Psalms 79:7

KJV

For they have devoured Jacob, and laid waste his dwelling place.

KJV (with Strong's)

For they have devoured {H398}{H8804)} Jacob {H3290}, and laid waste {H8074}{H8689)} his dwelling place {H5116}.

Complete Jewish Bible

for they have devoured Ya'akov and left his home a waste.

Berean Standard Bible

for they have devoured Jacob and devastated his homeland.

American Standard Version

For they have devoured Jacob, And laid waste his habitation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 79:7 powerfully articulates Israel's profound lament over the catastrophic devastation inflicted by their enemies. It vividly describes the complete consumption of the nation, metaphorically represented by "Jacob," and the utter desecration of their most sacred site, "his dwelling place," which refers primarily to the Temple in Jerusalem. This verse encapsulates the deep trauma of a people grappling with national ruin, questioning divine justice, and crying out for God's intervention amidst overwhelming shame and destruction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 79 is a poignant communal lament, part of a collection of psalms (e.g., [Psalm 74](/psalms/74 "Psalm 74 - A Lament Over the Desecration of the Temple")) that mourn the destruction of Jerusalem and its sacred Temple. It belongs to the Asaph collection (Psalms 73-83), which often addresses corporate national experiences, theological dilemmas, and fervent appeals to God's covenant faithfulness. Following an initial desperate plea for God to witness the enemies' atrocities and the resulting shame (verses 1-4), verse 7 precisely identifies the victims ("Jacob") and the extent of the calamity ("devoured," "laid waste his dwelling place"). This serves as a foundational statement for the psalm's subsequent fervent appeals for divine vengeance and restoration, particularly emphasizing God's reputation and glory among the nations (verses 8-13).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This psalm is widely understood to be a direct response to the devastating destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple by the Babylonian Empire in 586 BC, an event meticulously recorded in historical books such as [2 Kings 25](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - The Fall of Jerusalem and Exile"). For ancient Israel, this was not merely a military defeat but a profound theological and existential crisis. The Temple, referred to as "his dwelling place," was considered the earthly abode of Yahweh, the very heart of Israelite worship, national identity, and the tangible sign of God's covenant presence. Its destruction, coupled with the subsequent deportation of the people during the Babylonian Exile, was an unimaginable blow, severely challenging their understanding of God's promises and their unique status as His chosen people. The "devouring of Jacob" vividly portrays the complete dismantling of their societal, religious, and political structures, leaving them in a state of utter ruin and humiliation before the surrounding nations.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 79:7 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **divine judgment and its consequences**, illustrating that even God's chosen people can experience severe chastisement due to their unfaithfulness, as warned in prophetic passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Secondly, it highlights the **vulnerability and profound suffering of God's people**, demonstrating that faith does not exempt believers from deep pain and loss in a fallen world; the lament articulates the shock and sorrow of a nation facing an existential threat. Thirdly, the destruction of "his dwelling place" emphasizes the **sanctity of God's presence and the horror of its desecration**, a central tenet of Israelite theology that finds later resonance in the New Testament's understanding of the church as God's temple ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")). Finally, the psalm, through its lament, implicitly raises the crucial theme of **God's reputation among the nations**, as the enemies' actions bring reproach not only upon Israel but seemingly upon Yahweh Himself, prompting fervent pleas for God to act for the glory of His name, a motif prevalent throughout prophetic literature, such as in [Ezekiel 36:22-23](/zekiel/36-22-23 "Ezekiel 36:22-23 - God's Name Vindicated").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Devoured (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** This primitive root literally means "to eat" or "to consume." In this context, it is employed metaphorically to describe the complete and destructive consumption of a nation by its enemies. It implies not merely military defeat but a comprehensive ruin, encompassing economic plunder, cultural annihilation, and the loss of life, leaving nothing substantial behind. The imagery conveys a sense of total absorption and obliteration.
* **Jacob (Hebrew, _Yaʻăqôb'_):** This is a poetic and deeply symbolic name for the nation of Israel, derived from the patriarch Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel. Its use here emphasizes the identity of the victims as God's chosen, covenant people, making the attack on them an attack on God's own heritage and His unique relationship with His people.
* **Laid waste (Hebrew, _shâmêm'_):** This primitive root signifies to stun or grow numb, leading to the sense of devastation or stupefaction. It speaks to the state of emptiness, desolation, or ruin left behind after destruction. When applied to "his dwelling place," it vividly portrays the utter destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, transforming a vibrant, sacred space into a desolate wasteland, a powerful image of emptiness and ruin.
* **Dwelling place (Hebrew, _nâveh'_):** This noun, derived from a root meaning "at home," refers to a home or habitation. It can denote a home for God (the temple), for men (a residence), for flocks (pasture), or for wild animals (a den). In this verse, it specifically refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, signifying the sacred space where God's presence was believed to reside among His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For they have devoured Jacob":** This clause describes the comprehensive and destructive impact of the foreign invaders, specifically the Babylonians, upon the nation of Israel. The verb "devoured" conveys the idea of complete consumption, extending beyond mere military defeat to encompass the obliteration of the people's identity, resources, and very existence as a cohesive nation. It speaks to the vast loss of life, the enslavement, and the dismantling of their societal structures.
* **"and laid waste his dwelling place":** This second clause specifies the primary target and nature of the destruction, focusing on the sacred space of God's presence. "His dwelling place" unequivocally refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, which was considered the earthly residence of Yahweh among His people. "Laid waste" emphasizes the utter desolation and ruin inflicted upon this holy site, signifying not only physical destruction but also the profound spiritual and psychological trauma of witnessing the symbol of God's covenant presence desecrated and reduced to rubble.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of desolation and lament. **Metaphor** is prominently used in the phrase "devoured Jacob," where the nation is likened to something consumed, emphasizing the totality of the destruction and the enemies' voraciousness. This is further enhanced by **Personification**, as "Jacob" (the nation) is treated as an entity capable of being devoured. The phrase "laid waste his dwelling place" utilizes vivid **Imagery** to paint a stark picture of utter desolation, evoking a profound sense of emptiness and ruin. The cumulative effect of these devices is a powerful and visceral expression of national trauma and the complete dismantling of Israel's physical and spiritual landscape.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 79:7 powerfully articulates the theological tension inherent in God's people suffering such profound devastation. It raises critical questions about divine justice, the consequences of sin, and the reputation of God among the nations. The lament acknowledges the painful reality of judgment, yet simultaneously appeals to God's covenant faithfulness and His ultimate sovereignty, even in the midst of apparent defeat. It highlights the corporate nature of sin and suffering, where the actions of a few can lead to devastating consequences for the many, and underscores the deep pain experienced when the symbols of God's presence are desecrated. Ultimately, it serves as a fervent cry for God to vindicate His name and restore His people, trusting in His ultimate power to bring about renewal even from the ashes of ruin.

