Articles
Psalms of Captivity
Psalms of Captivity
God raised up Babylon to punish Israel for their unfaithfulness to their covenant. Babylon had destroyed their capital city and their temple and taken many of the people into captivity in Babylon. Through the prophet Jeremiah God had revealed that they would be there for 70 years and THEN He would restore them to their homeland. Through Ezekiel He had shown that He could resurrect a dead nation like He could raise a valley of dried bones. Through Daniel He had promised that there would yet be a king among them who would set up an everlasting kingdom.
So what's the problem? They are slaves in a foreign land. Even knowing the promises of God doesn't end the current heart aches. Part of this problem is that the promises will be fulfilled AFTER many of them are dead and gone. THEY won't see the promises fulfilled.
Hence we read these Psalms of a broken hearted people. I know that the titles in our English bibles are not inspired, but they are a pretty accurate summary of the content of these Psalms.
44 - 'Come to Our Help'; 74 - "Arise, O God, Defend your Cause - why have you cast off forever; 79 - "How Long O Lord"; 80 - Restore us O God; 85 - Revive Us Again.
Part of coming back to God when one has sinned involves such a longing for God. It isn't as much about the actual sin as it is that they had replaced God in their hearts with other things (idols in this particular situation). They had violated the greatest commandment: "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart…" (Deut. 6:4-5; Mark 12:29). The reason people wander away from God is a heart issue. The coming back to God is also a heart issue.
Why would anyone love God who had so brutally destroyed their country? Because even in THIS dealing with them God did so with an eye to their salvation. Even while having to mete out judgment God had said: "I have no joy in the destruction of the people" (Ezek. 18:23, 32; 33:11; 2Peter 3:9). What God desired was their walking in faithfulness with Him. His commandments were for their good. He warned, threatened, pleaded with them but all to no avail. Even after all of this He opens his arms and beckons for them to return. The word that describes this aspect of God is "steadfast love".
In the large picture, God is still operating on this level with us. Many have wandered from their first love. God has warned, threatened, and pleaded. God still desires our salvation and not our destruction. God is still offering to accept us back. Even more, God has provided the death of His Son to bring about the complete forgiveness and justification of those who have sinned.
The situation is yet the same: "if you seek me with your whole heart, you shall find me" (cp Jer. 29:13; 3:10; 24:7). What is it that is first in your heart?
Hugh DeLong
