Psalm 79: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Psalm 79 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The nations have invaded God’s inheritance. They have defiled God’s holy temple and laid Jerusalem in heaps (vv. 1-3). The bodies of God’s servants are left unburied. This leads to shame for Israel, making them a reproach to their neighbors (vv. 4-5). The psalmist cries out, asking how long Yahweh will be angry. He pleads for God to pour out His wrath on the nations that do not know Him (vv. 6-7). The psalmist asks God to not hold Israel’s forefathers' iniquities against them, seeking mercy in their desperate situation (vv. 8-9). He also desires justice, calling for vengeance against the nations that mock God and His people (vv. 10-12). Finally, the psalmist commits to praise God forever as His people (v. 13).

Key verse

“Help us, God of our salvation, for the glory of your name. Deliver us, and forgive our sins, for your name’s sake.”
Psalms 79:9 (WEB)

Outline

Psalm 79:1–3 Description of Destruction and Defilement
Psalm 79:4–5 Expression of Shame and Anguish
Psalm 79:6–7 Plea for Divine Wrath
Psalm 79:8–9 Appeal for Mercy and Salvation
Psalm 79:10–12 Desire for Justice and Vengeance
Psalm 79:13 Commitment to Praise

Discussion questions

In v1, what has happened to God's 'holy temple' and 'Jerusalem'?
What do the 'dead bodies' in v2 suggest about the consequences of the invasion?
In v5, why does the psalmist ask God how long He will be angry?
When the psalmist mentions 'vengeance' in v10, what might this imply about God's justice?
When have you felt like a 'reproach' to others, as mentioned in v4?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 79: Isaiah 43, Psalm 23, Psalm 74.

Before next time: read Psalm 80.