Psalms 79:10

KJV

Wherefore should the heathen say, Where [is] their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight [by] the revenging of the blood of thy servants [which is] shed.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore should the heathen {H1471} say {H559}{H8799)}, Where is their God {H430}? let him be known {H3045}{H8735)} among the heathen {H1471} in our sight {H5869} by the revenging {H5360} of the blood {H1818} of thy servants {H5650} which is shed {H8210}{H8803)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Why should the nations ask, "Where is their God?" Let the vengeance taken on your servants' shed blood be known among the nations before our eyes.

Berean Standard Bible

Why should the nations ask, “Where is their God?” Before our eyes, make known among the nations Your vengeance for the bloodshed of Your servants.

American Standard Version

Wherefore should the nations say, Where is their God? Let the avenging of the blood of thy servants which is shed Be known among the nations in our sight.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 79:10 is a poignant communal lament, expressing the profound anguish of a people devastated by national catastrophe, most likely the destruction of Jerusalem and its sacred Temple. The psalmist fervently appeals to God not merely for the relief of Israel's suffering, but primarily for the public vindication of His own honor and reputation among the surrounding nations who mockingly question His power and presence. It is a desperate plea for divine justice to be visibly enacted in response to the innocent blood of God's servants that has been shed, thereby demonstrating His sovereignty and unwavering faithfulness to the entire world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 79 is a powerful communal lament, deeply embedded within the Asaphite collection (Psalms 73-83), which frequently gives voice to national crises and appeals for divine intervention. It follows [Psalms 78](/psalms/78 "Psalms 78 - God's Faithfulness and Israel's Rebellion"), a historical psalm recounting Israel's persistent rebellion and God's enduring faithfulness, thus establishing a foundational understanding of covenant relationship and divine judgment. Psalms 79 opens with a visceral depiction of the desecration of Jerusalem and the Temple, the horrific slaughter of God's people, and their unburied bodies left as carrion. Verse 10, therefore, is not an isolated complaint but the theological heart of a plea born from profound national humiliation and suffering, directly addressing the taunts of the surrounding nations and demanding God's righteous response. The psalm concludes with further appeals for mercy and a solemn commitment to perpetual praise upon God's restoration of their fortunes.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Scholarly consensus overwhelmingly places Psalms 79 in the immediate aftermath of the Babylonian conquest of Judah in 586 BC, an event that saw the brutal destruction of Jerusalem, the razing of the Temple, and the forced exile of its inhabitants. This cataclysmic event transcended a mere military defeat; it represented a profound theological crisis for Israel. In the ancient Near East, the defeat of a nation was universally interpreted as the defeat or impotence of its patron deity. Consequently, the taunt, "Where is their God?" (Hebrew: *'Ayh 'Eloheyhem?*), was a direct and devastating challenge to Yahweh's power, His active presence, and His covenant faithfulness. The "heathen" (*goyim*) refers to the victorious Babylonian forces and other surrounding nations who witnessed, and often participated in, the devastation. The desecration of the Temple, the wanton shedding of innocent blood, and the leaving of bodies unburied were not only physical atrocities but also deeply offensive acts against God's holy name and His covenant people, demanding a divine response to preserve His reputation and honor in the eyes of the world. This ancient cultural understanding of divine honor and national identity is absolutely crucial for grasping the psalmist's urgent and theologically charged plea.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several major theological and narrative themes prevalent throughout the Psalter and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it profoundly highlights **God's Reputation and Glory**, emphasizing that God's honor is inextricably linked to the fate of His people and His decisive actions in the world. The psalmist's primary concern is not merely the suffering of Israel but how God's apparent inaction might be perceived by the nations, prompting a prayer for God to vindicate His own name and demonstrate His power (compare [Ezekiel 36:23](/ezekiel/36-23 "Ezekiel 36:23 - God Sanctifies His Great Name")). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Vengeance**. The call for "revenging of the blood of thy servants" is not a plea for personal retribution but for God's righteous judgment against those who have shed innocent blood. It reflects the biblical understanding that God is a God of justice who will ultimately repay evil and defend the oppressed, a prerogative reserved for Him alone (as seen in [Deuteronomy 32:35](/deuteronomy/32-35 "Deuteronomy 32:35 - Vengeance is Mine")). Finally, the verse powerfully demonstrates **Faith Amidst Despair**. Despite the overwhelming evidence of defeat and the taunts of the enemy, the psalmist maintains a bold and unwavering trust in God's character and His ultimate responsibility to act on behalf of His people, transforming lament into a powerful act of intercession and theological affirmation, echoing similar cries found in [Psalms 42:3](/psalms/42-3 "Psalms 42:3 - Taunts of the Enemy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heathen (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** (H1471) This term, derived from the same root as a word meaning "massing," refers to a foreign nation, hence a Gentile. In this context, it specifically denotes the non-Israelite nations, particularly those who were enemies and oppressors of God's people. The psalmist's profound concern is how these foreign nations, who do not acknowledge Yahweh, interpret Israel's suffering and God's seeming silence. Their taunt, "Where is their God?", is a direct challenge to Yahweh's sovereignty and power, implying His weakness, absence, or even non-existence.
* **Known (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** (H3045) A primitive root meaning "to know," often implying to ascertain by seeing, or to recognize, comprehend, and even to cause to know or instruct. Here, the passive form "let him be known" signifies a passionate desire for God's power, justice, and faithfulness to be unmistakably revealed and recognized. It is a plea for a public, undeniable manifestation of God's character and active presence, not merely for Israel's internal comfort, but for the explicit recognition of His divine authority among the nations who currently mock Him.
