Psalms 80
Psalm 80 is a heartfelt prayer for restoration offered by the Israelite community to God. As a representative 'corporate lament,' within the trials and suffering Israel faces, it pleads for God's mercy and salvation. The whole can be divided into three main parts.
- Verses 1-3: Asking God, the Shepherd, for the restoration of Israel
- Verses 4-7: Laying before God Israel's suffering and appealing for help
- Verses 8-19: Recalling Israel's history through the 'vine' metaphor and requesting salvation once again
1verseFor the Chief Musician. To the tune of “The Lilies of the Covenant.” A Psalm by Asaph. Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock, you who sit above the cherubim, shine out.
2verseBefore Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, stir up your might! Come to save us!
3verseTurn us again, God. Cause your face to shine, and we will be saved.
4verseLORD God of Armies, how long will you be angry against the prayer of your people?
5verseYou have fed them with the bread of tears, and given them tears to drink in large measure.
6verseYou make us a source of contention to our neighbors. Our enemies laugh among themselves.
7verseTurn us again, God of Armies. Cause your face to shine, and we will be saved.
8verseYou brought a vine out of Egypt. You drove out the nations, and planted it.
9verseYou cleared the ground for it. It took deep root, and filled the land.
10verseThe mountains were covered with its shadow. Its boughs were like God’s cedars.
11verseIt sent out its branches to the sea, its shoots to the River.
12verseWhy have you broken down its walls, so that all those who pass by the way pluck it?
13verseThe boar out of the wood ravages it. The wild animals of the field feed on it.
14verseTurn again, we beg you, God of Armies. Look down from heaven, and see, and visit this vine,
15versethe stock which your right hand planted, the branch that you made strong for yourself.
16verseIt’s burned with fire. It’s cut down. They perish at your rebuke.
17verseLet your hand be on the man of your right hand, on the son of man whom you made strong for yourself.
18verseSo we will not turn away from you. Revive us, and we will call on your name.
19verseTurn us again, LORD God of Armies. Cause your face to shine, and we will be saved.
The Flow and Meaning of the Text
The psalmist mentions the 'Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh' that represent the northern kingdom of Israel (verse 2) and appeals for God's guidance and restoration. The vine metaphor (verses 8-16) follows with a lament that God called Israel out of Egypt and 'planted' it, but now it has been devastated by outsiders.
The main refrain of the text is repeated three times (verses 3, 7, and 19): "O God, restore us; let your face shine upon us, that we may be saved." This expresses faith that confesses that only God is the true agent of restoration.
Meditation Points
- You can learn from the attitude of the psalm writer who cries out to God amid communal suffering.
- In the repeating prayer, you can focus on the posture of seeking God's face.
- You can reflect on the meaning of God's planted 'vine' and on the plea that desires the restoration of that vine.
Apply It to Yourself
- When an individual or a community is faced with difficulty, you can offer a prayer that asks for God's help proactively.
- In your faith life, you can apply the habit of praying for God's face (presence, grace) to everyday living.
- Remember that your life is the 'vine' entrusted into God's hands, and you can cultivate a heart that relies on the One who grants restoration and growth.
