Psalms 79:9 - Exposition

Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy Name. The calamities suffered have not extinguished all faith or hope. God is still the God of Israel's salvation, i.e. the God from whom alone salvation can be obtained and may be expected. He is entreated to come to Israel's aid, not for their sakes, as they are wholly undeserving, but for his own glory (comp. Exodus 32:12 ; Numbers 14:13 ; Deuteronomy 9:28 ; and Deuteronomy 32:27 ). And deliver us, and purge away our sins; literally, make atonement for our sins ( Exodus 30:15 ); i.e. "cancel them" (Cheyne), or "forgive them" (Hengstenberg, Kay). For thy Name's sake (comp. Psalms 23:3 ; Psalms 25:11 ; Psalms 34:3 ; Ezekiel 36:22 ).