Psalms 79:12

12 Lord, our neighbors have laughed at you. Pay them back seven times for what they have done.

Psalms 79:12 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 79:12

And render unto our neighbours seven fold into their bosom,
ec.] Not seven fold for one, as the Targum paraphrases it, or a seven fold punishment for one sin; but that he would recompense their sins, or punish for them, and take vengeance on them, largely, abundantly, though not beyond measure, or exceeding the rules of justice; see ( Genesis 4:15 ) ( Luke 6:38 ) ,

the reproach with which they have reproached thee, O Lord;
by denying his being, or calling in question his perfections of power, truth, and goodness, to help his people; speaking ill of his providence, despising his word and ordinances, and even reproaching his people in reproaching him, ( Psalms 89:50 Psalms 89:51 ) , and this is what a righteous recompence is desired for; see ( Lamentations 3:64 ) .

Psalms 79:12 In-Context

10 Why should the nations say, "Where is their God?" Show the nations that you punish those who kill your people. We want to see it happen.
11 Listen to the groans of the prisoners. Use your powerful arm to save the lives of those who have been sentenced to death.
12 Lord, our neighbors have laughed at you. Pay them back seven times for what they have done.
13 We are your people. We are your very own sheep. We will praise you forever. For all time to come we will keep on praising you.
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