Psalms 79
Old Testament · King James Version
Psalm 79 voices communal trauma after Jerusalem and the temple are violated. The worshipers lament the dead, ask how long suffering will continue, plead that former sins not define them, and entrust rescue and justice to God.
O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.
The dead bodies of thy servants have they given to be meat unto the fowls of the heaven, the flesh of thy saints unto the beasts of the earth.
Their blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem; and there was none to bury them.
We are become a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us.
How long, Lord? wilt thou be angry for ever? shall thy jealousy burn like fire?
Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee, and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy name.
For they have devoured Jacob, and laid waste his dwelling place.
O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low.
Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name’s sake.
Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight by the revenging of the blood of thy servants which is shed.
Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee; according to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die;
And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.
So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations.
Context
A psalm of Asaph shaped as communal lament. Its violent crisis must not be weaponized for antisemitism, ethnic hatred, collective guilt, nationalist propaganda, or private vengeance.
Themes & application
- Communal lament
- Desecration
- Mercy
- Justice
- Confession
- Rescue
- Praise
Lament truthfully, seek protection and justice without hatred, confess shared failure, and preserve hope.
Key verses
How long? Remember mercy
Application: Lament truthfully, seek protection and justice without hatred, confess shared failure, and preserve hope.
Commonly misread: Do not use this lament to justify antisemitism, collective blame, nationalism, dehumanization, or private revenge.
Help, rescue, and hear the prisoners
Application: Lament truthfully, seek protection and justice without hatred, confess shared failure, and preserve hope.
Commonly misread: Do not use this lament to justify antisemitism, collective blame, nationalism, dehumanization, or private revenge.
The people promise enduring praise
Application: Lament truthfully, seek protection and justice without hatred, confess shared failure, and preserve hope.
Commonly misread: Do not use this lament to justify antisemitism, collective blame, nationalism, dehumanization, or private revenge.
Common misreadings of Psalms 79
Misreading: This verse authorizes hatred or violence against a modern people.
In context: The psalm entrusts communal trauma and justice to God; it does not license private revenge or collective guilt.
Cross-references
- Lamentations 5 — Read in context.
Frequently asked questions about Psalms 79
What is Psalm 79 about?
Sources & editorial notes
- Translation
- Commentary anchored in the public-domain Psalm 79 text used by the site (en).
- Authorship
- The heading identifies a psalm of Asaph.
- Editorial process
- Synthesis checked against four literary movements.
References
- Psalm 79 — Primary text and structure.
Author: The Lord Will Editorial Team · Reviewed by: Ugo Candido · Updated: 2026-08-19