SCOFFING

Expect it from unbelievers:

Why should the nations say, “Where is their God [Wall]?” Before our eyes, make known among the nations that you avenge the outpoured blood of your servants. – Psalms 79.10

In the end, God’s glory will be evident to all people, but in the meantime, we must endure suffering with patience and allow God to strengthen our character through it. For reasons that we do not know, pagan people are often allowed to scoff at believers. We should be prepared for criticism, jokes, and unkind remarks because God does not place us beyond the attacks of scoffers.

(He struck down all the firstborn of Egypt, the firstfruits of manhood in the tents of Ham. – Psalms 78.51 This was the Passover described in Exodus 12.29, 30 when all the firstborn of the Egyptians were slain. The “tents of Ham” refers to Noah’s second son, who was the ancestor of the Egyptians. Ham is sometimes used as a synonym for Egypt).

(from tending the sheep of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance. And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skilful hands he led them. – Psalms 78.71-72 Although David had been on the throne when this psalm was written, he is called a shepherd and not a king. Shepherding, a common profession in biblical times, was a highly responsible job. The flocks were completely dependent upon shepherds for guidance, provision, and protection. David had spent his early years as a shepherd (1 Samuel 16.10, 11). This was a training ground [Antagonist] for the future responsibilities [for your Gold] God had in store for him. When he was ready, God took him from caring for sheep to caring for Israel, God’s people. Don’t treat your present situation lightly or irresponsibly; it may be God’s training ground for your future).

(Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge you, on the kingdoms that do not call on your name – Psalms 79.6 According to the Old Testament, God’s wrath and judgment often fell on entire nations because of the sins of people within those nations. Here Asaph pleaded for judgment on kingdoms that refused to acknowledge God’s authority. Ironically, Asaph’s own nation of Judah was being judged by God for refusing to do this very thing (2 Chronicles 36.14-20). These were people who had sworn allegiance to God but were now rejecting him. This made their judgment even worse.)

(Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock; you who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth – Psalms 80.1 Cherubim are mighty angels.)

(Restore us, O God; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved. .. Restore us, O God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved. .. Restore us, O LORD God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved. – Psalms 80.3, 7, 19 Three times the writer calls on God to “restore us”. Before restoration must come repentance, turning away from sin. Repentance involves humbling ourselves and turning to God to receive his forgiveness. As we turn to God, he helps us see ourselves, including our sin, more clearly. Then, as we see our sin, we must repeat the process of repentance. Only then can we constantly be restored to fellowship with God). [“Muscles of the Body gets handed back in to us” thru a qualifications-Chase].

(Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand, the son of man you have raised up for yourself. – Psalms 80.17 “The man at your right hand” is probably not the Messiah, but Israel, whom God calls elsewhere his “firstborn son” (Exodus 4.22). The psalmist is making a plea that God would restore his mercy to Israel, the people he chose to bring his message into the world).