December 04, 2024
Plea for Intervention #
Psalm 79:1-4
Introduction
There are a lot of similarities between Psalm 74, and Psalm 79. They are both Psalms of Asaph. Both talk about the problems and persecution that happens to Israel. In some regards they are parallel Psalms.
The Psalm has a lot of reasoning with God in it. They are well reasoned, thought out statements. They are not just emotional statements, made in the heat of the moment.
I. Cry (Psalm 79:1-4) #
A. Defilement (1) #
1. “heathen are come into thine inheritance” #
2. This is bold, shaking fist at God! #
B. Death (2-3) #
C. Derision (4) #
- Derision – mockery; scornful or contemptuous treatment which holds one up to ridicule
1. Mockery – their enemies, neighbors, ridiculed them #
II. Call (Psalm 79:5-12) #
A. Call for Forgetting (5) #
1. Angry at Israel for their wickedness #
2. How long? – reference to how long will the punishment continue? #
B. Call to their wickedness (6-7) #
1. It is almost a draw the attention to the enemy #
C. Call for Forgiveness (8-9) #
1. “former iniquities” 8 –lesson learned, change coming #
2. “tender mercies” 8 – don’t give us what we deserve! #
3. “Help us, O God of our salvation” 9 – we have called on your name! #
4. “purge away our sins” 9 – cleanse, purify – not just overlook, and forget! #
D. Call for Retaliation (10, 12) #
1. Don’t give them victory! (10) #
2. Turn their reproach upon them! (12) #
E. Call for Hearing (11) #
III. Celebration (Psalm 79:13) #
A. Dedication to God #
1. “thy people” – ownership #
2. “sheep of thy pasture” – speaks of loyalty to God’s flock #
B. Dependence on God #
1. “sheep” Protection – sheep are very vulnerable animals with very little self defense #
2. “sheep of thy pasture” Provision – dependence for food #
“2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.” (Psalm 23:2)
“5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.” (Psalm 23:5)