Psalms 79:3 - A Summary and Interpretation

Verse: "They have also delivered the bodies of thy servants to the fowls of the heavens, the flesh of thy saints unto the beasts of the earth."

This verse reflects a period of great distress for the Israelites, likely relating to the aftermath of a devastating event such as the Babylonian siege. It encapsulates feelings of sorrow and loss, portraying how the bodies of God’s faithful servants were dishonored after their death, emphasizing the severity of the calamity faced by the people.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry notes that the profanation of the dead reflects a deep dishonor, showcasing the brutal consequences of sin and rebellion against God. It highlights the complete devastation of Israel's community and the mourning over lost lives.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes emphasizes the extent of the national tragedy as he explains how the unburied dead symbolize God’s displeasure. He elaborates on the grief of the survivors who witness such disgrace, linking it to their previous transgressions and the resulting divine judgment.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke interprets this verse as a lamentation over the absence of proper burial rites which were vital in Jewish culture. He connects this disgrace with the overall theme of God’s judgment against Jerusalem for its unfaithfulness.

Contextual Analysis

Psalms 79 is a communal lament that acknowledges God’s wrath and pleads for mercy and restoration. This specific verse foregrounds the humiliation faced by the faithful amidst their suffering. It emphasizes the communal pain experienced due to collective sin and estrangement from God.

Cross-Reference Verses

• Jeremiah 7:33 - "And the carcasses of this people shall be meat for the fowls of the heaven, and for the beasts of the earth."
• Ezekiel 39:17 - "And, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord God; Speak unto every feathered fowl, and to every beast of the field, Assemble yourselves, and come; gather yourselves on every side to my sacrifice that I do sacrifice for you."
• Matthew 24:28 - "For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together."
• Revelation 19:17 - "And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves unto the supper of the great God."
• Isaiah 66:24 - "And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcasses of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh."
• 1 Samuel 17:44 - "And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field."
• Lamentations 4:20 - "The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the Lord, was taken in their pits, of whom we said, Under his shadow we shall live among the heathen."
• Matthew 8:20 - "And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head."
• Psalm 22:16 - "For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet."
• Psalm 74:19 - "O deliver not the soul of thy turtle dove unto the multitude of the wicked: forget not the congregation of thy poor for ever."

Thematic Exploration

This verse can be analyzed thematically through the lens of suffering, divine punishment, and the importance of honoring the dead. By cross-referencing with other biblical texts, we see a common narrative of distress and the consequences of turning away from God.

Connections Between Bible Verses

The multitude of cross-references illustrates how different biblical passages resonate with the themes in Psalms 79:3. They depict how the fate of the ungodly and the faithful intertwine throughout scripture. Understanding these connections deepens one’s comprehension of God's justice and mercy.

Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing

To delve deeper into the connections within scripture, various resources can aid in the study:.

• Bible concordances that index words and themes.
• Bible cross-reference guides that provide thematic links.
• Cross-reference systems for systematic Bible study.
• Online tools for cross-referencing Bible verses.

Conclusion

Understanding Psalms 79:3 not only requires insight into the emotions of the psalmist but also a broader look at scriptural context and connections with other biblical verses. This deep exploration highlights the importance of honoring God and remaining steadfast in faith despite trials and tribulations.