Psalm 79

Psalm 79

It is hard for us to imagine the trauma that the Jewish people would have experienced as a result of the Babylonian exile or captivity. Every aspect of life, heart, and soul would have been devastated and ruined. The view would have been horrific: the landscape littered with the rotting bodies of loved ones, buildings in ruins, and survivors in chains for slavery or execution. Plus the realization that this is divine justice—it is fair.

The psalmist, perhaps Jeremiah, appeals to the mercy of God. But why should God have mercy on the wicked guilty people? The appeal for divine mercy is based on the resulting glory of God (v 9) in two ways: first the glory of the name of God and second the glory of His reputation.

God is glorified in His creation and the wonders of the universe. His glory is also shown in His wisdom, law, and justice. But perhaps it shines most brilliantly in His graciousness, when the guilty receive not what they deserve but what they need. There is no cause to abuse grace, but it is cause to marvel at the greatness of God. As the song begins, “When I Survey…’ 

“Lord, help me to always return to the greatness of Your nature displayed in Your grace. AMEN.