They have given the corpses of Your servants as food to the birds of the air, the flesh of Your saints to the beasts of the earth. They have given the corpses of Your servants as food to the birds of the airThis phrase reflects the aftermath of a devastating attack, likely by the Babylonians, on Jerusalem. The desecration of the dead was a profound dishonor in ancient Israelite culture, as proper burial was a sign of respect and dignity. The imagery of corpses left unburied for scavenging birds is reminiscent of covenant curses found in Deuteronomy 28:26, where disobedience to God would result in such calamities. This serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. The "servants" here are the faithful Israelites who suffered during the invasion, highlighting the communal aspect of suffering and judgment. the flesh of Your saints to the beasts of the earth Persons / Places / Events 1. The Psalmist (Asaph)The author of Psalm 79, traditionally attributed to Asaph, a prominent Levite singer and seer in David's court. He is expressing lament over the destruction of Jerusalem. 2. Jerusalem The city that has been invaded and desecrated, leading to the tragic events described in the Psalm. 3. The Servants of God Refers to the faithful followers of God who have suffered and died during the invasion. 4. Birds of the Air and Beasts of the Earth Symbolic of the desecration and dishonor faced by the people of God, as their bodies are left unburied. 5. Invading Nations The foreign powers responsible for the destruction and desecration of Jerusalem and its people. Teaching Points The Consequences of DisobedienceThe devastation described in Psalm 79:2 serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. It calls believers to reflect on their own lives and ensure they are walking in obedience to God's commands. The Reality of Suffering This verse acknowledges the harsh realities of suffering and persecution that God's people may face. It encourages believers to find solace in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty, even amidst trials. The Call to Lament The lament in Psalm 79:2 teaches the importance of bringing our grief and sorrow before God. It is a model for how to express deep anguish while still trusting in God's faithfulness. The Hope of Restoration While the verse depicts a scene of despair, it is part of a larger account that includes hope for restoration and redemption. Believers are reminded that God is a God of restoration and will ultimately vindicate His people. The Importance of Community The communal nature of the lament highlights the importance of standing together in times of crisis. It encourages believers to support one another and seek God collectively in prayer and worship. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery in Psalm 79:2 reflect the consequences of Israel's disobedience, and what lessons can we learn about the importance of obedience to God today?2. In what ways can the lament in Psalm 79:2 guide us in expressing our own grief and suffering to God? 3. How does the theme of divine justice in Psalm 79:2 connect with other biblical passages that speak of God's judgment and restoration? 4. What role does community play in the context of Psalm 79, and how can we apply this to our own faith communities during times of crisis? 5. How can the hope of restoration found in the broader context of Psalm 79 encourage us in our personal and communal struggles? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 28This chapter outlines the blessings and curses for Israel, including the curse of being defeated by enemies and having bodies left unburied, which connects to the lament in Psalm 79:2. Jeremiah 7 Jeremiah speaks of the desecration of Jerusalem and the bodies being left for the birds and beasts, echoing the imagery in Psalm 79:2. Revelation 19 The imagery of birds feasting on the flesh of the fallen is also found in Revelation, symbolizing divine judgment.
People Asaph, Jacob, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Air, Animals, Beast, Beasts, Birds, Bodies, Dead, Flesh, Fowl, Fowls, Godly, Heaven, Heavens, Meat, Ones, Saints, Servants, Sky, WildDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 79:2Library 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 79:2 NIVPsalm 79:2 NLT Psalm 79:2 ESV Psalm 79:2 NASB Psalm 79:2 KJV Psalm 79:2 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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