Psalms 80
Read Psalms 80 (WEB)+
1Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock, you who sit above the cherubim, shine out. 2Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh, stir up your might! Come to save us! 3Turn us again, God. Cause your face to shine, and we will be saved. 4Yahweh God of Armies, How long will you be angry against the prayer of your people? 5You have fed them with the bread of tears, and given them tears to drink in large measure. 6You make us a source of contention to our neighbors. Our enemies laugh among themselves. 7Turn us again, God of Armies. Cause your face to shine, and we will be saved. 8You brought a vine out of Egypt. You drove out the nations, and planted it. 9You cleared the ground for it. It took deep root, and filled the land. 10The mountains were covered with its shadow. Its boughs were like God’s cedars. 11It sent out its branches to the sea, Its shoots to the River. 12Why have you broken down its walls, so that all those who pass by the way pluck it? 13The boar out of the wood ravages it. The wild animals of the field feed on it. 14Turn again, we beg you, God of Armies. Look down from heaven, and see, and visit this vine, 15the stock which your right hand planted, the branch that you made strong for yourself. 16It’s burned with fire. It’s cut down. They perish at your rebuke. 17Let your hand be on the man of your right hand, on the son of man whom you made strong for yourself. 18So we will not turn away from you. Revive us, and we will call on your name. 19Turn us again, Yahweh God of Armies. Cause your face to shine, and we will be saved.
World English Bible (public domain)
“"Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved!"”
Psalms 80:3
Summary
Psalms 80 is a communal lament, where the people of Israel cry out to God for restoration. The psalmist, Asaph, begins by addressing God as the Shepherd of Israel, one who leads Joseph like a flock. This imagery evokes God's past care and guidance, urging Him to shine His face upon His people for salvation. Asaph recounts the dire state of the nation, illustrating their desolation and tears as a result of divine displeasure. He pleads with God to return, look down from heaven, and revive the vine – a metaphor for Israel – that He once nurtured and established. The psalm is steeped in covenantal language, drawing on the history of Israel's relationship with God and appealing for divine intervention. Its refrain – a cry for God to restore, save, and shine His face upon them – emphasizes their hope in God's mercy and power to deliver them from their plight.
Key Themes
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