* **Revenging (Hebrew, _nᵉqâmâh'_):** (H5360) This feminine noun, derived from the root "to take vengeance," signifies avengement, whether the act or the passion. In this verse, it represents a powerful plea for divine retribution and justice. It is crucial to understand this not as a call for human vengeance, which is often driven by personal malice, but for God's righteous recompense for the innocent lives taken. The shedding of blood, especially innocent blood, was considered a grievous offense against God and the sanctity of life (cf. [Genesis 9:5-6](/genesis/9-5-6 "Genesis 9:5-6 - The Sanctity of Life and Retribution")). The psalmist appeals to God's character as the righteous Judge who will not allow such atrocities to go unpunished, demanding that this divine justice be made manifest "in our sight" – a visible demonstration of God's power to His people and their enemies.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore should the heathen say, Where [is] their God?":** This potent **rhetorical question** expresses the psalmist's profound distress over the theological implications of Israel's suffering and God's apparent inaction. The "heathen" (nations) are mocking Israel's God, implying His absence, impotence, or abandonment of His people. This taunt cuts to the core of Israel's identity and covenant relationship with Yahweh, as God's honor and reputation are gravely at stake before the watching world. The psalmist is essentially asking, "Why should God permit His holy name to be blasphemed in such a public and demeaning way?"
* **"let him be known among the heathen in our sight":** This is a passionate and urgent plea for God to act decisively and visibly. The psalmist desires that God's power, justice, and faithfulness be unmistakably revealed, not only to His suffering people, but specifically "among the heathen." The phrase "in our sight" emphasizes the immediacy and the desire for a present, tangible demonstration of God's intervention, a public vindication that silences the taunts and restores God's glory and renown. It is a prayer for God to make Himself known through His mighty deeds.
* **"[by] the revenging of the blood of thy servants [which is] shed.":** This concluding clause specifies the precise means by which God is to "be known." It is through His righteous judgment and retribution for the innocent blood of His servants that has been spilled. This is a call for divine justice, not human vengeance. The psalmist appeals to God's character as the ultimate defender of the oppressed and the avenger of innocent blood, asking Him to repay the oppressors for their atrocities and thereby demonstrate His power, sovereignty, and unwavering commitment to justice before all nations.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 79:10 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its urgent and theological message. The opening phrase, a **Rhetorical Question** ("Wherefore should the heathen say, Where [is] their God?"), powerfully expresses the psalmist's profound anguish and challenges God's apparent inaction, highlighting the deep theological crisis. This question is not seeking information but functions as a lament and an impassioned appeal, designed to provoke a divine response by emphasizing the profound dishonor brought upon God's holy name. The entire verse functions as a fervent **Plea** or **Supplication**, a direct and desperate address to God, begging for His decisive intervention. There is also an element of **Anthropomorphism** in the desire for God to "be known" and to "revenge," attributing human-like actions and motivations (such as concern for reputation and righteous anger) to God, thereby making His divine attributes more relatable and the plea more immediate and compelling. Finally, the vivid and stark imagery of "the blood of thy servants [which is] shed" serves as a powerful **Metonymy** for the innocent lives violently taken and the profound injustice committed, underscoring the extreme gravity of the situation and forming the righteous basis for the urgent call for divine retribution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 79:10 powerfully articulates a core biblical tension: the apparent silence or inaction of God in the face of immense suffering and injustice, contrasted with His unwavering commitment to His own glory and righteous justice. The psalmist profoundly understands that God's reputation is intrinsically linked to His people's fate and His actions in the world. Therefore, a public display of divine justice is paramount not only for Israel's deliverance but, more importantly, for God's name to be honored and vindicated among the nations. This fervent plea for God to "be known" through His righteous judgment anticipates the broader biblical narrative where God acts decisively in history to demonstrate His power and faithfulness, often in ways that confound human expectations. It serves as a potent reminder that while human suffering is real and grievous, God's ultimate concern is the vindication of His holy name and the establishment of His righteous reign.
* [Psalms 42:3](/psalms/42-3 "Psalms 42:3 - The Taunts of the Enemy") - "My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?" This verse powerfully echoes the taunt faced by the psalmist in Psalms 79:10, highlighting the spiritual anguish and emotional distress caused by the enemy's mockery of God's presence and power.
* [Ezekiel 36:23](/ezekiel/36-23 "Ezekiel 36:23 - God Sanctifies His Great Name") - "And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the Lord, saith the Lord God, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes." This profound prophetic declaration perfectly aligns with the psalmist's plea, revealing God's ultimate purpose to vindicate and sanctify His name before the very nations who have profaned it.
* [Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance Belongs to God") - "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." This New Testament passage unequivocally affirms the Old Testament principle that vengeance, or righteous judgment, is God's exclusive prerogative, reinforcing the psalmist's appeal for divine, not human, retribution.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world still profoundly marked by pervasive injustice, senseless violence, and the suffering of the innocent, Psalms 79:10 provides a powerful model for prayer and a deep theological anchor. When we witness or experience atrocities, it is a natural human response to feel a deep ache, profound grief, and even to question God's presence or action, much like the "heathen" in the psalm. This verse powerfully teaches us to channel that anguish into a fervent and specific plea for God's justice, not merely for personal relief, but primarily for the vindication of His holy name before a skeptical and often mocking world. It profoundly reminds us that our suffering is never divorced from God's glory; in fact, God often chooses to display His power, His righteousness, and His faithfulness precisely in the midst of human weakness, despair, and seemingly insurmountable odds. Our ultimate hope is not to be placed in fallible human systems of justice, which often fail or are corrupted, but in the sovereign God who sees every injustice, hears every cry, and will, in His perfect timing and perfect way, bring about righteous judgment and make His glory known to all peoples. This psalm calls us to maintain unwavering trust in God's character even when circumstances seem to contradict it, and to pray boldly and persistently for His kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the psalmist's deep concern for God's reputation challenge my own prayers, which often focus predominantly on personal needs and desires?**
* **In what specific ways do I observe God's name being questioned, dishonored, or profaned in the world today, and how should that observation prompt my intercession and action?**
* **How can I genuinely maintain faith in God's ultimate justice and righteous character when I witness seemingly unpunished evil or prolonged, inexplicable suffering?**
* **What does it truly mean for God to "be known" in our sight today, and how might I, as a believer, actively participate in that ongoing revelation of His character and power?**

