Texts in Conversation
Psalm 74 and Psalm 79 describe God following the same rules about honor that people do. Foreign attacks are a public insult to God’s reputation, and God’s honor is at stake. The repair of his reputation becomes the motivation for redemption.
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Psalm 74:22
Hebrew Bible
20 Remember your covenant promises, for the dark regions of the earth are full of places where violence rules. 21 Do not let the afflicted be turned back in shame. Let the oppressed and poor praise your name. 22 Rise up, O God. Defend your honor. Remember how fools insult you all day long. 23 Do not disregard what your enemies say or the unceasing shouts of those who defy you.
Date: 6th-3rd Centuries B.C.E. (based on scholarly estimates)
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Psalm 79:9
Hebrew Bible
8 Do not hold us accountable for the sins of earlier generations. Quickly send your compassion our way, for we are in serious trouble. 9 Help us, O God, our deliverer! For the sake of your glorious reputation, rescue us. Forgive our sins for the sake of your reputation. 10 Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Before our very eyes may the shed blood of your servants be avenged among the nations.
Date: 6th-3rd Centuries B.C.E. (based on scholarly estimates)
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Notes and References
"... The argumenta ad deum in Psalm 79 are very similar to those of Psalm 74. The psalm starts by mentioning the harm caused to God, not the suffering of the people of Jerusalem ... the suffering of the people is heavy (Psalm 79:2–3, 11). However, as the supplicants need argumenta ad deum, they describe the raids as directed against God. Not only Psalm 74, but also Psalm 79:9 shows that God’s reputation is at stake ‘because of the glory of your name’ and ‘for the sake of your name’. The fact that the other nations say ‘Where is their God?’ (Psalm 79:10) must also be a reason for God to intervene ..."
* The use of references are not endorsements of their contents. Please read the entirety of the provided reference(s) to understand the author's full intentions regarding the use of these texts.
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