📖 Psalms — Chapter 79 (KJV)
Read the complete King James Version chapter below, then explore the passage sections, check what you remember, and keep your private study notes.
Scripture source: Project Gutenberg KJV, ebook 10.
Psalms 79:1 O God, Rthe heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.
Psalms 79:2 The dead bodies of thy servants have they given to be meat unto the fowls of the heaven, the flesh of thy saints unto the beasts of the earth.
Psalms 79:3 RTheir blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem; and there was none to bury them.
Psalms 79:4 We are Rbecome a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us.
Psalms 79:5 RHow long, LORD? wilt thou be angry for ever? shall thy jealousy burn like fire?
Psalms 79:6 RPour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee, and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy name.
Psalms 79:7 RFor they have devoured Jacob, and laid waste his dwelling place.
Psalms 79:8 O Rremember not against us Tformer iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low.
Psalms 79:9 Help us, O God of our salvation, Rfor the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name’s sake.
Psalms 79:10 RWherefore should the heathen say, Where is their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight by the Trevenging of the blood of thy servants which is shed.
Psalms 79:11 Let the Rsighing of the prisoner come before thee; according to the greatness of Tthy power Tpreserve thou those that are appointed to die;
Psalms 79:12 And Rrender unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.
Psalms 79:13 So we Rthy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise Tto all generations.
📚 Study This Chapter
📖 What We’re Reading
Psalms 79:1–4 — A lament after devastation
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
The prayer names a defiled temple, ruined Jerusalem, unburied dead, and public scorn. Its images communicate catastrophic communal grief, refusing to hide the human cost of violence. The community speaks to God from that devastation rather than offering a detached explanation of why every victim suffered.
Key Truth: Communal grief deserves truthful lament before God.
Check What You Remember
1. What city has been laid in heaps? (Psalms 79:1)
Find it in Psalms 79:1 (KJV).
2. What holy place has been defiled? (Psalms 79:1)
Find it in Psalms 79:1 (KJV).
3. What was there none to do for the dead? (Psalms 79:3)
Find it in Psalms 79:3 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
Psalms 79:5–9 — Mercy, forgiveness, and rescue
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
The people ask how long anger will continue and appeal for mercy because they have been brought low. They acknowledge former iniquities and seek both deliverance and cleansing for God's name's sake. The petition joins confession with rescue, avoiding a choice between moral honesty and care for suffering people.
Key Truth: Ask for both cleansing and merciful help.
Check What You Remember
1. What question expresses their waiting? (Psalms 79:5)
Find it in Psalms 79:5 (KJV).
2. What should speedily meet them? (Psalms 79:8)
Find it in Psalms 79:8 (KJV).
3. What should God purge away? (Psalms 79:9)
Find it in Psalms 79:9 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
Psalms 79:10–13 — The prisoner's sigh and lasting praise
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
The prayer asks that God hear prisoners and preserve those facing death, while seeking accountability for reproach and bloodshed. Its strong judgment language is directed to God. The community ends as the sheep of his pasture, promising thanksgiving and praise to future generations amid hope for rescue.
Key Truth: Pray for the endangered and pass on thankful praise.
Check What You Remember
1. Whose sighing should come before God? (Psalms 79:11)
Find it in Psalms 79:11 (KJV).
2. What flock image describes God's people? (Psalms 79:13)
Find it in Psalms 79:13 (KJV).
3. To whom will they show praise? (Psalms 79:13)
Find it in Psalms 79:13 (KJV).
Related Scripture (KJV)
Hebrews 13:3 — Believers are urged to remember those in prison and those mistreated.
This related passage is selected for its connection with this chapter. It is separate from the chapter text.
Reflect and Apply
What endangered or imprisoned people can you remember in prayer and practical compassion?
Advanced Questions and Answers
Study this chapter’s wording, patterns, contrasts, and meaning in greater depth.
1. How do ruined city and unburied bodies deepen the lament?
2. How does the plea for mercy admit weakness?
3. How does deliverance coexist with confession?
4. Why does the prisoners’ sigh enter the prayer?
5. How does the pasture image support future praise?
Notes
Write what you want to remember, questions to explore, or Scriptures to look up later. Your saved notes are private to your account.
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