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The Holy Bible

King James Version

The Book of Psalms

Psalm 79

A Plea for Mercy for Jerusalem

A Psalm of Asaph.

1O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance;
thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps. 2 The dead bodies of thy servants have they given
to be meat unto the fowls of the heaven, the flesh of thy saints unto the beasts of the earth. 3 Their blood have they shed like water
round about Jerusalem; and there was none to bury them. 4 We are become a reproach to our neighbours,
a scorn and derision to them that are round about us. 5 How long, LORD? wilt thou be angry for ever?
shall thy jealousy burn like fire? 6 Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen
that have not known thee, and upon the kingdoms
that have not called upon thy name. 7 For they have devoured Jacob,
and laid waste his dwelling place. 8 O remember not against us former iniquities:
let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low. 9 Help us, O God of our salvation,
for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins,
for thy name’s sake. 10 Wherefore should the heathen say,
Where is their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight
by the revenging of the blood of thy servants which is shed. 11 Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee;
according to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die; 12 And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom
their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O LORD. 13 So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture
will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations.




About Psalms Chapter 79

Book III · Psalms 73–89 — Worship, covenant, questions and restoration

What happens

Foreign nations have defiled Jerusalem and left its people in humiliation and grief. The community confesses its need for mercy, asks God to defend His name and promises thanksgiving when He restores His flock.

Why it matters

Communal tragedy calls for both lament and repentance. The psalm asks God to act not merely for national pride but for the honour of His mercy before the nations.

Key verse

“Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name’s sake.”

Psalm 79:9 · KJV

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