Psalm 79 - Obey His Will, Psalm 80 Sheep in the Flock

 

Psalm 79 – Obey His Will

 

Asaph is lamenting the invasion of the enemy. He had several concerns.

The temple was defiled, the city destroyed, and the people killed. God permitted these things to happen to His inheritance! But God would rather destroy His inheritance than to allow His people to sin and rebel.

The corpses and ruins bore witness to something that the world needed to know; God is holy and does not tolerate disobedience. Asaph confessed the sins of the nation and asked God to honor His name before the nations.

He said, “Pour out your wrath”, “avenge our blood”. Years later, that prayer was answered, and God punished Babylon for the way she treated Israel.

God’s people are “Your servants” and “Your saints” “the sheep of Your pasture”. Care for them, Lord! Deliver them! God did care for them, but He also chastened them so that they might learn to obey His will.

When you want God to be harder on others that He is on you, it is time to start seeing your sins the way God sees them.

 

Psalm 80 – Sheep in the Flock

 

Asaph prayed for the restoration and illumination of God’s people by the shining of God’s face.

Israel was like a flock of sheep led by God. We are Hs people and the sheep of His pasture. But they were wayward sheep who would not follow the Shepherd. So, instead of enjoying green pastures and still waters, they endured tears and the reproach of the enemy.

This parallels Isaiah 5 and our Lord’s parables in Matt. 21:28-46. Israel was a fruitful vineyard until she turned from the Lord and began to worship of the gods of the nations. God used those very nations to discipline His people and destroy the Vineyard.

God’s people today are sheep in the flock (John 10) and branches in the vine (John 15). Do not take your blessings for granted. He is seeking faithfulness and fruitfulness.

 

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J. Vernon McGee Commentary and Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary.

Dr. David Jeremiah.