1 To the chief Musician upon ShoshannimEduth, A Psalm of Asaph. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest [between] the cherubims, shine forth.
2 Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh stir up thy strength, and come [and] save us.
3 Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.
4 O LORD God of hosts, how long wilt thou be angry against the prayer of thy people?
5 Thou feedest them with the bread of tears; and givest them tears to drink in great measure.
6 Thou makest us a strife unto our neighbours: and our enemies laugh among themselves.
7 Turn us again, O God of hosts, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.
8 Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt: thou hast cast out the heathen, and planted it.
9 Thou preparedst [room] before it, and didst cause it to take deep root, and it filled the land.
10 The hills were covered with the shadow of it, and the boughs thereof [were like] the goodly cedars.
11 She sent out her boughs unto the sea, and her branches unto the river.
12 Why hast thou [then] broken down her hedges, so that all they which pass by the way do pluck her?
13 The boar out of the wood doth waste it, and the wild beast of the field doth devour it.
14 Return, we beseech thee, O God of hosts: look down from heaven, and behold, and visit this vine;
15 And the vineyard which thy right hand hath planted, and the branch [that] thou madest strong for thyself.
16 [It is] burned with fire, [it is] cut down: they perish at the rebuke of thy countenance.
17 Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand, upon the son of man [whom] thou madest strong for thyself.
18 So will not we go back from thee: quicken us, and we will call upon thy name.
19 Turn us again, O LORD God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.
Overview of Psalm 80
Psalm 80 is a communal lament that expresses the deep longing of the Israelites for restoration and divine intervention. The psalmist appeals to God, asking for His attention and mercy as the people face distress and adversity. The imagery of a shepherd and the vine is prevalent, illustrating the relationship between God and His people, as well as their current state of suffering.
Thematic Elements
- Divine Shepherding: The psalm begins with a plea for God, depicted as a shepherd, to lead and restore His flock.
- National Lament: The communal nature of the lament emphasizes collective suffering and the need for divine intervention.
- Imagery of the Vine: The metaphor of Israel as a vine illustrates both their past glory and current desolation.
- Call for Restoration: The repeated requests for God to “restore us” highlight the urgency and desperation of the people.
Structure and Literary Devices
- Address to God (Verses 1-3):
The psalm opens with a direct appeal to God, invoking His role as the shepherd of Israel. The repetition of “restore us” sets the tone for the entire chapter.
- Imagery of the Vine (Verses 4-8):
Here, the psalmist reflects on Israel’s past as a flourishing vine, emphasizing the transformation from prosperity to ruin.
- Desperation and Plea (Verses 9-13):
The imagery shifts to the destruction of the vine, symbolizing the suffering of the people and their need for God’s intervention.
- Final Plea for Restoration (Verses 14-19):
The chapter concludes with a renewed call for God to restore His people, emphasizing the need for divine favor and intervention.
Theological Implications
Psalm 80 raises important theological questions about the nature of God’s relationship with His people, particularly in times of crisis. It reflects the belief in God’s sovereignty and His ability to restore and save. The psalm also highlights the importance of communal prayer and the collective nature of suffering and hope within the faith community.
Historical Context
This psalm likely reflects a time of national crisis for Israel, possibly during the Assyrian invasion or another period of significant turmoil. The imagery and themes resonate with the experiences of exile and longing for restoration, making it relevant not only in its historical context but also for future generations facing their own challenges.
Conclusion
Psalm 80 serves as a powerful reminder of the human condition, the need for divine assistance, and the hope for restoration. Its rich imagery and communal lamentation continue to resonate with readers, offering a profound expression of faith amidst adversity.
