Psalms 79:7

Authorized King James Version

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For they have devoured Jacob, and laid waste his dwelling place.

Original Language Analysis

כִּ֭י H3588
כִּ֭י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אָכַ֣ל For they have devoured H398
אָכַ֣ל For they have devoured
Strong's: H398
Word #: 2 of 7
to eat (literally or figuratively)
אֶֽת H853
אֶֽת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 3 of 7
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יַעֲקֹ֑ב Jacob H3290
יַעֲקֹ֑ב Jacob
Strong's: H3290
Word #: 4 of 7
jaakob, the israelitish patriarch
וְֽאֶת H853
וְֽאֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 5 of 7
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נָוֵ֥הוּ his dwelling place H5116
נָוֵ֥הוּ his dwelling place
Strong's: H5116
Word #: 6 of 7
(adjectively) at home; hence (by implication of satisfaction) lovely; also (noun) a home, of god (temple), men (residence), flocks (pasture), or wild
הֵשַֽׁמּוּ׃ and laid waste H8074
הֵשַֽׁמּוּ׃ and laid waste
Strong's: H8074
Word #: 7 of 7
to stun (or intransitively, grow numb), i.e., devastate or (figuratively) stupefy (both usually in a passive sense)

Analysis & Commentary

For they have devoured Jacob, and laid waste his dwelling place. This verse provides justification for the previous imprecatory prayer. "Devoured" (akhal, אָכַל) uses consuming/eating imagery, suggesting voracious destruction—not merely defeating but consuming completely, like wild beasts devouring prey. "Jacob" employs Israel's covenant name, emphasizing that attacking Israel attacks the people of God's promise to the patriarchs.

"Laid waste his dwelling place" (et-navehu heshamu, אֶת־נָוֵהוּ הֵשַׁמּוּ) uses shamem (שָׁמֵם), meaning to devastate, make desolate, horrify. The "dwelling place" (naveh) can refer to pasture or habitation—either the land of Israel or Jerusalem/the temple specifically. If temple, the phrase describes the ultimate sacrilege: destroying God's earthly dwelling. If land generally, it emphasizes the comprehensive devastation of Israel's covenant inheritance.

The verse functions as evidence in a legal argument: these nations deserve judgment because they have committed the crime of covenant violation by proxy—they attacked God's covenant people and land. The logic anticipates Genesis 12:3's promise that God will curse those who curse Abraham's descendants. The psalmist holds God to His own covenant commitment to defend Israel against hostile nations.

Historical Context

The Babylonian conquest fulfilled the covenant curses of Deuteronomy 28-29 and Leviticus 26. The term "laid waste" accurately describes archaeological evidence of destruction layers in 6th-century BC Judah. Cities were burned, populations deported, and land left desolate. The phrase "devoured Jacob" reflects the totality of devastation—political, economic, religious, and demographic collapse. Jeremiah 25:9 describes Nebuchadnezzar as God's servant executing judgment, yet Jeremiah 25:12 promises God will subsequently judge Babylon for excessive cruelty.

Questions for Reflection