Psalm 79 – From lament to trust

Like Psalm 74, the background of Psalm 79 was set in the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians in 586 BC.  These two Psalms were written by Asaph to complement each other. Unlike Psalm 137, written about the same time, this one was penned by an eyewitness who saw the devastation of Jerusalem.

In this Psalm we see two distinctive divisions. Firstly in verses 1-5, we see an expression of a lament to God, outlining the deplorable state the temple and the people were undergoing. Their temple was defiled, the land and people were demolished and left devastated. Their blood were spilled all over Jerusalem and many bodies laid all over the city unburied. The scene was truly deplorable and pathetic. Secondly in verses 6-13, the Psalmist petitioned God to deliver His people and for their enemies to receive their retribution. He gave three reasons why he felt God should intervene. The first reason given, in the first four verses, was the misery that the people were undergoing. The second reason found in verse 8 was the truth that God is merciful and tender-hearted.  The third reason expressed in verse 10, was the fact that God’s name would be demeaned if He wouldn’t intervene.

Verses 5-13 showed the Psalmist earnestly in prayer. In verses 5-7, he asked for God’s vindication. He wondered how long would they had to endure this wreckage. Their position as God’s people and their miserable experience seemed incongruous. So he asked for vindication. He then moved to seek forgiveness on behalf of the people in verses 8-9. He not only admitted their wrong but also that of their forefathers. And then pleaded for forgiveness. Bear in mind that what we do affect the generation that would succeed us. So he asked God to quickly bring about a retribution on their enemies. The Psalmist closed with a line of thanksgiving and promise to declare the praise of God.

Tough circumstances don’t last, but people who trust God will. We need to know all experiences, positive or negative, are God’s moments. They are there to help us draw close to Him, either in praise or in prayer. Isn’t this what James 5:13 urged us to do? “Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises.”