Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name; deliver us, and atone for our sins, for your name’s sake!
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist asks for deliverance not just for their own sake, but explicitly "for the glory of your name." This isn't just about personal rescue; it's a plea for God to vindicate His reputation among the nations who are mocking Him and His people. The request to "atone for our sins" is also tied to this, suggesting that their sin has brought shame upon God's name, and forgiveness is needed to restore that honor.
Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name; deliver us, and atone for our sins, for your name’s sake!
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalm opens with a lament over Jerusalem's destruction and desecration by enemies who have invaded God's inheritance. The writer vividly describes the ruins and the defilement of the Temple, leading to a plea for God's intervention. This verse marks a turning point from lament to earnest petition, as the psalmist acknowledges sin as the cause and asks for deliverance and atonement, all for God's own glory.
Why would the psalmist plead with God based on God's own glory? Isn't that a bit self-serving?
In this prayer, the psalmist isn't just asking for a favor. They are appealing to God's very character and reputation. When God's people suffer and are disgraced, it reflects poorly on God's name. The enemies might even mock and say, 'Where is their God?' (Psalm 79:10).
Pleading for 'the glory of your name' means appealing to God's power, faithfulness, and the honor that is due to Him. It's saying, 'God, you are the God of salvation. Your name stands for deliverance and power. When you act on our behalf, you are proving who you truly are and upholding your own honor in the eyes of the world.' This isn't about manipulating God, but about aligning our deepest needs with His revealed character and purposes.
The verse speaks of 'atoning for our sins.' What does that really mean in the midst of such devastation?
The psalmist recognizes that their suffering isn't just a random tragedy. It's linked to sin. The Hebrew word used here, which is translated as 'purge away,' 'make atonement,' or 'cover,' fundamentally means to provide a covering or to appease.
This points to the deep need for sin to be dealt with. While the historical context might involve collective or inherited guilt (as some commentators suggest), the core idea is that sin creates a barrier between God and His people, inviting His judgment. The prayer for atonement is a plea for God to mercifully cover their sins, to deal with their guilt so that His judgment can be lifted and His deliverance can come. It’s a cry for God to rectify the broken relationship caused by sin, not just to fix the external circumstances.
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Understand the original words
yesha' · Hebrew Noun
God as the source, agent, and provider of deliverance from spiritual, physical, or historical peril. It encompasses the total act of rescuing humanity from the consequences of sin.
kabod · Hebrew Noun
The outward expression of God’s internal excellence, majesty, and character. Bringing glory to His name is the ultimate aim of all creation and redemption.
kaphar · Hebrew Verb
To cover over, reconcile, or expiate sin. In the Old Testament, it implies the removal of the barrier caused by sin to allow for a restored relationship with a holy God.
This psalm likely arose from the profound devastation of Jerusalem and the Temple during the Babylonian conquest. The prayer for help, deliverance, and atonement reflects a deep yearning for God's restoration, not just for the people's sake, but for the sake of His own glorious name, which had been seemingly dishonored by the fall of His chosen city and people.
c. 587–586 BC— this verse
Destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple
The Babylonian army under Nebuchadnezzar II conquers Jerusalem, destroys the city, and razes the First Temple. Many of the remaining Jewish population are exiled to Babylon.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Nebuchadnezzar II begins deporting Judeans, including members of the royal family and prominent citizens, to Babylon. This marks the beginning of the Babylonian Exile.
c. 6th Century BC
Babylonian Exile
A significant portion of the Jewish population lives in exile in Babylonia. During this period, many biblical texts are compiled and edited, and a profound theological reflection on Israel's identity and relationship with God occurs.
539 BC
Cyrus the Great Conquers Babylon
Cyrus of Persia defeats the Babylonians, allowing exiled peoples, including the Judeans, to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples.
c. 516 BC
Completion of the Second Temple
The Second Temple in Jerusalem is completed and dedicated, marking a significant step in the restoration of Jewish religious life after the exile.
This verse directly echoes the psalmist's plea, asking God to relent 'for the glory of your name' to prevent the Egyptians from saying God brought Israel out to destroy them.
Ezekiel 36:22God declares He will act for His own name's sake, not because Israel deserves it, but to sanctify His name among the nations, mirroring the psalmist's appeal to God's honor.
Romans 15:5-6Paul prays for unity, that believers might glorify God together, reflecting the psalmist's desire for God's glory to be vindicated through His people's deliverance.
1 John 1:9This verse speaks to the cleansing from sin, paralleling the psalmist's cry for atonement for sins, emphasizing God's faithfulness and righteousness in forgiving.
clarkePsalms 79:9: "Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake."
Purge away our sins - כפר capper, be propitiated, or receive an atonement (על חטאתינו al chattotheynu) on account of our sins.
pulpitPsalms 79:9: "Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake."
Verse 9. - Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy Name. The calamities suffered have not extinguished all faith or hope. God is still the God of Israel's salvation, i.e. the God from whom alone salvation can be obtained and may be expected. He is entreated to come to Israel's aid, not for their sakes, as they are wholly undeserving, but for his…
The psalmist asks for deliverance not just for their own sake, but explicitly "for the glory of your name." This isn't just about personal rescue; it's a plea for God to vindicate His reputation among the nations who are mocking Him and His people. The request to "atone for our sins" is also tied to this, suggesting that their sin has brought shame upon God's name, and forgiveness is needed to restore that honor.
The psalm opens with a lament over Jerusalem's destruction and desecration by enemies who have invaded God's inheritance. The writer vividly describes the ruins and the defilement of the Temple, leading to a plea for God's intervention. This verse marks a turning point from lament to earnest petition, as the psalmist acknowledges sin as the cause and asks for deliverance and atonement, all for God's own glory.
The psalm opens with a lament over Jerusalem's destruction and desecration by enemies who have invaded God's inheritance. The writer vividly describes the ruins and the defilement of the Temple, leading to a plea for God's intervention. This verse marks a turning point from lament to earnest petition, as the psalmist acknowledges sin as the cause and asks for deliverance and atonement, all for God's own glory.
"Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name; deliver us, and atone for our sins, for your name’s sake!" — The psalmist asks for deliverance not just for their own sake, but explicitly "for the glory of your name." This isn't just about personal rescue; it's a plea for God to vindicate His reputation amon…
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Last reviewed October 2026