Do not remember against us our former iniquities; let your compassion come speedily to meet us, for we are brought very low. 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.1
The word remember is repeated throughout the Scriptures. Literally, it combines two words re + member. The prefix re connotes going back or a repetition; member, a part. Thus, going back or repeating a part, being mindful of something. The opposite would be to dis + member, to separate or to undo. In our text, Asaph was pleading to God not to recall their former iniquities (or transgressions—acts against the law).
Their fathers were a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God.2 They forgot his works and the wonders that he had shown them.3 Therefore, when the LORD heard, he was full of wrath . . . because they did not believe in God and did not trust his saving power.4 In spite of all this, they still sinned; despite his wonders, they did not believe.5
Remember, the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great work that the LORD had done for Israel. . . And there arose another generation after them who did not know the LORD or the work that he had done for Israel.6 Something is amiss, isn’t there?! They didn’t remember! Thus, they neglected to obey the fundamental command that they were given: Be very careful, therefore, to love the LORD your God.7 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children. . .8
When [God] killed them, they sought him; they repented and sought God earnestly. They remembered that God was their rock, the Most High God their redeemer.9 But we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise.10
God esteems his name; he values above all things his name and his word.11 Yet he saved them for his name’s sake, that he might make known his mighty power.12
God is constant; he doesn’t waver. God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.13 Through the cross Jesus had atoned for the sins of those who believe.14 Jesus reiterates God’s most important command, Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (an addition to emphasize the importance of the mind15) and with all your strength.16 For the Father is seeking people to worship him in spirit and truth.17
Notes:
1. Psalm 79:8-9
2. Psalm 78:8
3. Psalm 78:11
4. Psalm 78:21-22
5. Psalm 78:32
6. Judges 2:7, 10b
7. Joshua 23:11
8. Deuteronomy 6:4-9
9. Psalm 78:34-35
10. Psalm 79:13
11. Psalm 138:2
12. Psalm 106:8
13. Romans 5:8
14. 1 John 2:2, Romans 3:21-26
15. The verse was a quote from Deuteronomy 6:4-5. The soul includes the emotions, will, and mind. By inserting ‘mind’ Jesus was emphasizing its importance. Knowledge of God through the Scriptures is a prerequisite to the love and fear of God.
16. Mark 12:29-30
17. John 4:23-24
