Psalms 79:11
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 79:11
11 Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee; according to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die;
Chapter Context
Psalms 79 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of discipleship, worship, holiness. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-13: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 79:11
11 Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee; according to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die;
Analysis
Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee; according to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die; This verse shifts imagery from slaughtered dead to living prisoners awaiting execution. "Sighing" (en'qat, אֶנְקַת) derives from anaq (אָנַק), meaning groaning, sighing—the involuntary sounds of anguish too deep for words. This echoes Romans 8:26's Spirit-interpreted groans. "The prisoner" (asir, אָסִיר) refers to captives—likely exiles in Babylon or survivors facing execution.
"Come before thee" (tavo lefanekha, תָּבוֹא לְפָנֶיךָ) requests that these inarticulate groans reach God's throne as acceptable prayer. The phrase assumes God hears and cares, even when His people can't formulate coherent petitions. This reflects Hebrew anthropology: God perceives heart-cries that transcend verbal expression. The prisoners' wordless groans become liturgy ascending to heaven.
"According to the greatness of thy power" (kegodel zero'akha, כְּגֹדֶל זְרוֹעֲךָ) appeals to God's zero'a (זְרוֹעַ, arm)—symbol of divine might demonstrated in exodus (Exodus 6:6, 15:16). "Preserve those appointed to die" (hoter beney temutah, הוֹתֵר בְּנֵי תְמוּתָה) literally means "leave remaining the children of death"—those already sentenced to execution. The request is for miraculous intervention: reverse irreversible sentences, rescue those beyond human help. Only divine power can save the condemned.
Historical Context
The phrase "appointed to die" reflects the precarious existence of exiles under foreign rule. Babylonian kings held power of life and death over captive populations. Daniel 2:12-13 illustrates such arbitrary death sentences. The appeal to God's "arm" recalls exodus deliverance, drawing parallel between Egyptian bondage and Babylonian exile. Just as God's power freed Israel from Pharaoh, it can free them from Nebuchadnezzar. This typological thinking shaped Israel's hope for new exodus.
Reflection
- How does God's ability to hear inarticulate sighs and groans comfort believers facing overwhelming suffering?
- What does appealing to 'the greatness of thy power' reveal about faith's confidence in God's ability to do the humanly impossible?
- How should Christians pray for believers globally who face imminent execution for their faith?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Psalms 12:5, 69:33, 102:20, Isaiah 33:2, 42:7, Matthew 6:13