79. A Lament for Jerusalem. Nations invaded the land God gave them and defiled the temple. People left for dead were consumed by wild animals, there was no one to bury them. Asaph asked God to save them. He asked God to make himself known so that no one could doubt He was there. He prayed that God would punish those who had contempt for Him. Then they would praise Him forever and ever.
80. A Call for God to Rescue His People from Their Calamities. Asaph asked God to awaken and restore them so they would be saved. He had brought them out of Egypt and cleared the towns for them to move into. But then things got ruined when the people forgot God. He asked God to revive them and they would call on His name again.
81. God's Goodness and Israel's Waywardness. Sing and shout to God with joy and thanksgiving! Play music and sound the ram's horn when the moon is new and again when it is full. God had rescued them from Egypt and tested them at Meribah (Numbers 29:9-13) They had heard God tell them to listen and obey and not to have other gods before Him, to trust Him and He would meet all their needs. But some people chose not to obey Him and they continued in their wicked ways - their punishment would last forever. If they obeyed God, He would feed them the finest wheat and honey.
82. Unjust Judgements Rebuked. Asaph made a political statement with this Psalm. Even in the presence of God, the judges and magistrates showed partiality to the wicked. He asked them to do right by those less fortunate and not allow them to be taken advantage by the wicked. Asaph knew that wicked people know nothing and understand nothing and walk in darkness. They had been seduced by the power of their office and held themselves to be like gods. But they would die like everyone else.
Tomorrow read Psalms 83-86
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