Psalms 79:8
O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low.
Psalms 79:8
The psalmist pleads for mercy, asking God to “remember not against us former iniquities.” This is a classic plea in biblical lament: acknowledge sin, seek forgiveness, and appeal to God’s steadfast mercy. The line “let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us” expresses urgent hope—that God’s compassion intervene quickly to avert further disaster. The phrase “we are brought very low” signals total humiliation and dependence. The request to “remember” contrasts human forgetfulness with divine mercy; it is not a denial of past sins but a petition that the past would not be the last word in Israel’s story. The psalm places human memory under divine grace: God’s mercy can override the weight of collective guilt, enabling a fresh start. The historical memory is communal: sins of the nation, not just individuals, require corporate repentance and grace.
This verse centers mercy as a defining attribute of God and a means of salvation. It embraces a two-fold dynamic: recognition of sin and confidence in divine mercy. The psalmist understands that God’s mercy can outpace judgment, a theme echoed throughout Scripture (Exodus 34:6-7; Micah 7:18-20). The cry for speed invokes God’s immediacy in salvation—deliverance not only from enemies but from the spiritual consequences of sin. The verse also foreshadows New Testament themes where mercy triumphs over judgment through Christ. The insistence on mercy—“tender mercies”—highlights God’s intimate, fatherly care.
For readers today, this verse invites confession and trust. A practical approach: identify one or two recurring sins or cycles of failure in personal or community life, confess them collectively, and ask God to act swiftly with mercy—provision, healing, and renewal. When feeling overwhelmed by brokenness, we claim God’s compassion as the source of renewal. In relationships, extend mercy first: forgive debts, fast-count grudges, and seek restoration. In corporate life, leaders can initiate repentance moments—public statements acknowledging past harms, followed by concrete reforms. This verse also comforts those who feel they’ve exhausted themselves under guilt: God’s mercy can restore what was damaged, and his kindness can propel us toward a future with hope.
Cross-References: Psalm 25:6-7; Lamentations 3:22-23; Isaiah 54:7-8; Micah 7:18-19; Titus 3:5