Main Thought:
The judgment of God has fallen on Israel. The capital and temple have been destroyed by their enemies. In this first portion of the psalm, the people of God cry out for vengeance on the unbelieving nations who were merciless in devouring Israel.
Psalm 79:1-7
O God, the nations have come into your inheritance;
they have defiled your holy temple;
they have laid Jerusalem in ruins.
They have given the bodies of your servants
to the birds of the heavens for food,
the flesh of your faithful to the beasts of the earth.
They have poured out their blood like water
all around Jerusalem,
and there was no one to bury them.
We have become a taunt to our neighbors,
mocked and derided by those around us.
How long, O Lord? Will you be angry forever?
Will your jealousy burn like fire?
Pour out your anger on the nations
that do not know you,
and on the kingdoms
that do not call upon your name!
For they have devoured Jacob
and laid waste his habitation.
Hymn Verse
LSB 585:1 Lord Jesus Christ, with Us Abide
Lord Jesus Christ, with us abide,
For round us falls the eventide.
O let Your Word, that saving light,
Shine forth undimmed into the night. Amen.