Psalm 79
Asaph, son of Berechiah, a Levite, was appointed by King David to be in charge of the liturgical music used in the public worship in Jerusalem. Asaph is mentioned in the titles of 12 psalms (Ps. 50, 73-83). The occasion for this psalm is not known. The psalmist, writing during the reign of David (950 B.C.) looks forward prophetically in time to the destruction of the yet-to-be-built Temple by the Babylonians in 587 B.C.
Section one (verses 1 to 4) is Asaph’s prophetic complaint about the destruction of Jerusalem. The heathen have invaded God’s inheritance—the land God gave to Israel—and have defiled the Temple by introducing heathen worship. They laid Jerusalem in a heap of ruins, which happened when King Nebuchadnezzar captured the city. The destruction also resulted in a terrible loss of human life, for such life was deemed to be utterly worthless. Those who survived heard the jeering of the enemies, stating that their gods were stronger than the God of Israel.
While this destruction definately happened, it was caused by the great wickedness and idolatry of the people of Judea, and by their refusal to listen to God’s prophets. The enemies of the Christian Church have also behaved in similar ways when they have the stronger power.
Section two (verses 5 to 7) is a prayer asking God for deliverance. The exiled people of God in Babylon certainly asked God how long His wrath would endure. Through the prophet Jeremiah, God told them it would last 70 years. The children of God ask Him to show His wrath against their oppressive enemies who refuse to worship God. They deserve such wrath for their oppression of Christ’s Church.
Section three (verses 8 to 10) pleads to God for His mercy. First, the psalmist asks God not to remember the former iniquities because of which God’s wrath came on them. Second, he asks God to help and deliver His people for the glory of His name, which glory is the fact that God abundantly pardons by His mercy. God promised to provide atonement for all sins through His Messiah, who would suffer and die on the cross. Third, the psalmist pleads for the nations who mock God as if He is not able to bring vengeance upon those who destroy His people.
The next section (verses 11 to 12) continues the prayer to ask God to hear the groaning of the prisoners and exiles and rescue them. God is asked to save those children whom the oppressor appoints to die. In asking that God revenge sevenfold those who have reproached Him, the psalmist is asking God to reestablish His honor and power before the world so that the world might see and not only end their derision, but also be brought to believe on the One who God will send to atone for their sins.
The last verse declares that believers in God are His sheep who will give God thanks forever for His deliverance and will teach all generations God’s praise and Gospel.