Psalms 79:10

Authorized King James Version

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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.

Original Language Analysis

לָ֤מָּה׀ H4100
לָ֤מָּה׀
Strong's: H4100
Word #: 1 of 12
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
יֹאמְר֣וּ say H559
יֹאמְר֣וּ say
Strong's: H559
Word #: 2 of 12
to say (used with great latitude)
בַּגֹּייִ֣ם Wherefore should the heathen H1471
בַּגֹּייִ֣ם Wherefore should the heathen
Strong's: H1471
Word #: 3 of 12
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
אַיֵּ֪ה H346
אַיֵּ֪ה
Strong's: H346
Word #: 4 of 12
where?
אֱֽלֹהֵ֫יהֶ֥ם Where is their God H430
אֱֽלֹהֵ֫יהֶ֥ם Where is their God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 5 of 12
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
יִוָּדַ֣ע let him be known H3045
יִוָּדַ֣ע let him be known
Strong's: H3045
Word #: 6 of 12
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
בַּגֹּייִ֣ם Wherefore should the heathen H1471
בַּגֹּייִ֣ם Wherefore should the heathen
Strong's: H1471
Word #: 7 of 12
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
לְעֵינֵ֑ינוּ in our sight H5869
לְעֵינֵ֑ינוּ in our sight
Strong's: H5869
Word #: 8 of 12
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
נִ֝קְמַ֗ת by the revenging H5360
נִ֝קְמַ֗ת by the revenging
Strong's: H5360
Word #: 9 of 12
avengement, whether the act of the passion
דַּֽם of the blood H1818
דַּֽם of the blood
Strong's: H1818
Word #: 10 of 12
blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe
עֲבָדֶ֥יךָ of thy servants H5650
עֲבָדֶ֥יךָ of thy servants
Strong's: H5650
Word #: 11 of 12
a servant
הַשָּׁפֽוּךְ׃ which is shed H8210
הַשָּׁפֽוּךְ׃ which is shed
Strong's: H8210
Word #: 12 of 12
to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc

Analysis & Commentary

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. This verse returns to the theological crisis introduced in verse 4: the nations' mockery of Israel becomes mockery of Yahweh. The question "Where is their God?" (ayyeh Eloheihem, אַיֵּה אֱלֹהֵיהֶם) was the ultimate taunt against a defeated nation, implying divine impotence or non-existence. This echoes Joel 2:17 and anticipates ongoing theological challenges when God's people suffer.

The psalmist transforms the taunt into motivation for divine action: vindicate Your reputation by demonstrating that You are neither absent nor powerless. "Let him be known" (yivada, יִוָּדַע) requests God make Himself known through action, not merely proclamation. The phrase "in our sight" (le'eineinu, לְעֵינֵינוּ) asks that Israel witness God's vindication within their lifetime—not deferred to distant eschatology but visible, tangible justice.

"By the revenging of the blood of thy servants" (niqmat dam-avadekha, נִקְמַת דַּם־עֲבָדֶיךָ) returns to verse 2's image of slaughtered faithful. Naqam (נָקַם) means to avenge, take vengeance—executing justice for innocent bloodshed. The theology is covenantal: these aren't random victims but "thy servants," people under God's protection. Their unavenged blood cries from the ground (Genesis 4:10), demanding divine response. The request isn't vindictive but theological: demonstrate covenant faithfulness by defending Your covenant people.

Historical Context

The taunt "Where is their God?" appears in various forms throughout Scripture during national crises (Psalm 42:3, 10; 115:2; Micah 7:10). Ancient Near Eastern theology directly connected military outcomes to divine power. When nations conquered Israel, they interpreted it as their gods defeating Yahweh. This challenged Israel's monotheistic witness—if Yahweh is truly sovereign over all nations, why does He permit His people's defeat? The question drove Israel to sophisticated theodicy: God permits judgment for discipline but will ultimately vindicate His name.

Questions for Reflection