Chapter 79

Ps.79:1. In the end, about those who have to change, a testimony to Asaph, a psalm, to the Assyrians. In a very literal sense, the Psalmist is asking God to have mercy on the enslaved Assyrians. But in a higher sense, he prays for those who, after the crucifixion of the Lord, remain in spiritual captivity with the mental Assyrians and their prince, I mean Satan. Therefore, he brings a prayer, asking not to delay the coming of our Savior and the liberation of the entire Israeli race. Ps.79:2. Shepherd Israel out. You, Vladyka, like a shepherd who provides for the people, I beg you to heed my prayer. Ps.79:3. before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh. During the procession of the Tabernacle, three tribes walked first: Judah, Issachar and Zebulun; on the southern side followed the other three tribes: Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasi; and on the golden Cherubim at the top of the ark was the glory of God,” and she preceded them in the procession. Therefore, You, who sit on the Cherubim and precede the ark, and therefore exist before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh, grant salvation by Your almighty power. Ps.79:9. You brought grapes from Egypt. You drove out the tongues, and you planted them. For you went before the Israelites and drove out the nations from before them. Ps.79:11. Cover the mountains with His shade. The “canopy” of the vineyard is service according to the Law, because the Law has “the canopy... of good things to come” (Heb. 10:1). By “mountains” he means Mounts Shiloh and Zion; because in these two places the tabernacle was pitched. Therefore, the Psalmist does not mean anything else, but the very thing that was accomplished on these two mountains according to the Law and was the shadow of future blessings. And its branches are cedars of God. The “cedars” are the heavenly powers, and the “branches” of the vine are the prophets, who were taken up high from among the people and laid to rest among the heavenly and rational Powers. Ps.79:12. Spread your rods to the sea. “Rods” and grape branches are the name given to the entire multitude of people who occupied the entire country from the Euphrates River to the Indian Sea. Ps.79:13. Have you brought down his stronghold? His stronghold was the custody of the Angels, which God took from them. And they embrace all those passing by; because they are given over to be eaten by unclean demons, who devour their souls, depriving them of spiritual fruits. Ps.79:15. God of strength, turn. Therefore, I beg You, the Almighty Lord, to look from above at the destruction of the vineyard and heal the suffering; because his previous prosperity was granted to him by Your Providence. Ps.79:16. And do what Thy right hand has planted. Because You planted it, and then it became Ps.79:17. “burnt with fire and dug up” and he perished because You subjected him to this punishment; then “finish and”, and make ready for salvation - prepare for this through the Son of Man; for what is said: “on the Son of man” means: through the Son of man. Who is the Son of Man if not our Lord Himself, Who so calls Himself in the Gospels? Ps.79:18. Let Your hand be upon the Man of Your right hand. This is the work, that is, the salvation of the people, which is signified by the word “hand,” “let it be... upon the Man of Thy right hand,” that is, through That Man Who is Thy Right Hand. Who is this if not the Son of Man, Who is the Father’s Right Hand, although He became a man? When this is accomplished, Thy Right Hand, who is called Man and Son of Man, will save us; then Ps.79:19. we will not depart from You, as those who have partaken of Thy life and are called by Thy name, that is, Christians. Ps.79:20. Lord God of hosts, bring us back. He constantly repeats the petition for the speedy coming of the Only Begotten, who will save them. You might be interested in: