@Ps 79:1-13. This Psalm, like the seventy-fourth, probably depicts the desolations of the Chaldeans (@Jer 52:12-24). It comprises the usual complaint, prayer, and promised thanks for relief.
1. (Compare @Ps 74:2-7).
2, 3. (Compare @Jer 15:3 16:4).
4. (Compare @Ps 44:13 Jer 42:18 La 2:15).
5. How long--(@Ps 13:1).
be angry--(@Ps 74:1-10).
jealousy burn--(@De 29:20).
6, 7. (Compare @Jer 10:25). Though we deserve much, do not the
heathen deserve more for their violence to us (@Jer 51:3-5 Zec 1:14)?
The singular denotes the chief power, and the use of the plural
indicates the combined confederates.
called upon--or, "by"
thy name--proclaimed Thy attributes and professed allegiance
(@Isa 12:4 Ac 2:21).
8. former iniquities--literally, "iniquities of former times."
prevent us--literally, "meet us," as in @Ps 21:3.
9. for . . . glory of thy name [and for] thy name's sake--both
mean for illustrating Thy attributes, faithfulness, power, &c.
purge . . . sins--literally, "provide atonement for us." Deliverance
from sin and suffering, for their good and God's glory, often
distinguish the prayers of Old Testament saints (compare @Eph 1:7).
10. This ground of pleading often used (@Ex 32:12 Nu 14:13-16).
blood . . . shed--(@Ps 79:3).
11. prisoner--the whole captive people.
power--literally, "arm" (@Ps 10:15).
12. into their bosom--The lap or folds of the dress is used by Eastern people for receiving articles. The figure denotes retaliation (compare @Isa 65:6,7). They reproached God as well as His people.
13. sheep . . . pasture--(Compare @Ps 74:1 78:70).