PSALM 79
. This Psalm, like the seventy-fourth, probably depicts
the desolations of the Chaldeans (). It comprises the usual complaint, prayer, and promised
thanks for relief.
5. How long— ().
be angry— ().
jealousy burn— ().
6, 7. (Compare ). Though we deserve much, do not the heathen deserve more
for their violence to us (Jeremiah 51:3-5;
Zechariah 1:14)? The singular denotes
the chief power, and the use of the plural indicates the combined
confederates.
called upon—or, "by"
thy name—proclaimed Thy
attributes and professed allegiance (Isaiah 12:4;
Acts 2:21).
8. former iniquities—literally,
"iniquities of former times."
prevent us—literally,
"meet us," as in Psalms 21:3.
9. for . . . glory of thy name
[and for] thy name's sake—both mean for illustrating Thy
attributes, faithfulness, power, &c.
purge . . . sins—literally,
"provide atonement for us." Deliverance from sin and
suffering, for their good and God's glory, often distinguish the
prayers of Old Testament saints (compare ).
11. prisoner—the whole captive
people.
power—literally, "arm"
(Psalms 10:15).
12. into their bosom—The lap
or folds of the dress is used by Eastern people for receiving
articles. The figure denotes retaliation (compare Isaiah 65:6;
Isaiah 65:7). They reproached God as
well as His people.
PSALM 79
. This Psalm, like the seventy-fourth, probably depicts the desolations of the Chaldeans (). It comprises the usual complaint, prayer, and promised thanks for relief.
1. (Compare ).
2, 3. (Compare Jeremiah 15:3; Jeremiah 16:4).
4. (Compare Psalms 44:13; Jeremiah 42:18; Lamentations 2:15).
5. How long— ().
be angry— ().
jealousy burn— ().
6, 7. (Compare ). Though we deserve much, do not the heathen deserve more for their violence to us (Jeremiah 51:3-5; Zechariah 1:14)? The singular denotes the chief power, and the use of the plural indicates the combined confederates.
called upon—or, "by"
thy name—proclaimed Thy attributes and professed allegiance (Isaiah 12:4; Acts 2:21).
8. former iniquities—literally, "iniquities of former times."
prevent us—literally, "meet us," as in Psalms 21:3.
9. for . . . glory of thy name [and for] thy name's sake—both mean for illustrating Thy attributes, faithfulness, power, &c.
purge . . . sins—literally, "provide atonement for us." Deliverance from sin and suffering, for their good and God's glory, often distinguish the prayers of Old Testament saints (compare ).
10. This ground of pleading often used (Exodus 32:12; Numbers 14:13-16).
blood . . . shed— (Numbers 14:13-4).
11. prisoner—the whole captive people.
power—literally, "arm" (Psalms 10:15).
12. into their bosom—The lap or folds of the dress is used by Eastern people for receiving articles. The figure denotes retaliation (compare Isaiah 65:6; Isaiah 65:7). They reproached God as well as His people.
13. sheep . . . pasture—(Compare Psalms 74:1; Psalms 78:70).