Psalm 79:12

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Psalms 79:1-13

Psalms 79-80 Cries from a conquered peopleLike a previous psalm of Asaph, Psalms 79:0 is from the time of Jerusalem’s destruction and the taking of the people into captivity. (For an outline of events see introductory notes to Psalms 74:0.) The historical setting for Psalms 80:0 is not clear. Both psalms, 79 and 80, are cries to God for salvation after Israel has suffered defeat and desolation.The scene around Jerusalem is one of horror. The temple has been destroyed, the city is in ruins, and... read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Psalms 79:12

"And render unto our neighbors sevenfold into their bosomTheir reproach wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord."Most of the commentators have softened this imprecation by interpreting it to mean, not actually sevenfold, but, "`Complete or full' vengeance; seven is one of the perfect numbers, and is used to denote `many.'"[17] "The expression does not mean `seven times as much as they have done,' but `completeness of retaliation.'"[18] Well, maybe so; but there is also the possibility that... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Psalms 79:12

Psalms 79:12. And render, &c.— This seems to respect the Edomites chiefly. See Psalms 137:0. REFLECTIONS.—In this world the church of Christ is in a militant state: many are the troubles of the righteous; and whither can they so properly carry their complaints, as to him who is able to save them from the hands of their enemies? We have, 1st, The sorrowful complaint of the Israelites. 1. They are invaded, and their country laid waste. O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance, where... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Psalms 79:12

12. into their bosom—The lap or folds of the dress is used by Eastern people for receiving articles. The figure denotes retaliation (compare Isaiah 65:6; Isaiah 65:7). They reproached God as well as His people. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 79:1-13

Psalms 79In this national (communal) lament psalm: Asaph mourned Jerusalem’s destruction and pleaded with God to have mercy on His people, despite their sins, for His name’s sake (cf. Psalms 74). This Asaph may have lived after the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem. The writer’s viewpoint seems to be that of the survivors left in Jerusalem, rather than that of the deportees, which Psalms 137 reflects."This psalm repeats the themes of Psalms 74, but seemingly with more venom. The situation is... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 79:5-12

2. A plea for deliverance 79:5-12 read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Psalms 79:10-12

Asaph continued to appeal for physical salvation on the basis of God’s honor. He asked for vengeance against the enemy that had slain many of God’s elect. He urged God to answer the prayers of the prisoners who appealed to Him for deliverance. He wanted a thorough repayment of the reproach the enemy had heaped on Yahweh’s name because the Lord had not given Israel victory."Such a prayer may trouble us, and we would not think to pray that way very often, but it is thoroughly biblical. The... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 79:1-13

For the occasion and date of this Ps. see intro. to Psalms 74. It gives a pathetic picture of the calamities that have fallen upon God’s people (Psalms 79:1-4), entreats God to withdraw His anger from them, to forgive their sins, and to avenge them on the heathen (Psalms 79:5-12), that they may give Him perpetual praise (Psalms 79:13).1. Jerusalem on heaps] This is truer of the Babylonian captivity than of the time of Antiochus Epiphanes. 6. Quoted from Jeremiah 10:25. 8. Former iniquities] RV... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Psalms 79:12

(12) Neighbours.—The sharpest pang of the suffering came from the taunts of “neighbours. (See Psalms 79:4.)Sevenfold.—As in Genesis 4:15. We naturally contrast the law of Christian forgiveness.Into their bosom.—The deep folds of the Eastern dress were used as a pocket. (Comp. Ruth 3:15; Isaiah 65:7; Jeremiah 32:18; Luke 6:38, &c) read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Psalms 79:1-13

The Divine Forgetfulness Psalms 79:8 read more

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