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Day 178

Psalm 79:12a "And return to our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom..."

Day 178 – Psalm 79

“And return to our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom…” Psalm 79:12a

AN APPEAL TO AN ANCIENT TEACHING

Asaph may certainly be considered highly knowledgeable concerning the Mosaic law. In the following text he offers an imprecatory prayer, based on an application of the law of Moses.

“And return to our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom
Their reproach with which they have reproached You, O Lord.”
Psalm 79:12

1. “Neighbours”

a) This would be hostile neighbours.
b) Neighouring countries would include Edom, Moab, Syria etc.
c) Some of the prophets of God spoke to them to warn them of their sinful way (Isaiah 15, 17 etc).

2. “Return to our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom”

a) There is a definite reference to a sevenfold punishment.
b) This is not a random figure.
c) This is a reference to an old Mosaic law where God declared that He could chastise Israel up to seven-times (Leviticus 26:24).

3. “Their reproach with which they have reproached You, O Lord”

a) Asaph deemed the sins of their neighbours as worthy of severe punishment from God.
b) Their sin was to reproach the holy name of God.
c) This was far worse than merely despising Israel.

THE FINAL JUDGMENT IS IN GOD’S HANDS

Asaph had every right to plead with God to punish the wicked. How would God judge them?

1. God would of course evaluate the sins of the wicked nations.

2. He would consider a punishment befitting their sins.

3. Whether God would in fact mete out a seven-fold punishment would be something that He alone has sole prerogative! God will judge wisely and perfectly at all times.