* [Lamentations 1:1-3](/lamentations/1-1-3 "Lamentations 1:1-3 - Jerusalem's Desolation")
* [Jeremiah 52:12-14](/jeremiah/52-12-14 "Jeremiah 52:12-14 - Destruction of the Temple")
* [Ezekiel 36:19-23](/zekiel/36-19-23 "Ezekiel 36:19-23 - God's Name Vindicated Among the Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 79:7, while rooted in a specific historical tragedy of ancient Israel, offers timeless insights into the universal human experience of suffering, profound loss, and the desecration of what is held sacred. It validates the deep pain, disorientation, and even anger that can accompany personal or communal devastation, reminding us that God's people are not immune to hardship in a fallen world. This verse invites us to acknowledge and lament our own experiences of being "devoured" by overwhelming circumstances, or having our "dwelling places"—whether physical spaces, cherished relationships, long-held dreams, or even foundational aspects of our faith—feel shattered and "laid waste." It calls us to recognize the sanctity of God's presence, not just in physical structures, but in our lives, our families, and our communities, and to grieve deeply when that presence is diminished, defiled, or seemingly absent. Yet, even in this raw and honest lament, there is an implicit trust that God hears the cries of His people and that His ultimate faithfulness will prevail, prompting us to turn to Him in our deepest despair, seeking His justice, His restoration, and His transformative renewal.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "dwelling places" or sacred aspects of your life feel "laid waste" or "devoured" by circumstances or sin?**
* **How does this psalm's raw lament encourage you to express your own pain, grief, or despair to God without reservation?**
* **In what ways might the suffering of God's people impact the perception of God's character in the world, and how does this verse prompt us to pray for His name's sake?**
* **How can acknowledging past or present devastation in your life lead to a deeper reliance on God's power to restore and renew?**

