Seventh-day Adventist Bible CommentaryPsalms 79

Heathen. Or, “nations” (see on Ps. 2:1). Verses 1–4 graphically lament the terrible calamities that have come upon Israel. Inheritance. See Ps. 28:9; 74:2; 78:62. Have they defiled. By breaking into it, stealing the sacred furniture, demolishing its appointments, setting fire to it, the Babylonians had polluted the Temple (see 2 Chron. 36:17, 18; Jer. 52:17–23; cf. Ps. 74:4–7). On heaps. See 2 Chron. 36:19; Jer. 9:11; 26:18; Micah 3:12.

Dead bodies. This verse describes the horrible slaughter when Jerusalem was taken by the Chaldeans. The dead were left unburied, food for wild animals and vultures (see 2 Chron. 36:17; cf. Deut. 28:26; Jer. 7:33; 8:2; 9:22; etc.).

None to bury. See Jer. 14:16. To the ancients, not to be accorded honorable burial was considered a great ignominy. Even executed criminals were required to be buried decently (see Deut. 21:23).

Neighbours. See on v. 12.

How long? Compare Ps. 74:1, 10; 77:7–9; 89:46. Jealousy. See on Ps. 78:58.

Pour out. With vs. 6, 7 compare Jer. 10:25, which is strikingly similar.

Have not known. Perhaps better, “did not acknowledge.” All nations have been given a degree of divine revelation (see Rom. 1:18–25; 2:14–16).

Former iniquities. Or, “the iniquities of them that were before us.” The prayer is that God will not allow them to suffer the results of the sins of their forefathers (see Ex. 20:5; Lam. 5:7). Prevent. See on Ps. 18:5; cf. Ps. 59:10.

God of our salvation. The psalmist has faith in God’s power to save. Glory of thy name. God is asked to come to Israel’s help, not for Israel’s sake—she is undeserving—but for His own glory (see Ex. 32:12). Twice in this verse, appeal is made to God’s name (see Ps. 5:11; 7:17). Purge away. Heb. kaphar, generally translated, “make atonement” (see Ex. 30:15).

Wherefore? In antiquity, victory over a foreign power was considered triumph over its gods. The psalmist is jealous for the vindication of God’s power. Moses made a similar plea on at least two occasions (Ex. 32:12; Num. 14:13–19). The heathen. Nations (see on Ps. 2:1; 9:5). Let him be known. The psalmist pleads that God’s judgment may come upon the wicked nations that have shed the blood of His servants.

Sighing. The reference is to the groaning of the Hebrews in captivity (see Ps. 137:1–6; Lam. 1:3–5). Appointed to die. Literally, “children of death” (see Ps. 102:20).

Neighbours. The nations surrounding Israel, who gloried in Israel’s misfortune rather than attempting to help her against the invader (see on v. 4; cf. Ps. 44:13; Dan. 9:16). Sevenfold. The idea is that of complete vengeance, seven being a symbol of completeness (see Gen. 4:15, 24; Ps. 12:6; Matt. 18:21, 22).

Sheep of thy pasture. See on Ps. 74:1; cf. Ps. 78:52. Shew forth. Israel, situated as she was on the “highway of the nations,” was to be the light of the world (see Isa. 43:21). To all generations. In a paean of praise, the poet promises to pass on to succeeding generations the story of God’s goodness.