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Day 177

Psalm 79:11a "Let the groaning of the prisoner come before You..."

Day 177 – Psalm 79

“Let the groaning of the prisoner come before You…” Psalm 79:11a

SOME WERE STILL ALIVE

Many were slain by the Babylonians. King Nebuchadnezzar launched three attacks against Jerusalem. Only on the third attack did Jerusalem fall (586 BC). While little could be done for the dead except to lament for them, there were some who were still alive.

“Let the groaning of the prisoner come before You;
According to the greatness of Your power
Preserve those who are appointed to die.”
Psalm 79:11

1. “Let the groaning of the prisoner come before You”

a) This is pitiful.
b) Would God not take pity on the prisoner(s)?

2. “According to the greatness of Your power preserve those who are appointed to die”

a) There is a strong appeal to the power of God.
b) Could He preserve those who were appointed to die?

A CLASSIC EXAMPLE

The Scriptures record the classic example of how God heard the groaning of one prisoner (2 Chronicles 33:11-20).

1. King Manasseh was one of the most wicked kings Judah ever had (2 Chronicles 33:1-9).

2. He committed many grave and wicked sins against God.

3. He was then taken prisoner to Babylon.

4. In Babylon, as a prisoner, he repented and cried out for forgiveness.

5. In God’s great mercy, Manasseh escaped death and was allowed to return to Jerusalem to rule.

6. Manasseh never forgot this and sought to reform the nation.

7. In King Manasseh this text (Psalm 79:11) was literally fulfilled. God had heard the cry of Manasseh and had preserved his life.

A GREAT CHALLENGE

Asaph was sending out an important message to all his readers. There is hope in the midst of the greatest of tribulations! The challenge was to seek God in prayer. No effort must be spared. Every dark doubt must be fought with faith in God.