Do not hold past sins against us; let Your compassion come quickly, for we are brought low. Do not hold past iniquities against usThis phrase is a plea for divine mercy and forgiveness. The Hebrew word for "iniquities" is "עֲוֹנוֹת" (avonot), which refers to moral perversity or sin. The psalmist acknowledges the weight of past sins and seeks God's grace to not let these transgressions define their present or future. Historically, this reflects Israel's understanding of collective responsibility and the need for communal repentance. The plea is rooted in the belief that God is compassionate and willing to forgive, as seen throughout the Old Testament. let Your compassion come quickly to meet us for we have sunk to despair Persons / Places / Events 1. AsaphTraditionally attributed as the author of Psalm 79, Asaph was a Levite and one of the leaders of David's choir. He is known for his role in temple worship and his contributions to the Psalms. 2. Israel The nation of Israel is the primary subject of this Psalm, experiencing devastation and seeking God's mercy and restoration. 3. Babylonian Exile While not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the context of Psalm 79 is often associated with the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian exile, a time of great suffering and reflection for the Israelites. Teaching Points Understanding God's CompassionGod's compassion is a central theme in Scripture, and believers are encouraged to seek it earnestly, especially in times of distress. The Weight of Past Iniquities Acknowledge the impact of past sins but trust in God's ability to forgive and restore. This requires genuine repentance and a heart open to transformation. The Role of Humility in Prayer Recognize our lowliness and dependence on God, which is essential for sincere prayer and receiving His grace. Community Lament and Intercession Engage in communal prayer and intercession, understanding that the struggles of one affect the whole body of Christ. Hope in Divine Restoration Despite current circumstances, maintain hope in God's promise to restore and renew, as He has done throughout biblical history. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the plea for God not to hold past iniquities against us reflect the nature of God's forgiveness as seen in other parts of the Bible?2. In what ways can we, as a community of believers, practice communal lament and intercession in our current context? 3. How does understanding the historical context of the Babylonian exile enhance our interpretation of Psalm 79:8? 4. What practical steps can we take to cultivate humility in our personal and communal prayer life? 5. How can we apply the hope of divine restoration in our lives today, especially when facing personal or communal challenges? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 34:6-7This passage describes God's nature as compassionate and forgiving, yet just. It provides a foundation for understanding the plea for God's compassion in Psalm 79:8. Lamentations 5:1-22 Similar themes of lament and a plea for God's mercy are found here, reflecting the communal cry for restoration after suffering. Nehemiah 9:17 Highlights God's readiness to forgive and His abundant mercy, reinforcing the hope expressed in Psalm 79:8.
People Asaph, Jacob, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Compassion, Compassions, Desperate, Fathers, Forefathers, Former, Haste, Hold, Iniquities, Low, Meet, Mercies, Mercy, Mind, O, Prevent, Quickly, Remember, Sins, Speedily, Succor, Tender, WeakDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 79:86688 mercy, demonstration of God's 6648 expiation Library 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 79:8 NIVPsalm 79:8 NLT Psalm 79:8 ESV Psalm 79:8 NASB Psalm 79:8 KJV Psalm 79:8 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |