Psalms 79:10

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.

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)}.

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.

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.

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.

Psalms 79:10 is a passionate plea from a community in deep distress, likely following a devastating national calamity like the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. The psalmist articulates a profound concern for God's honor and reputation among the surrounding nations.

Historical and Cultural Context

This psalm is a communal lament, often attributed to the aftermath of the Babylonian conquest in 586 BC, where the Temple was destroyed, Jerusalem sacked, and many Israelites were killed or exiled. The "heathen" or goyim (nations) refer to these foreign invaders who desecrated sacred spaces and slaughtered God's people. In the ancient world, the defeat of a nation often implied the defeat or weakness of its gods. Thus, the taunt "Where is their God?" was a direct challenge to the Lord's power and presence, creating a theological crisis for Israel. This sentiment is echoed in other laments, such as Psalms 42:3, where the psalmist cries, "My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?"

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Reputation and Glory: The primary concern is not merely the suffering of the people, but how God's inaction might be perceived by the world. The psalmist implores God to act decisively so that His power, justice, and faithfulness are unmistakably known among the nations. It's a prayer for God to vindicate His own name. This theme is central to God's dealings with Israel, as seen in Ezekiel 36:23, where God declares He will "sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen."
  • 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. It signifies a demand for divine recompense for the innocent blood shed by the oppressors. This is God's prerogative to enact justice, as affirmed in Romans 12:19, "Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord." The psalmist desires to see God's justice manifest in their lifetime.
  • Faith Amidst Despair: Despite the overwhelming suffering and apparent abandonment, the psalmist maintains faith in God's ability and responsibility to act. It's a bold prayer that trusts in God's character even when circumstances suggest otherwise.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "heathen" is goyim (גּוֹיִם), which simply means "nations" or "peoples." In this context, it refers to the non-Israelite nations who were enemies of God's people. The phrase "revenging of the blood" comes from the Hebrew niqmat dam (נִקְמַת דַּם). This is not a human act of revenge but a plea for God's divine retribution and justice for the innocent lives taken. It emphasizes the sacredness of human life and God's commitment to uphold justice.

Practical Application

Psalms 79:10 reminds us that God's honor and reputation are paramount. When we face suffering or injustice, it's natural to question "Where is God?" This verse teaches us to turn those questions into earnest prayers, not just for our deliverance, but for God to display His power and righteousness in the world. It encourages us to trust that God sees injustice and will, in His perfect timing and manner, bring about righteous judgment. Our ultimate hope rests in God's sovereign hand to rectify all wrongs and glorify His name among all peoples.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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