### FAQ
**Is the call for "revenging of the blood" in Psalms 79:10 compatible with the New Testament emphasis on love and forgiveness?**

Answer: The call for "revenging of the blood" in Psalms 79:10 is a fervent plea for divine justice, not human vengeance. In the Old Testament, the shedding of innocent blood was considered a grave offense against God and humanity, demanding a divine response, as seen in foundational passages like [Genesis 9:5-6](/genesis/9-5-6 "Genesis 9:5-6 - The Sanctity of Life and Retribution"). This psalmist's request is for God, the ultimate and righteous Judge, to uphold His holy character and repay the oppressors for their atrocities. The New Testament, while indeed emphasizing love for enemies and personal forgiveness (e.g., [Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")), does not in any way negate God's inherent role as the righteous Judge of all the earth. In fact, it explicitly affirms that "Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord" ([Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance Belongs to God")), thereby reserving ultimate retribution for God alone. The psalmist's prayer is for God to act according to His just nature, a deep desire for cosmic righteousness that ultimately finds its perfect fulfillment in Christ's final judgment and the establishment of His perfect kingdom, where all wrongs will finally be made right and justice will reign supreme.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 79:10, with its passionate plea for God to vindicate His holy name and avenge the blood of His servants, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's cry for God to "be known among the heathen in our sight" through a powerful display of justice foreshadows the cross, where God's seemingly contradictory attributes of perfect justice and boundless mercy converged in a singular, cosmic event. The "shed blood of thy servants" points forward to the ultimate innocent blood shed: that of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). While the psalmist desires immediate, visible earthly retribution, Christ's first coming inaugurated a fundamentally different kind of divine intervention, one where God's righteous wrath against sin was poured out not on the oppressors, but on His own Son (cf. [Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25-26 "Romans 3:25-26 - God's Righteousness Displayed Through Christ")). This seemingly paradoxical act, though perceived as a defeat by the world, was God's supreme demonstration of His power, His justice, and His unfathomable love, making His name known to all peoples not through immediate earthly vengeance, but through the atoning sacrifice that definitively conquers sin, death, and the powers of darkness (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). The full "revenging of the blood" and the ultimate silencing of the "heathen's" taunts will finally occur at Christ's glorious second coming, when He returns as the righteous Judge to establish His eternal kingdom, bringing perfect justice to the earth and ensuring that "every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Jesus' Exaltation")). Thus, the psalmist's desperate plea is comprehensively answered and perfectly fulfilled in the person and redemptive work of Christ, who perfectly upholds God's justice and glorifies His name among all nations for eternity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 42:10

[As] with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where [is] thy God?

Ezekiel 39:21

And I will set my glory among the heathen, and all the heathen shall see my judgment that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid upon them.

Ezekiel 39:22

So the house of Israel shall know that I [am] the LORD their God from that day and forward.

Psalms 94:1

¶ O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.

Psalms 115:2

Wherefore should the heathen say, Where [is] now their God?

Psalms 42:3

My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where [is] thy God?

Micah 7:10

Then [she that is] mine enemy shall see [it], and shame shall cover her which said unto me, Where is the LORD thy God? mine eyes shall behold her: now shall she be trodden down as the mire of the streets.