Although this Psalm is titled “A Psalm of Asaph,” it is believed to have been written by a later Asaph, as it appears to date to the period when the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and defiled the temple. The Asaph, who served during the reigns of King David and his son Solomon, would not have been alive during this time. The writer of this Psalm was deeply grieved by the condition of God’s temple and offered a heartfelt prayer on behalf of the afflicted people, humbling himself before God.
God’s Inheritance
O God, the nations have invaded your inheritance; they have defiled your holy temple, they have reduced Jerusalem to rubble. They have left the dead bodies of your servants as food for the birds of the sky, the flesh of your own people for the animals of the wild. They have poured out blood like water all around Jerusalem, and there is no one to bury the dead. – Psalms 79:1-3 (NIV)
God chose His people, bringing them out of slavery to give them a unique identity as His own. Unfortunately, they failed to uphold this identity and were drawn away by sin. It was only when God allowed other nations to invade and oppress them that they remembered their identity and sought liberation from their enemies. Had they consistently regarded themselves as God’s people, they could have avoided such devastation.
Rather than recognizing their mistakes, the Psalmist instead complains to God, questioning why He allowed the enemy to invade their territory as if God were unaware. Yet, it is God who permitted these events to unfold, a truth often overlooked by His people. Instead, they assume the role of guardians of His temple, feeling powerless when it is defiled. This happens because they focus on maintaining the external structure of the temple rather than purifying themselves inwardly.
In today’s context, people often organize fasting prayers, not to seek true repentance, but to inform God about how the wicked have destroyed His churches. Instead of spreading God’s love, they use prayer as a tool to perpetuate hatred. God has redeemed us at a great price—the blood of His Son—yet we fail to acknowledge this redemption. Instead, we become more concerned with damaged buildings than addressing the destruction within our own souls.
Will God Be Angry Forever
We are objects of contempt to our neighbors, of scorn and derision to those around us.How long, LORD? Will you be angry forever? How long will your jealousy burn like fire? Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge you, on the kingdoms that do not call on your name; for they have devoured Jacob and devastated his homeland. – Psalms 79:4-7 (NIV)
Paul reminded us that all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). Yet, we often fail to understand how God feels about our condition. Instead, we focus on how others perceive us in our brokenness. Without realizing it, we strive to present ourselves as blessed, hiding struggles like sickness, poverty, or troubles from others. In this context, the Psalmist pleaded with God to intervene against those who viewed them as cursed or punished by Him.
Merely calling on God’s name is not enough; walking with Him in the light truly matters. However, instead of reflecting on their own relationship with God, some accused the others of failing to call upon His name, using this as a reason for God to pour out His wrath upon them. Rather than seeking to make things right with God, they urged Him to act against those who had devastated their land. They seemed unaware that it was their own God who allowed this to happen, or perhaps they doubted His power. Instead of humbling themselves and pleading for God’s mercy, they sought to stir His anger by pointing out the wickedness of their enemies.
In all circumstances, it is far better to focus on restoring our relationship with our Heavenly Father than to blame others, forgetting that Jesus died for them as well.
Past Generation’s Sin Or Ours?
Do not hold against us the sins of past generations; may your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need. Help us, God our Savior,
for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name’s sake.
Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Before our eyes, make known among the nations that you avenge the outpoured blood of your servants. – Psalms 79:8-10 (NIV)
While praying for the deliverance of the people, the Psalmist failed to humble himself and the people before God. Instead, he shifted the blame to their ancestors and urged God to intervene. In doing so, they sinned again against the God who loved them and disciplined them in an effort to bring them back to Him.
“Why should the nations say, ‘Where is their God?’” Too often, we fall into the same error, using God as a trump card in our defence rather than embracing Him as our Savior and submitting to His will.
Is it right for the Psalmist to pray on behalf of the people without first encouraging them to seek God personally? Is it not the responsibility of God’s servants to teach His people to humble themselves and pray directly to Him? Today, in moments of crisis, people often organize fasting prayers and call on God to fulfil His promise:
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land – 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
Our God is faithful to answer prayers and fulfil His promises. However, the deeper question is this: Are we truly becoming His children, seeking to align our lives with His will, or are we merely expecting Him to fulfil His promises while remaining unchanged?
Shaping A Conditional Love
May the groans of the prisoners come before you; with your strong arm preserve those condemned to die. Pay back into the laps of our neighbors seven times the contempt they have hurled at you, Lord. Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever; from generation to generation
we will proclaim your praise. – Psalms 79:11-13 (NIV)
Despite God showing us His immense and unconditional love (John 3:16), we often ignore it. Being accustomed to terms and conditions in every aspect of life, we tend to project the same mindset onto God.
Many wait for healing, deliverance, or blessings before committing to God, unknowingly cultivating a conditional love. However, Scripture reminds us that while we were still sinners, God gave His Son to die for us, without placing any conditions on His sacrifice. Instead of waiting for a “blessed” moment, we should learn to commit to God in every circumstance, regardless of its nature.
In this context, the Psalmist promises to praise God forever if He avenges their neighbours for their unjust acts. This reveals a conditional attitude—one that implies they are not ready to fully commit to God unless He acts according to their desires. Contrast this with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He unconditionally submitted to His Father’s will, not seeking a miracle but humbling Himself even unto death on the Cross.
We Are His Temple
Scripture reminds us that we are God’s temple, and anyone who destroys His temple will face His judgment, for His temple is sacred (1 Corinthians 3:17). In our zeal to protect physical structures, we risk destroying the true temple—ourselves. Instead, we must remain vigilant in safeguarding our hearts and lives, the temple of God, from defilement, regardless of the loss of structural buildings or external disturbances. Let us remember that God values His people above all, calling us to preserve what truly matters: our sacred connection to Him.
When we place undue importance on physical structures like the buildings in which we worship Him, we risk diminishing our understanding of God’s power, as if He were unable to protect His sanctuary. Yet, God willingly allowed His Son to be weakened so that His true temple—His people—could be saved from destruction. In light of this, Jesus calls us to guard our love, especially in these trying times, reminding us that what truly matters is the preservation of our salvation (Matthew 24:12).
Heavenly Father, fill our hearts with Your abundant love, so that even as wickedness increases, our love remains steadfast and never grows cold. Amen.
The Jordan Valley 
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