Psalms 79

Psalms 79:1-13 . This Psalm, like the seventy-fourth, probably depicts the desolations of the Chaldeans ( Jeremiah 52:12-24 ). It comprises the usual complaint, prayer, and promised thanks for relief.

1. (Compare Psalms 74:2-7 ).

2, 3. (Compare Jeremiah 15:3 , 16:4 ).

4. (Compare Psalms 44:13 , Jeremiah 42:18 , Lamentations 2:15 ).

5. How long--( Psalms 13:1 ).
be angry--( Psalms 74:1-10 ).
jealousy burn--( Deuteronomy 29:20 ).

6, 7. (Compare Jeremiah 10:25 ). 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 Ephesians 1:7 ).

10. This ground of pleading often used ( Exodus 32:12 , Numbers 14:13-16 ).
blood . . . shed--( Psalms 79:3 ).

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 , 78:70 ).