Then we Your people, the sheep of Your pasture, will thank You forever; from generation to generation we will declare Your praise. Then we Your people, the sheep of Your pastureThis phrase identifies the Israelites as God's chosen people, a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament. The metaphor of sheep and shepherd is prevalent in biblical literature, symbolizing guidance, care, and protection. In ancient Near Eastern culture, shepherds were responsible for the well-being of their flock, reflecting God's role as a protector and provider. This imagery is echoed in Psalm 23 and John 10:11, where Jesus is described as the Good Shepherd, indicating a typology of Christ as the ultimate shepherd of His people. will thank You forever from generation to generation we will declare Your praise Persons / Places / Events 1. AsaphThe author of Psalm 79, Asaph was a prominent Levite singer and seer in David's court, known for his role in temple worship and his contributions to the Psalms. 2. Israelites Referred to as "Your people" in the verse, the Israelites are God's chosen people, often depicted as sheep under God's care. 3. Sheep of Your Pasture This metaphor represents the Israelites as dependent on God for guidance, protection, and sustenance, emphasizing their relationship with Him as their Shepherd. 4. Generations The verse speaks to the continuity of faith and worship, highlighting the importance of passing down the knowledge and praise of God through successive generations. 5. Jerusalem While not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of Psalm 79 involves the destruction of Jerusalem, which is the backdrop for the lament and plea for restoration. Teaching Points God as Our ShepherdRecognize and embrace the role of God as our Shepherd, who provides, guides, and protects us in all circumstances. Perpetual Gratitude Cultivate a heart of gratitude that extends beyond immediate circumstances, committing to thank God forever. Generational Faithfulness Emphasize the importance of passing down faith and the accounts of God's faithfulness to future generations. Praise as a Testimony Understand that our praise is not only an act of worship but also a testimony to others of God's goodness and faithfulness. Community Identity Acknowledge our identity as part of God's people, which calls us to live in unity and purpose as His flock. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the imagery of God as a shepherd in Psalm 79:13 enhance your understanding of His relationship with His people?2. In what ways can you incorporate gratitude into your daily life, reflecting the commitment to thank God forever as mentioned in the verse? 3. How can you actively participate in passing down the knowledge and praise of God to the next generation? 4. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's guidance and protection. How can sharing this testimony encourage others in their faith journey? 5. Considering the broader context of Psalm 79, how does the promise of future praise and gratitude provide hope in times of distress or difficulty? Connections to Other Scriptures Psalm 23This well-known psalm also uses the imagery of God as a shepherd, providing a comforting and guiding presence for His people. John 10:11-16 Jesus refers to Himself as the Good Shepherd, drawing a direct connection to the Old Testament imagery of God as the shepherd of His people. 1 Peter 2:25 Peter speaks of believers as sheep who have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of their souls, reinforcing the theme of divine guidance and care. Exodus 34:30-31 The Israelites are described as God's people, His inheritance, emphasizing their special relationship with Him. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 The command to teach God's commandments to future generations aligns with the call in Psalm 79:13 to recount God's praise from generation to generation.
People Asaph, Jacob, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics 80, Asaph, Chief, Eduth, Flock, Forever, Forth, Generation, Generations, Glory, Musician, Pasture, Praise, Praising, Psalm, Recount, Sheep, Shew, Shoshanim, ThanksDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 79:13 1220 God, as shepherd Library The Attack on the Scriptures[Illustration: (drop cap B) A Greek Warrior] But troubled times came again to Jerusalem. The great empires of Babylon and Assyria had passed away for ever, exactly as the prophets of Israel had foretold; but new powers had arisen in the world, and the great nations fought together so constantly that all the smaller countries, and with them the Kingdom of Judah, changed hands very often. At last Alexander the Great managed to make himself master of all the countries of the then-known world. Alexander … Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making How they are to be Admonished who Lament Sins of Deed, and those who Lament Only Sins of Thought. Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire Until the Collapse of the Western Empire and the First Schism Between the East and the West, or Until About A. D. 500 The Formation of the Old Testament Canon A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial. Psalms Links Psalm 79:13 NIVPsalm 79:13 NLT Psalm 79:13 ESV Psalm 79:13 NASB Psalm 79:13 KJV Psalm 79:13 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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