How long, O LORD? Will You be angry forever? Will Your jealousy burn like fire? How long, O LORD?This phrase captures a cry of desperation and longing for divine intervention. The Hebrew word for "how long" is "עַד־מָתַי" (ad-matay), which conveys a sense of enduring suffering and waiting for relief. This expression is common in the Psalms, reflecting the human experience of waiting on God's timing. It underscores the psalmist's deep yearning for God's presence and action in the midst of distress. Historically, this plea resonates with the Israelites' experiences of exile and oppression, reminding us of the importance of patience and trust in God's perfect timing. Will You be angry forever? Will Your jealousy burn like fire? Persons / Places / Events 1. AsaphThe author of Psalm 79, Asaph was a prominent Levite singer and seer in David's court. He is credited with several psalms that often reflect on the struggles and faith of Israel. 2. Israel The nation of Israel is the primary subject of this psalm, experiencing God's judgment and seeking His mercy and deliverance. 3. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant God of Israel, who is addressed directly in this psalm, expressing both His righteous anger and the hope for His mercy. 4. Jerusalem While not mentioned directly in this verse, the context of Psalm 79 involves the destruction of Jerusalem, which is a central theme in the lament. 5. Babylonian Invasion The historical backdrop likely involves the Babylonian invasion and destruction of Jerusalem, a time of great distress and divine judgment for Israel. Teaching Points Understanding Divine JealousyGod's jealousy is rooted in His covenant love and desire for His people to remain faithful. It is not petty or insecure but a righteous demand for exclusive devotion. The Nature of God's Anger God's anger is not eternal but serves a purpose in bringing His people back to righteousness. It is a call to repentance and restoration. The Cry for Mercy Believers are encouraged to cry out to God in times of distress, trusting in His character as merciful and just. This psalm teaches us to bring our honest questions and emotions before God. The Role of Lament in Faith Lament is a vital part of the believer's journey, allowing us to express grief and seek God's intervention. It is an act of faith, trusting that God hears and responds. Hope in God's Faithfulness Even in the midst of judgment, there is hope in God's unchanging faithfulness. His past acts of deliverance assure us of His future redemption. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding God's jealousy as described in Exodus 34:14 and Deuteronomy 4:24 help us interpret Psalm 79:5?2. In what ways can we relate the communal lament of Israel in Psalm 79 to the challenges faced by the modern church? 3. How can the practice of lament, as seen in Psalm 79, deepen our personal relationship with God? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to seek God's mercy and restoration in our lives today? 5. How does the assurance of God's faithfulness, despite His anger, provide comfort and hope in difficult times? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 34:14This verse speaks of God's jealousy, emphasizing His desire for exclusive worship and the consequences of idolatry, which relates to the theme of divine jealousy in Psalm 79:5. Deuteronomy 4:24 This passage describes God as a consuming fire, a jealous God, which parallels the imagery of God's jealousy burning like fire in Psalm 79:5. Lamentations 5:20-22 Similar to Psalm 79:5, these verses express a cry for God's mercy and question the duration of His anger, reflecting the communal lament of Israel.
People Asaph, Jacob, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Angry, Burn, Burning, Fire, Forever, Jealous, Jealousy, O, Till, Wilt, WrathDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 79:1-5Library The Attack on the Scriptures[Illustration: (drop cap B) A Greek Warrior] But troubled times came again to Jerusalem. The great empires of Babylon and Assyria had passed away for ever, exactly as the prophets of Israel had foretold; but new powers had arisen in the world, and the great nations fought together so constantly that all the smaller countries, and with them the Kingdom of Judah, changed hands very often. At last Alexander the Great managed to make himself master of all the countries of the then-known world. Alexander … Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making How they are to be Admonished who Lament Sins of Deed, and those who Lament Only Sins of Thought. Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire Until the Collapse of the Western Empire and the First Schism Between the East and the West, or Until About A. D. 500 The Formation of the Old Testament Canon A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial. Psalms Links Psalm 79:5 NIVPsalm 79:5 NLT Psalm 79:5 ESV Psalm 79:5 NASB Psalm 79:5 KJV Psalm 79:5 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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