시편 Chapter 79

Translation: ESV

1

O God, the nations have come into your inheritance; they have defiled your holy temple; they have laid Jerusalem in ruins.

Key Message

Bringing the suffering of the faith community directly before God is the heart of lament prayer.

▸This is a communal lament reporting to God the destruction of the Jerusalem temple and the devastation of the city.

This is a communal lament reporting to God the destruction of the Jerusalem temple and the devastation of the city. The expressions 'your inheritance' and 'your holy temple' emphasize that this is not a mere historical disaster but an event in which God is directly involved. It is an appeal for God to know about the destruction of his house and his people.

Related Verses

The enemy has stretched out his hands over all her precious things; for she has seen the nations enter her sanctuary.
9

Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name; deliver us, and atone for our sins, for your name's sake!

Key Message

The petition for salvation should be offered not for self-interest but for God's glory.

▸The basis for the petition is revealed to be not Israel's merit but 'the glory of your name.

13

But we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise.

Key Message

The identity of being God's people is what enables continued thanksgiving and praise even in suffering.

▸The conclusion of the lament psalm leads into a vow of thanksgiving.