Psalm 79

“Do not remember against us our former iniquities; let your compassion come speedily to meet us, for we are brought very low” (v8).  This psalm expresses the grief of God’s people at seeing Jerusalem in ruins and the holy Temple defiled (v1-2).  God had withdrawn His protection due to Israel’s rebellion, and so the Babylonians invaded and conquered the sacred city.  God’s people cried out, “How long, O Lord?” (v5).  They prayed for mercy, knowing God would hear “the groans of the prisoners” (v11). 

“Help us, O God of our salvation … deliver us, and atone for our sins” (v9). The Lord sees the destruction caused by our sins and, when we ask, comes to deliver us.