Psalms 79:12

“And render unto our neighbours seven fold into their bosom, ec.] Not seven fold for one, as the Targum paraphrases it, or a seven fold punishment for one sin; but that he would recompense their sins, or punish for them, and take vengeance on them, largely, abundantly, though not beyond measure, or exceeding the rules of justice; (see <010415>Genesis 4:15 <420638> Luke 6:38), the reproach with which they have reproached thee, O Lord; by denying his being, or calling in question his perfections of power, truth, and goodness, to help his people; speaking ill of his providence, despising his word and ordinances, and even reproaching his people in reproaching him, (<198950>Psalm 89:50,51), and…”

“And render unto our neighbors - That is, the neighbors who had reproached them; the surrounding people who had seen these calamities come upon them, and who had regarded these calamities as proof that their God was unable to protect them, or that they were suffering under his displeasure. See the notes at Psalms 79:4. “Sevenfold.” Seven times the amount of reproach which they have heaped upon us. The word seven is often used to denote many, as seven was one of the perfect numbers. The idea is that of complete or full vengeance. Compare Genesis 4:15, Genesis 4:24; Proverbs 6:31; Isaiah 30:26; Matthew 18:21-22; Luke 17:4. Into their bosom ... - Perhaps the allusion here is to the custom of…”

“79:12 The Exile resulted in national suffering and in individual searching for the Lord. • pay back: See 1:6; 94:2; Jer 32:18. • The expression seven times signifies something complete. • Israel’s neighbors included Edom, Moab, and Ammon (see Ps 137:7; 2 Kgs 24:2; Obad 1).”

“render: Gen 4:15; Lev 26:21, Lev 26:28; Isa 65:5-7; Jer 32:18; Luk 6:38 wherewith: See note on Psa 44:16, and see note on Psa 74:18-22. Psalms 79:13”