Psalm 79:1-13
Q.1. Who was responsible for the captivity of God’s people? What made the exile particularly galling? – (2 Sam.79:1-7)
Asaph documented what the Lord warned would be happen to the rebellious people remaining in Judah and Jerusalem. Jeremiah prophesied that there would be no one to bury them. Asaph reported that this happened (Ps.79:1-3 c.f. Jer.25:8-11; 25:33). The surrounding nations would be appalled that the great city of Jerusalem would be laid waste because Judah forsook the Covenant of the Lord (Ps.79:4 c.f. Jer.22:8-9). Asaph appealed for the Lord to be gracious and to end His anger against His people (Ps.79:5). He asked that God might punish the godless nations that had destroyed His land (Ps.79:6-7).
Q.2. What leverage did the Psalmist use to seek God’s intervention in their woes? – (Ps.79:8-13)
Asaph was aware that God’s judgment had been the result of the accumulation of the sins of many generations, so asked for compassion (Ps.79:8). His main argument showed His concern for the Lord’s glory – Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; Deliver us and forgive our sins for Your name’s sake (Ps.79:9). He expressed his concern that the enemies might conclude that the Lord was a powerless God (Ps.79:10). He also asked God to be touched by the groaning of the prisoners and those doomed to die (Ps.79:11-12). He promised that after God restored them, His people would return to praise Him – So we Your people and the sheep of Your pasture will give thanks to You forever; To all generations we will tell of Your praise (Ps.79:13).