Psalm 80: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Psalm 80 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The psalmist calls for divine help from the Shepherd of Israel, who leads Joseph like a flock. He asks God to stir up His might and save His people, asking Him to turn them back so that they can be saved (vv. 1-3).

Key verse

“Turn us again, God. Cause your face to shine, and we will be saved.”
Psalms 80:3 (WEB)

Outline

Psalm 80:1–3 Call for Divine Help
Psalm 80:4–6 A Cry Amid Suffering
Psalm 80:7–11 Remembrance of God's Past Care
Psalm 80:12–16 Desolation of the Vine
Psalm 80:17–19 A Hopeful Plea for Revival

Discussion questions

In v1, who is addressed as the 'Shepherd of Israel'?
What entity is called the 'God of Armies' in v4?
In vv. 8-9, how does the imagery of the vine relate to God's past actions?
In v16, what implications arise from the phrase 'They perish at your rebuke'?
When have you felt like a source of contention to those around you, as in v6?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Psalm 80: Numbers 6, John 15, Psalm 85.

Before next time: read Psalm 81.