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Day 173

Psalm 79:7a "For they have devoured Jacob..."

Day 173 – Psalm 79

“For they have devoured Jacob…” Psalm 79:7a

LODGING A VALID COMPLAINT

Asaph was not being petty or petulant when he prayed that God would judge the wicked nations. He was in fact lodging a complaint to the Lord in the Divine Court of Justice.

“For they have devoured Jacob,
And laid waste his dwelling place.”
Psalm 79:7

1. “Jacob”

a) This word was used in a number of ways:-
i) It was used to describe the historical Jacob, the twin brother of Esau (Genesis 25:25-26).
ii) Jacob was later given the name “Israel” by God Himself (Genesis 35:10).
b) Symbolic use (Prophets and Psalms).
i) “Jacob” was used hinting at sinfulness.
ii) This word was also used to hint at “weakness”.

2. “For they have devoured Jacob”

a) There was a silent admission of the sins of Jacob.
b) There was a subtle appeal to the fact that Jacob was weak compared to the mighty Babylonians.
c) The weak nation of Jacob (Israel) was being bullied (devoured) by powerful and wicked enemies.

3. “And laid waste his dwelling place”

a) Dwelling place- This was a reference to the land of Israel (in general).
b) Used in this context- A reference to the humble home (dwelling place) of Jacob (and his children).
c) “Laid waste”
i) Total destruction.
ii) Jerusalem was totally ruined by the enemies.