Psalms 79:13
So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Vows of praise frequently conclude Israelite laments. The pattern moves from distress to petition to praise—sometimes anticipated praise before deliverance, sometimes thanksgiving after deliverance. These vows reinforced the community's commitment and expressed confidence that God would act.
The emphasis on transmitting praise through generations reflects covenant theology. God's relationship with Israel was not merely with one generation but with their descendants forever (Genesis 17:7). Parents were responsible to teach children what God had done (Deuteronomy 6:6-9, 20-25). The Psalms themselves became vehicles for this transmission—sung in temple, memorized at home, recited in liturgy.
For post-exilic Israel, this verse anticipated restoration and renewal. The destroyed temple would be rebuilt; worship would resume; praise would continue. The devastation described in verse 1 was not the end of the story. God's faithfulness would be declared to future generations.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the shepherd-flock imagery provide comfort in the context of judgment and suffering?
- What is the significance of promising praise 'for ever' and 'to all generations'?
- How do lament psalms model the movement from distress through petition to praise?
- What responsibility do believers have to 'shew forth' God's praise to the next generation?
Analysis & Commentary
So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations. The psalm concludes with a vow of perpetual praise—the anticipated response to answered prayer. Having confessed sin, appealed to God's name, and requested deliverance, the community now promises thanksgiving that will extend through all generations.
"We thy people and sheep of thy pasture" (va'anachnu ammekha vetzon mar'itekha, וַאֲנַחְנוּ עַמְּךָ וְצֹאן מַרְעִיתֶךָ) employs the shepherd-flock imagery prominent in this section of the Psalter (74:1, 77:20, 78:52, 80:1). Despite judgment and suffering, Israel remains God's people, His flock. The relationship, though strained by sin and discipline, persists. This identity provides basis for hope: shepherds do not abandon their flocks permanently.
"Will give thee thanks for ever" (nodeh lekha le'olam, נוֹדֶה לְּךָ לְעוֹלָם) promises ongoing todah (thanksgiving, confession, acknowledgment). The adverb le'olam (forever, perpetually) extends the vow beyond the immediate generation. This is not a temporary bargain but permanent commitment.
"We will shew forth thy praise to all generations" (ledor vador nesapper tehillatekha, לְדֹר וָדֹר נְסַפֵּר תְּהִלָּתֶךָ) envisions intergenerational testimony. Saphar means to recount, tell, declare; tehillah means praise, hymn, song of praise. The community commits to transmitting praise through successive generations. God's saving acts will become the content of ongoing worship.