Psalm 79 (78):11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Let the cries of those imprisoned come before Your sight. It is difficult for anyone to grasp that the righteous were bound by their oppressors; even when such instances occur amid immense suffering, they are rare, leading one to wonder why the prophet chose to highlight this in his verse. In truth, the true chains are the frailty and decay of the body, which burden the spirit. Through this frailty, a tool for various pains and trials, the adversary could sway the soul toward wickedness. The Apostle longed to be liberated from these chains and to dwell with Christ, yet he acknowledged the necessity of remaining in the flesh for the sake of those to whom he preached the Gospel.

Through the might of Your power, provide for the offspring of the fallen. By the strength of Your might, deliver those who have survived death. See v. 10.

This perspective is often expressed by proponents of Origen’s teachings, who suggest that the phrase ‘Breath of the fettered’ refers to angels confined within physical bodies. They liken this to prisoners whose chains prevent them from running freely, asserting that our bodies similarly confine souls, or angels, and force them downward. Whose words support this view? “Unhappy am I, man, who shall deliver me from this body of death?” (Rom. 7:24). Similarly, in expressing “I desire to be delivered and to be with Christ” (Phil. 1:23), it reflects a longing to return to Christ.

I implore You to turn Your gaze upon those who, despite being alive, are burdened by shackles and are anticipating death. Please do not allow our people to face annihilation, but rather deliver the children of the deceased and bring forth a new generation from them.

May the groaning of the bound reach Your presence. May the lamentations of the Jewish people in bondage and exile come before You, O Lord, so that Your anger may turn towards our favor. In accordance with the magnitude of Your strength, provide for the offspring of those who have perished. Preserve, says the Lord, the children of the fallen Jews, whether they are those who have managed to escape or those who remain in captivity; for as immense as Your might, referred to here as strength, so shall be the assistance You offer them.

Not through chains of iron, but through the bonds of sin, for each individual is ensnared by the shackles of their transgressions. This is what the prophet implores, that his lament might reach God's ears, paving the way for what follows. 'By the might of Thy power preserve the offspring of the departed.' The power of the Father designated here is Christ, as we have repeatedly noted, revealed through the profound wonders of His theophany, specifically the cross and resurrection. The prophet petitions God not for the departed themselves, but for their descendants; the departed were those who lacked faith in the continuation of life beyond this world, while their descendants, who received the message from the apostles, were numerous.

For this reason, we earnestly ask You to rescue us from the trials ahead, so that the foolish nations may not declare that You are either powerless or afraid, or that You are unaware of the suffering endured by Your people. Demonstrate Your righteousness, that they may receive just retribution for the unjust bloodshed, and that all may witness alongside us Your fair judgment that has come upon those who have harmed Your servants. In this way, let the retribution for the innocent blood that was shed be known among all nations. We also beseech You to look mercifully upon those who, although still living, are bound in chains and await death each day, prompting them to cry out to You, so that their groaning may reach You.

David, inspired by the Holy Spirit, composed this psalm and entrusted it to Asaph, the leader of the singers, so that he could express a prophetic wail regarding the impending destruction of Jerusalem due to the invasions from the defiant tribes that would later occur. It also includes a cry of sorrowful intercession to God from the faithful Church amidst their afflictions. The term "Gentiles" refers to those linked with idolatry, while "God's treasure" signifies the devoted Christian believers.

Provide for the offspring of those who have fallen. Your adversaries have struck down numerous of your servants; at a minimum, preserve those who still remain.