A Psalm by Asaph. God, the nations have come into your inheritance. They have defiled your holy temple. They have laid Jerusalem in heaps

The Psalm

Psalms. Chapter 79. A Psalm by Asaph. God, the nations have come into your inheritance. They have defiled your holy temple. They have laid Jerusalem in heaps. They have given the dead bodies of your servants to be food for the birds of the sky, the flesh of your saints to the animals of the earth. They have shed their blood like water around Jerusalem. There was no one to bury them. We have become a reproach to our neighbours, a scoffing and derision to those who are around us. How long, LORD? Will you be angry forever? Will your jealousy burn like fire? Pour out your wrath on the nations that don’t know you, on the kingdoms that don’t call on your name, for they have devoured Jacob, and destroyed his homeland. Don’t hold the iniquities of our forefathers against us. Let your tender mercies speedily meet us, for we are in desperate need. Help us, God of our salvation, for the glory of your name. Deliver us, and forgive our sins, for your name’s sake. Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Let it be known amongst the nations, before our eyes, that vengeance for your servants’ blood is being poured out. Let the sighing of the prisoner come before you. According to the greatness of your power, preserve those who are sentenced to death. Pay back to our neighbours seven times into their bosom their reproach with which they have reproached you, Lord. So we, your people and sheep of your pasture, will give you thanks forever. We will praise you forever, to all generations.

Worship Lyrics

A Psalm by Asaph
God, the nations have come into your inheritance
They have defiled your holy temple
They have laid Jerusalem in heaps
They have given the dead bodies of your servants to be food for the birds of the sky
The flesh of your saints to the animals of the earth
They have shed their blood like water around Jerusalem
There was no one to bury them
We have become a reproach to our neighbours, a scoffing and derision to those who are around us
How long, LORD
Will you be angry forever
Will your jealousy burn like fire
Pour out your wrath on the nations that dont know you, on the kingdoms that dont call on your name
For they have devoured Jacob, and destroyed his homeland
Dont hold the iniquities of our forefathers against us
Let your tender mercies speedily meet us, for we are in desperate need
Help us, God of our salvation, for the glory of your name
Deliver us, and forgive our sins, for your names sake
Why should the nations say, Where is their God
Let it be known amongst the nations before our eyes
That vengeance for your servants blood is being poured out
Let the sighing of the prisoner come before you
According to the greatness of your power, preserve those who are sentenced to death
Pay back to our neighbours seven times into their bosom their reproach with which they have reproached you
Lord
So we, your people and sheep of your pasture, will give you thanks forever
We will praise you forever, to all generations

About This Psalm

Psalm 79 is a praise psalm that speaks to the heart of worship and devotion. This ancient song continues to inspire modern believers in their faith journey.

Key Themes: praise, deliverance, kingship

Reflection

This psalm invites us to:

• Meditate on God's word and character
• Apply biblical truth to our daily lives
• Express our hearts in worship and prayer

Music & Worship

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Discussion Questions

1. What does this psalm teach us about God's character?
2. How can we apply the message of Psalm 79 to our lives today?
3. What verse or phrase stands out most to you, and why?

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