Psalms – Chapter 79

Old Testament20 Verses

Chapter Summary

Psalms 79 opens with the words: "Unto the end, for them that shall be changed, a testimony for Asaph, a psalm." The chapter centers on Manasses and Joseph. Across its 20 verses, two threads run through the text: God's protection and deliverance and prayer. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1Unto the end, for them that shall be changed, a testimony for Asaph, a psalm.

2Give ear, O thou that rulest Israel: thou that leadest Joseph like a sheep. Thou that sittest upon the cherubims, shine forth

3Before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasses. Stir up thy might, and come to save us.

4Convert us, O God: and shew us thy face, and we shall be saved.

5O Lord God of hosts, how long wilt thou be angry against the prayer of thy servant?

6How long wilt thou feed us with the bread of tears: and give us for our drink tears in measure?

7Thou hast made us to be a contradiction to our neighbours: and our enemies have scoffed at us.

8O God of hosts, convert us: and shew thy face, and we shall be saved.

9Thou hast brought a vineyard out of Egypt: thou hast cast out the Gentiles and planted it.

10Thou wast the guide of its journey in its sight: thou plantedst the roots thereof, and it filled the land.

11The shadow of it covered the hills: and the branches thereof the cedars of God.

12It stretched forth its branches unto the sea, and its boughs unto the river.

13Why hast thou broken down the hedge thereof, so that all they who pass by the way do pluck it?

14The boar out of the wood hath laid it waste: and a singular wild beast hath devoured it.

15Turn again, O God of hosts, look down from heaven, and see, and visit this vineyard:

16And perfect the same which thy right hand hath planted: and upon the son of man whom thou hast confirmed for thyself.

17Things set on fire and dug down shall perish at the rebuke of thy countenance.

18Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand: and upon the son of man whom thou hast confirmed for thyself.

19And we depart not from thee, thou shalt quicken us: and we will call upon thy name.

20O Lord God of hosts, convert us and shew thy face, and we shall be saved.

Important Verses in Psalms 79

Convert us, O God: and shew us thy face, and we shall be saved.

Psalms 79:4

O God of hosts, convert us: and shew thy face, and we shall be saved.

Psalms 79:8

Turn again, O God of hosts, look down from heaven, and see, and visit this vineyard:

Psalms 79:15

O Lord God of hosts, convert us and shew thy face, and we shall be saved.

Psalms 79:20

Historical Context

Psalms belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for god's people at prayer in every age. Chapter 79 of 150 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 20 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. Historical attention falls on Manasses and Joseph, the principal figures named in this chapter. It opens with the line: "Unto the end, for them that shall be changed, a testimony for Asaph, a psalm." The chapter ends with: "O Lord God of hosts, convert us and shew thy face, and we shall be saved. " The wider setting of Psalms is this: The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

The poem's language was meant to be prayed aloud, giving voice to the full range of human experience before the Lord. A pivotal line is verse 4: "Convert us, O God: and shew us thy face, and we shall be saved." The passage repeatedly touches on God's protection and deliverance.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 2578).

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Psalms 79 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.
  • God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.
  • Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.

People in This Chapter

Manasses1 mentionJoseph1 mention

Reflection for Today

Sacred Scripture presents Psalms Chapter 79 as a unique stage in salvation history, not merely as background to other books.

St. Leo the Great and other Fathers of the Church meditated on texts like this one, seeing in them instruction for the spiritual life. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The passage calls believers to grasp that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him.

May your reading of Psalms Chapter 79 become true lectio divina: read the words, meditate on their meaning, respond in prayer, and rest in God's presence. Ask the Holy Spirit to show how God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him applies to your life today.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 79 about?

Psalms 79 contains 20 verses. It opens with "Unto the end, for them that shall be changed, a testimony for Asaph, a psalm." and closes with "O Lord God of hosts, convert us and shew thy face, and we shall be saved. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 79?

One of the most significant verses is verse 4: "Convert us, O God: and shew us thy face, and we shall be saved." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 79?

This chapter mentions Manasses, Joseph.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

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