Psalm 79

 


Psalm 79 likely refers to the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple.  The psalmist prays for God to avenge against pagan enemies for the bloodshed, indignity, mocking, and derision suffered, but also to forgive their own iniquities.  The emphasis is that all will be done for the glory of God's Name to be known among the nations.  In anticipation of answered prayer and preservation from death, the psalm closes with thanksgiving and praise now and in the future.

Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm:
  • Verses 1-4
    • What are some ways in which the people of God and the Church have suffered attacks, horrible indignations, mocking, and derision?
  • Verses 5-8
    • Whenever we bring our requests to God in prayer, are there also sins that we need to confess first?
  • Verse 9
    • How might my perspective of what I pray for change, when primarily motivated by the glory of God's Name to be made known?
  • Verses 10-13
    • Even in the most difficult of circumstances, how can I look forward with thanksgiving and praise?

If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video:
  • "The Heathens Have Attacked Your Church" (Psalm 79) by Wasilla Bible Church Psalms Project:  Link

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Psalm 149

Image
  Psalm 149 is part of the Final Hallel section (146-150), providing a doxology to the Book of Psalms.  These praise psalms begin and end with "Praise the LORD!" or "Hallelujah!"  This psalm is likely a victory song of praise from God's People to their King for deliverance but also judgment against their enemies. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-5 God's people are called to praise Him no matter where we are, together in assembly (v. 1) as well as alone in our beds (v. 5).  What do these verses teach us about praising the LORD? The last part of verse 4 may be translated "crowns the humble with victory," "adorns the afflicted with salvation," "beautifies the meek with salvation," "glorifies the lowly with salvation," or "exalts the oppressed by delivering them."  C.H. Spurgeon says that each "gives a new shade of meaning, well worthy
Read more

Psalm 120

Image
  Psalm 120 is the first in the Songs of Ascents series (Psalms 120-134). These songs were likely sung during the three annual festival processions to Jerusalem (Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles). The Feasts may typically be associated with joy, celebration, and worship, however in Psalm 120, the psalmist is crying out to the LORD in distress.  He is facing lies and deceit, such as from those in the foreign lands around him who hate peace. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-4 Why would it be better to turn to the LORD when facing "lying lips" and "a deceitful tongue"? Verses 5-7 What can we do when we live "among those who hate peace"? If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video: "I Cry Unto the Lord" (Psalm 120) by Timeless Vocal Tapestry: Link
Read more

Psalm 142

Image
  Psalm 142 is in the last set of those attributed to David (138-145). This is a cave psalm (like Psalm 57), likely when David was fleeing from Saul and hid in a cave when his life was in danger. Thus, this is a prayer, crying out to the LORD for deliverance. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-2 What are some troubles that drive me to cry out to the LORD? Verses 3-7 When we feel overwhelmed, afraid, and alone, how is God our refuge, portion, deliverer? If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video: "Psalm 142" by Calvary Westlake:  Link
Read more