Psalms 79:5

Psalm 79:5 is a poignant cry from the heart of a people in deep distress, questioning the duration of God's righteous anger and judgment. It forms part of a communal lament, reflecting profound national suffering.

Context

Psalm 79 is a communal lament, likely composed after a devastating national calamity, such as the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple by foreign invaders (e.g., the Babylonian invasion around 586 BC). The preceding verses describe the desecration of God's holy city, the slaughter of His people, and their reproach among surrounding nations. Against this backdrop of immense suffering and humiliation, the psalmist cries out to the Lord, seeking an end to the divine wrath that has brought such devastation upon His chosen people and sanctuary. This historical context underscores the desperate tone of the plea, highlighting the profound despair and the urgent need for God's intervention.

Key Themes

• The Cry of "How Long?": This recurring phrase in the Psalms expresses the depth of suffering and the fervent desire for divine intervention. It's a bold yet faithful questioning of God's timing, born out of intense pain and a yearning for relief. This lament is a common human response to prolonged affliction, seen in other psalms like Psalm 13:1.
• Divine Anger and Jealousy: The psalmist acknowledges that the suffering is a result of God's anger and jealousy. This is not arbitrary wrath but a righteous indignation against the sins of His people and the defilement of His holiness. The question "wilt thou be angry for ever?" reveals the hope that God's wrath is temporal and purposeful, not eternal.
• God's "Jealousy" as Fire: The imagery "shall thy jealousy burn like fire?" emphasizes the intensity and consuming nature of God's passion for His own glory and covenant. God's jealousy is His zealous commitment to His own name and people, often expressed against idolatry or injustice that compromises His holiness. It's a purifying and avenging fire, not merely an emotion.

Linguistic Insights

The opening phrase, "How long, LORD?" is a direct translation of the Hebrew `Ad Anah Adonai` (עַד־אָנָה יְהוָה). This is a common and powerful expression of lament found throughout the Psalms, indicating not a lack of faith, but an earnest appeal for God to act and bring an end to a period of affliction. The term "jealousy" (Hebrew: `qin'ah`) carries the connotation of a strong, passionate zeal, often for exclusive devotion. When applied to God, it signifies His absolute intolerance for anything that diminishes His glory or threatens His covenant relationship with His people. The phrase "burn like fire" (`ka'esh`) vividly portrays the consuming and purifying nature of this divine attribute, similar to how God's presence is often described as a consuming fire (Deuteronomy 4:24).

Practical Application

Psalm 79:5 offers comfort and guidance for believers facing prolonged trials or periods of divine discipline. It teaches us that:

• It is permissible and even healthy to bring our honest questions and deep anguish before God, even asking "how long?" in our prayers. God invites our raw emotions and honest pleas.
• Understanding God's righteous anger and jealousy helps us grasp the seriousness of sin and His commitment to holiness. This judgment is often corrective, aiming to restore His people to a right relationship with Him.
• Even in the darkest moments of suffering, the act of crying out to the Lord implies a deep-seated faith that He hears and can intervene. It is an appeal to His mercy and covenant faithfulness, anticipating an eventual end to the tribulation, as seen in prophecies of restoration and hope for the future (Jeremiah 29:10).