Psalms 79:8

Remember not against us the iniquities of our forefathers (R.V.). For these sins Israel in the Exile knew that it was suffering (Lamentations 5:7), in accordance with the warnings of the law (Exodus 20:5). For the phrase cp. Jeremiah 11:10. But the next verse shews that the Psalmist does not claim that his own generation is innocent. Cp. Leviticus 26:39-40.

prevent us Come to meet us. See on Psalms 59:10. It is an appeal to the fundamental revelation of God as a merciful God (Exodus 34:6).