance — The psalmist's confession of sin highlights the importance of corporate confession and repentance. This theme is emphasized in the psalmist's petition for God's mercy and forgiveness, and reminds us of the need to acknowledge and repent of our sins, both individually and collectively.
3. God's Mercy and Forgiveness — The psalmist's petition for God's mercy and forgiveness emphasizes the importance of seeking God's pardon and restoration. This theme is a powerful reminder of God's love and compassion, and encourages us to trust in His power to forgive and restore us.
4. The Importance of God's Name — The psalmist's emphasis on God's name and reputation reminds us of the importance of living in a way that honors Him. This theme challenges us to consider how our actions and words reflect on God's name and reputation, and to strive to live in a way that brings glory to Him.
5. Trust in God's Presence and Care — The psalmist's expression of trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness is a powerful reminder of the comfort of God's presence and care. This theme encourages us to trust in God's presence and care, and to find comfort in His love and mercy.

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some ways in which we can apply the psalmist's trust in God's sovereignty to our own lives?
2. How does the psalmist's confession of sin relate to our own need for corporate confession and repentance?
3. What are some ways in which we can seek God's mercy and forgiveness, as the psalmist does in Psalms 79:8-9?
4. How does the psalmist's emphasis on God's name and reputation challenge us to live in a way that honors Him?
5. What are some ways in which we can express our trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, as the psalmist does in Psalms 79:10-13?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Psalms 79

	Sermon	Description
	The Violent Overthrow of God's House by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, Pastor David speaks about the violent overthrow of God's house, referencing the story of Jesus entering the temple in Jerusalem. The city was moved by Jesus' presen
	(Through the Bible) Joel 1-2 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Joel in the Bible and how it describes a future battle. The nation of Israel needs to be established again in order for the prophe
	(Through the Bible) Psalms 71-80 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing the power and majesty of God, highlighting His control over nature and His guidance of His people. The speaker then shifts to addre
	A Psalm of Asaph by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonian army. He describes the defilement of the holy temple and the suffering of the people. Th
	The Burden of the Hour by Phil Beach Jr.	Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the urgency of recognizing the spiritual state of God's people as reflected in Psalms 79 and 80. He highlights the importance of humility and the cry for
	A Summary of the Christian Life. of Self-Denial by John Calvin	John Calvin preaches about the importance of self-denial and surrendering to God, emphasizing the need to dedicate ourselves entirely to the service of God, seeking His will and gl
	God's Great Name, the Ground and Reason of Saving Great Sinners by Ralph Erskine	Ralph Erskine emphasizes that God's salvation of sinners is fundamentally for His own name's sake, rather than for any merit on the part of the sinners themselves. He explains that
	Rev. 6:10. How Long? by Horatius Bonar	Horatius Bonar explores the profound question 'How long?' as expressed in Revelation 6:10, emphasizing its significance in human experience and divine communication. He categorizes
	Psalm 79 by Henry Law	Henry Law preaches about the desolation of Jerusalem and the distress of the Israelites as they witness the ruins of their beloved city and Temple, leading them to seek mercy from
	Exposition on Psalm 80 by St. Augustine	St. Augustine preaches on the Psalms, focusing on the Advent of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the symbolism of the vineyard representing Christ and the Church. He delves in

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 79

In Psalms 79, we see the psalmist's lament over the desecration of the temple and the slaughter of God's people. The psalmist calls upon God to avenge the blood of His servants and to render vengeance to the nations. The chapter is a powerful reminder of the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The psalmist's trust in God's sovereignty is a powerful reminder of the importance of trusting in God's control over all things.' The chapter looks forward to the day when God will restore His people and judge the nations, and encourages us to trust in God's presence and care. As Henry writes, 'The psalmist's expression of trust in God's sovereignty is a powerful reminder of the comfort of God's presence and care.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?