Psalms 79:3
Their blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem; and there was none to bury them.
Psalms 79:3
The verse intensifies the lament by describing blood shed around Jerusalem “like water,” with no one to bury the dead. The imagery of blood and burial underscores the human and sacred tragedy, as well as the social breakdown that accompanies assault on a holy city. Burial is a sign of honor and mourning; its absence signals complete devastation and neglect. The line invites readers to feel the weight of loss, to understand the consequences of conquest on families, communities, and the memory of the righteous. The psalmist’s vivid language seeks to elicit an urgent response from God while also naming the severity of the crisis.
This verse reinforces the covenantal expectation that God consoles and restores in ways that reframe suffering as part of a larger redemptive arc. It emphasizes the seriousness of injustice and the obligation of the community to honor the dead and care for the living, as an outworking of God’s covenant values. It also anchors prayer in a concrete, visceral reality—acknowledging pain while pleading for divine intervention.
Practical reflections:
- In times of crisis, honor the memory of those who have suffered and work toward humane memorials and justice.
- Support burial and care practices that dignify the deceased and aid the grieving.
- Advocate for the vulnerable who bear the brunt of violence and displacement.
- Use lament as a doorway to action: identify concrete steps to serve, rebuild, and restore communities.
Cross-References: Jeremiah 9:20; Ezekiel 24:7-8; Luke 11:44; Revelation 6:9-11