Psalm 79

A Psalm of Asaph. This psalm relates to the havoc made of the Jewish capital and nation, by the Chaldeans and Syro-Grecians, as typical of the afflictions of the gospel church. Observe, (1.) How deplorable the condition of these people of God was, when their enemies raged against their dwellings, persons, and characters; and their God himself long continued the tokens of his just displeasure, ver. 1-5. (2.) Their humble, but fervent supplications, for the just punishment of their heathen enemies; and for divine pity, pardon, and help to themselves, ver. 6-12. (3.) The pleas wherewith they enforce their requests, viz. God's relation to them, as their God and shepherd; and the tendency of what they asked to promote the declarative glory of his name, ver. 1, 6, 9-10, 13. While I sing, let my soul have a deep sympathy with the afflicted members of Christ. Let me bless his holy name, that I am not in similar circumstances. Let me lay before the Lord the spiritual injuries which Satan and my lusts have done to my soul, and to the church of God; and let me cry earnestly for his merciful rising up to destroy them, and to show me his salvation. 1 O God, the heathen enter'd have thine heritage; by them Defiled is thy house: on heaps they laid Jerusalem. 2 The bodies of thy servants they have cast forth to be meat To rav'nous fowls; thy dear saints' flesh they gave to beasts to eat. 3 Their blood about Jerusalem like water they have shed; And there was none to bury them when they were slain and dead. 4 Unto our neighbours a reproach most base become are we; A scorn and laughingstock to them that round about us be. 5 How long, Lord, shall thine anger last? wilt thou still keep the same? And shall thy fervent jealousy burn like unto a flame? 6 On heathen pour thy fury forth, that have thee never known, And on those kingdoms which thy name have never call'd upon. 7 For these are they who Jacob have devoured cruelly; And they his habitation have caused waste to lie. 8 Against us mind not former sins; thy tender mercies show; Let them prevent us speedily, for we're brought very low. 9 For thy name's glory help us, Lord, who hast our Saviour been: Deliver us; for thy name's sake, O purge away our sin. 10 Why say the heathen, Where's their God? let him to them be known; When those who shed thy servants' blood are in our sight o'erthrown. 11 O let the pris'ner's sighs ascend before thy sight on high; Preserve those in thy mighty pow'r that are design'd to die. 12 And to our neighbours' bosom cause it sev'n-fold render'd be, Ev'n the reproach wherewith they have, O Lord, reproached thee. 13 So we thy folk, and pasture-sheep, shall give thee thanks always; And unto generations all we will shew forth thy praise.