This psalm, written by Asaph, a musical leader during King David’s time, is more than a cry of pain. It is a plea for justice, restoration, and mercy. And although it was written centuries ago, its message still resonates today. Because who hasn’t felt the need to cry out to God, asking Him to bring justice?
Join me on this journey through Psalm 79, where we will not only discover the suffering of Israel but also how this passage speaks to us about hope, faith, and resilience in times of trial.
Psalm 79 Complete in English
Psalm 79
- O God, the nations have come into Your inheritance;
They have defiled Your holy temple;
They have laid Jerusalem in heaps.- The dead bodies of Your servants they have given as food for the birds of the heavens,
The flesh of Your saints to the beasts of the earth.- Their blood they have shed like water all around Jerusalem,
And there was no one to bury them.
- We have become a reproach to our neighbors,
A scorn and derision to those who are around us.- How long, O Lord? Will You be angry forever?
Will Your jealousy burn like fire?- Pour out Your wrath on the nations that do not know You,
And on the kingdoms that do not call on Your name.
- For they have devoured Jacob,
And laid waste his dwelling place.- Do not remember former iniquities against us;
Let Your tender mercies come speedily to meet us,
For we are brought very low.- Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name;
And deliver us, and provide atonement for our sins, for Your name’s sake.
- Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?”
Let there be known among the nations in our sight
The avenging of the blood of Your servants which has been shed.- Let the groaning of the prisoner come before You;
According to the greatness of Your power preserve those who are appointed to die.- And return to our neighbors sevenfold into their bosom
The reproach with which they have reproached You, O Lord.
- So we, Your people and sheep of Your pasture,
Will give You thanks forever;
We will show forth Your praise to all generations.
Explanation of Psalm 79
This psalm begins with a tone of deep sorrow and despair. The people of Israel have been invaded, their temple has been desecrated, and their city has been destroyed. The suffering is real, and there is no way to hide it.
“O God, the nations have come into Your inheritance; they have defiled Your holy temple; they have laid Jerusalem in heaps.”
Imagine seeing your home destroyed, the most sacred things to you reduced to ruins. That is how the Israelites felt at that moment. This verse reflects that feeling of helplessness and loss that, in some way, we have all experienced at some point in life.
Injustice and the Cry for Justice
“The dead bodies of Your servants they have given as food for the birds of the heavens, the flesh of Your saints to the beasts of the earth.”
Here, Asaph describes a terrible scene: the faithful have been killed and have not even received a proper burial. It is the height of injustice. How many times have we seen situations in the world that make us ask, “Lord, where are You?”
But the most impactful part comes next:
“How long, O Lord? Will You be angry forever?”
This cry of “How long?” is something many of us can relate to. Sometimes, it seems that evil advances unchecked and that God does not intervene. However, what this psalm teaches us is that we can speak to God with complete honesty. He is not offended when we ask Him, when we tell Him that we need His help.
Hope in the Midst of Trial
In the second half of the psalm, the tone changes. Asaph no longer only cries out for justice but also asks for mercy and salvation:
“Do not remember former iniquities against us; let Your tender mercies come speedily to meet us, for we are brought very low.”
Here, there is an acknowledgment that, although the people have suffered, they have also made mistakes. Instead of remaining only in lament, they seek God’s forgiveness and His help.
Sometimes, when we are in crisis, we focus only on the bad things happening to us. But Psalm 79 teaches us that we must also look inward, recognize our faults, and ask God to renew us.
And the last part of the psalm leaves us with a message of hope and gratitude:
“So we, Your people and sheep of Your pasture, will give You thanks forever; we will show forth Your praise to all generations.”
It is incredible how, despite everything, the psalm ends with a promise of praise. It reminds us that our relationship with God does not depend on circumstances but on who He is.
Final Reflection: What Does Psalm 79 Teach Us Today?
If today you feel overwhelmed by injustice or that God seems silent, remember this psalm. Cry out to Him, trust, and wait, because His justice and mercy never fail. 🙏