What is the meaning of Psalm 79:8?

Do not hold past sins against us

- The psalmist pleads for God’s mercy over judgment, leaning on His covenant faithfulness.

- Similar cries appear in Psalm 25:7, “Remember not the sins of my youth or my rebellious ways…”.

- God promises forgiveness when His people confess, as in 1 John 1:9 and Isaiah 43:25.

- The request reflects confidence that the Lord “has not dealt with us according to our sins” (Psalm 103:10–12).

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let Your compassion come quickly

- The appeal is for immediate relief, acknowledging God’s tenderness.

- Lamentations 3:22–23 reminds us, “Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed… His compassions never fail.”

- Psalm 86:15 affirms, “You, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness”.

- In times of distress, believers echo the urgency of Hebrews 4:16, drawing near to the throne of grace “to receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

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for we are brought low

- The nation feels crushed under discipline, exile, and enemies (Psalm 79’s context).

- Humility under affliction is common in Scripture: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit” (Psalm 51:17).

- God responds to the lowly: “Though the LORD is on high, He attends to the lowly” (Psalm 138:6); “Humble yourselves… and He will exalt you” (1 Peter 5:6).

- Acknowledging weakness invites divine strength, echoed in 2 Corinthians 12:9.

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summary

Psalm 79:8 is a heartfelt plea for mercy, urgently requesting forgiveness of former sins, a swift outpouring of God’s compassion, and relief from a humbled, beleaguered state. It teaches believers to confess sin openly, rely on God’s steadfast love, and trust that He lifts those who sincerely acknowledge their need.