What is Psalm 79 about?

Psalm 79 is a poignant and evocative psalm that falls under the category of communal lament, a type of psalm in which the community collectively expresses its sorrow and seeks divine intervention. This psalm is attributed to Asaph, one of the prominent figures associated with the worship and musical traditions in the Temple. Asaph's psalms often reflect deep emotional responses to the trials and tribulations faced by the people of Israel. Psalm 79 is no exception, as it vividly portrays the devastation and desolation experienced by the Israelites, likely in the aftermath of a significant national catastrophe such as the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 586 B.C.

The psalm opens with a stark depiction of the desecration of the Holy City and the Temple:

"O God, the nations have invaded your inheritance;
they have defiled your holy temple,
they have reduced Jerusalem to rubble.
They have left the dead bodies of your servants
as food for the birds of the sky,
the flesh of your own people for the animals of the wild."
(Psalm 79:1-2, NIV)

The imagery here is both vivid and harrowing. The "inheritance" refers to the land of Israel, which God had promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The invasion by foreign nations and the subsequent desecration of the Temple represent not just a physical conquest but a profound spiritual affront. The Temple, the sacred space where God's presence dwelt among His people, has been defiled, symbolizing a severe rupture in the relationship between God and Israel.

The psalmist continues to lament the grim aftermath of the invasion, describing the gruesome sight of unburied bodies left to the elements. This not only signifies the sheer scale of the destruction but also the utter humiliation and disgrace suffered by the people. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, proper burial rites were of immense importance, and the lack of these rites would have been seen as a profound dishonor.

As the psalm progresses, the communal nature of the lament becomes even more apparent. The psalmist speaks on behalf of the entire community, crying out to God for mercy and deliverance:

"How long, Lord? Will you be angry forever?
How long will your jealousy burn like fire?
Pour out your wrath on the nations
that do not acknowledge you,
on the kingdoms
that do not call on your name;
for they have devoured Jacob
and devastated his homeland."
(Psalm 79:5-7, NIV)

Here, the psalmist grapples with the theological implications of the disaster. The question "How long?" is a recurring motif in the Psalms, reflecting a deep yearning for an end to suffering and a restoration of divine favor. The reference to God's "jealousy" and "wrath" alludes to the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. According to the covenant, Israel's unfaithfulness, often manifested through idolatry and injustice, would provoke God's righteous anger. Yet, the psalmist also calls for divine retribution against the foreign nations responsible for the devastation, underscoring the belief in God's justice and sovereignty over all nations.

The psalmist then shifts to a plea for forgiveness and restoration:

"Do not hold against us the sins of past generations;
may your mercy come quickly to meet us,
for we are in desperate need.
Help us, God our Savior,
for the glory of your name;
deliver us and forgive our sins
for your name’s sake."
(Psalm 79:8-9, NIV)

This plea is deeply rooted in the understanding of God's character as merciful and compassionate. The psalmist acknowledges the collective guilt of the people, yet appeals to God's mercy and the honor of His name. The appeal to God's "name" is significant, as it invokes the entirety of God's revealed character and reputation. By seeking deliverance "for your name’s sake," the psalmist is essentially asking God to act in accordance with His own nature and promises.

The psalm concludes with a vow of praise and a reaffirmation of the community's enduring relationship with God:

"Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture,
will praise you forever;
from generation to generation
we will proclaim your praise."
(Psalm 79:13, NIV)

This final verse is a powerful declaration of faith and hope. Despite the overwhelming circumstances, the psalmist expresses a confident expectation of future deliverance and restoration. The imagery of the people as "the sheep of your pasture" evokes the pastoral care and guidance of God, reminiscent of Psalm 23. The commitment to praise God "from generation to generation" highlights the enduring nature of the covenant and the perpetual duty of the community to worship and glorify God.

Psalm 79, therefore, serves as a profound expression of communal grief, theological reflection, and hopeful anticipation. It encapsulates the raw human experience of suffering and the deep spiritual longing for divine intervention and restoration. The psalmist's honest and heartfelt plea resonates with anyone who has experienced profound loss and seeks solace in the steadfast love and faithfulness of God.

In Christian tradition, Psalm 79 can also be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate deliverance and restoration brought about through Jesus Christ. The themes of suffering, divine justice, mercy, and redemption find their fullest expression in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. As the Apostle Paul writes:

"For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross."
(Colossians 1:19-20, NIV)

In this light, Psalm 79 not only reflects the historical and communal experience of ancient Israel but also points to the universal and eternal hope found in Christ. It reminds believers that in the midst of suffering and desolation, they can turn to God with their laments, trusting in His mercy and faithfulness to bring about healing and restoration.