### FAQ

**Who is "Jacob" in this verse, and why is it significant?**

Answer: In Psalms 79:7, "Jacob" is a poetic and symbolic reference to the nation of Israel, the descendants of the patriarch Jacob (whose name was changed to Israel). This usage is profoundly significant because it emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and His chosen people. The "devouring of Jacob" therefore signifies not just a military defeat but a comprehensive attack on God's own heritage and His special people, highlighting the profound theological implications of their suffering. It underscores the idea that an attack on Israel is, in a sense, an attack on God's own reputation and promises, as seen in passages like [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5-6 "Exodus 19:5-6 - Israel, God's Treasured Possession").

**What does "devoured" mean metaphorically in this context?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "devoured" (_ʼâkal'_) literally means "to eat" or "to consume." Metaphorically, in Psalms 79:7, it describes the complete and destructive consumption of the nation of Israel by its enemies. This vivid imagery goes beyond mere military defeat to imply total ruin, including the vast loss of life, economic plunder, cultural annihilation, and the dismantling of their societal and religious structures. It paints a picture of overwhelming destruction where nothing substantial is left, conveying the profound and comprehensive nature of the devastation, much like a predator consuming its prey.

**Why is the destruction of "his dwelling place" so significant?**

Answer: "His dwelling place" primarily refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, which was considered the earthly abode of Yahweh, the God of Israel. Its destruction by the Babylonians in 586 BC was profoundly significant because the Temple was the undisputed center of Israelite worship, national identity, and the visible sign of God's covenant presence among His people. Its desecration and "laying waste" represented not only a physical catastrophe but also a deep spiritual and psychological trauma. It challenged their understanding of God's promises and His power, making the event a watershed moment in Israelite history, as detailed in accounts like [2 Kings 25:9](/2_kings/25-9 "2 Kings 25:9 - Destruction of the Temple") and [Lamentations 2:7](/lamentations/2-7 "Lamentations 2:7 - God's Sanctuary Despised").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 79:7 laments the physical devastation of Israel and the Temple, its profound themes of suffering, the desecration of God's dwelling, and the desperate need for divine vindication find their ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment. Jesus Christ is the quintessential "Jacob," the true Israel, who perfectly embodies God's chosen people and fulfills all of Israel's covenant obligations. His suffering and crucifixion represent the ultimate "devouring" and "laying waste" of the innocent, as He bore the full weight of humanity's sin, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Furthermore, Jesus explicitly declared Himself to be the true Temple, famously stating, "[Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus, the Temple")" (referring to His own body). His death was the "laying waste" of this physical temple, but His glorious resurrection on the third day brought about a new, spiritual dwelling place for God—the church, which is His body ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone")). Thus, the lament of Psalms 79:7, though rooted in national tragedy, foreshadows the ultimate suffering and triumph of Christ, through whom God's people are truly restored and God's glory is eternally vindicated, not in a physical temple made with hands, but in the living temple of believers, indwelt by the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple")). This new spiritual reality transcends the physical destruction, pointing to a permanent and glorious dwelling of God among His people through Christ.

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

Jeremiah 51:34

Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon hath devoured me, he hath crushed me, he hath made me an empty vessel, he hath swallowed me up like a dragon, he hath filled his belly with my delicates, he hath cast me out.

Jeremiah 51:35

The violence done to me and to my flesh [be] upon Babylon, shall the inhabitant of Zion say; and my blood upon the inhabitants of Chaldea, shall Jerusalem say.

Zechariah 1:15

And I am very sore displeased with the heathen [that are] at ease: for I was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction.

Isaiah 24:1

¶ Behold, the LORD maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof.

Isaiah 24:12

In the city is left desolation, and the gate is smitten with destruction.

Isaiah 64:10

Thy holy cities are a wilderness, Zion is a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation.

Isaiah 64:11

Our holy and our beautiful house, where our fathers praised thee, is burned up with fire: and all our pleasant things are laid waste.