Chronicles of a Journeyman

Psalm 79

1-4: Jerusalem’s destruction and disgrace

5-7: Plea for mercy and divine justice

8-10a: Plea for compassion and deliverance

10b-13: Plea for divine vengeance against enemies

This psalm of lament by Asaph graphically describes Jerusalem’s destruction and disgrace while pleading for God to turn His wrath away. He asks for God’s compassion and saving help for His name sake.

He then concludes his psalm with a plea for divine vengeance to be turned towards Israel’s enemies so that God’s people may give thanks and tell of His praise.

Crisis may often seem heavy and prolonged while it lasts, but we can appeal to God’s mercy and His glory, that He would deliver His people so that His name can be praised. Amen!