Bible Commentaries
Psalms 80

Introduction

PSALM 80

:-. Shoshannim—"Lilies" (see on :-, title). Eduth—Testimony, referring to the topic as a testimony of God to His people (compare :-). This Psalm probably relates to the captivity of the ten tribes, as the former to that of Judah. Its complaint is aggravated by the contrast of former prosperity, and the prayer for relief occurs as a refrain through the Psalm.

Verse 1

1, 2. Joseph—for Ephraim (1 Chronicles 7:20-29; Psalms 78:67; Revelation 7:8), for Israel.

Shepherd—(Compare Revelation 7:8- :).

leadest, c.— (Revelation 7:8- :).

dwellest . . . cherubim— (Exodus 25:20) the place of God's visible glory, whence He communed with the people (Exodus 25:20- :).

shine forth—appear (Psalms 50:2; Psalms 94:1).

Verse 2

2. Before Ephraim, c.—These tribes marched next the ark ( :-). The name of Benjamin may be introduced merely in allusion to that fact, and not because that tribe was identified with Israel in the schism ( :- compare also :-).

Verse 3

3. Turn us—that is, from captivity.

thy face to shine— ( :-).

Verse 4

4. be angry—(Compare Margin.)

Verse 5

5. bread of tears—still an Eastern figure for affliction.

Verse 6

6. strife—object or cause of (Isaiah 9:11). On last clause compare Psalms 79:4; Ezekiel 36:4.

Verse 8

8-11. brought—or, "plucked up," as by roots, to be replanted.

a vine— ( :-). The figure (Isaiah 16:8) represents the flourishing state of Israel, as predicted (Isaiah 16:8- :), and verified (Isaiah 16:8- :).

Verse 12

12. hedges— ( :-).

Verse 13

13. The boar—may represent the ravaging Assyrian and

the wild beast—other heathen.

Verse 14

14, 15. visit this vine—favorably (Psalms 8:4).

Verse 15

15. And the vineyard—or, "And protect or guard what thy right hand," c.

the branch—literally, "over the Son of man," preceding this phrase, with "protect" or "watch."

for thyself—a tacit allusion to the plea for help for

Verse 16

16. it—the "vine" or

they—the "people" are suffering from Thy displeasure.

Verse 17

17. thy hand . . . upon—that is, strengthen (Ezra 7:6; Ezra 8:22).

man of . . . hand—may allude to Benjamin (Genesis 35:18). The terms in the latter clause correspond with those of Genesis 35:18- :, from "and the branch," &c., literally, and confirm the exposition given above.

Verse 18

18. We need quickening grace (Psalms 71:20; Psalms 119:25) to persevere in Thy right worship (Genesis 4:26; Romans 10:11).

Verse 19

19. (Compare :-, "O God"; :-, "O God of hosts").