Psalms 79:8

Authorized King James Version

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O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low.

Original Language Analysis

אַֽל H408
אַֽל
Strong's: H408
Word #: 1 of 11
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּזְכָּר O remember H2142
תִּזְכָּר O remember
Strong's: H2142
Word #: 2 of 11
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
לָנוּ֮ H0
לָנוּ֮
Strong's: H0
Word #: 3 of 11
עֲוֺנֹ֪ת iniquities H5771
עֲוֺנֹ֪ת iniquities
Strong's: H5771
Word #: 4 of 11
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil
רִאשֹׁ֫נִ֥ים not against us former H7223
רִאשֹׁ֫נִ֥ים not against us former
Strong's: H7223
Word #: 5 of 11
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
מַ֭הֵר speedily H4118
מַ֭הֵר speedily
Strong's: H4118
Word #: 6 of 11
properly, hurrying; hence (adverbially) in a hurry
יְקַדְּמ֣וּנוּ prevent H6923
יְקַדְּמ֣וּנוּ prevent
Strong's: H6923
Word #: 7 of 11
to project (one self), i.e., precede; hence, to anticipate, hasten, meet (usually for help)
רַחֲמֶ֑יךָ let thy tender mercies H7356
רַחֲמֶ֑יךָ let thy tender mercies
Strong's: H7356
Word #: 8 of 11
compassion (in the plural)
כִּ֖י H3588
כִּ֖י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 9 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
דַלּ֣וֹנוּ low H1809
דַלּ֣וֹנוּ low
Strong's: H1809
Word #: 10 of 11
to slacken or be feeble; figuratively, to be oppressed
מְאֹֽד׃ very H3966
מְאֹֽד׃ very
Strong's: H3966
Word #: 11 of 11
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

Analysis & Commentary

O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low. This verse shifts from imprecatory prayer against enemies to penitential prayer for Israel. "Remember not" (al-tizkor-lanu, אַל־תִּזְכָּר־לָנוּ) asks God to refrain from covenant lawsuit based on accumulated guilt. "Former iniquities" (avonot rishonim, עֲוֺנוֹת רִאשֹׁנִים) acknowledges generational sin—the current generation suffers for both their own sins and accumulated guilt from ancestors' covenant violations.

The contrast "let thy tender mercies" (rachamekha, רַחֲמֶיךָ) introduces God's covenant compassion—maternal-like tenderness toward His people. "Speedily prevent us" uses qadem (קָדַם), meaning to confront, meet, anticipate—asking God's mercy to arrive quickly before complete destruction. The urgency suggests Israel teeters on extinction's edge, requiring immediate divine intervention. "Prevent" in KJV's 1611 usage means "come before" or "go before," not hinder.

"We are brought very low" (dalonu me'od, דַּלּוֹנוּ מְאֹד) describes utter depletion—physical, economic, emotional, spiritual. The verb dalal (דָּלַל) means to be thin, weak, impoverished. Israel has nothing left with which to recommend themselves; only God's mercy can save. This prepares for verse 9's appeal to God's reputation: save us not for our sake but for Your name's sake.

Historical Context

This verse reflects post-exilic or mid-exilic theology recognizing that current suffering results from accumulated covenant violations spanning generations. Daniel 9, Ezra 9, and Nehemiah 9 contain similar prayers confessing generational guilt. The appeal to divine mercy rather than justice acknowledges Israel has no legal standing before God—they've forfeited covenant privileges through persistent rebellion. Only God's undeserved compassion can restore them.

Questions for Reflection