Psalm 80:17
Let Your hand be upon the man at Your right hand, on the son of man You have raised up for Yourself.
Let Your hand be upon
The phrase "Let Your hand be upon" signifies divine favor and protection. In the Hebrew context, the "hand" often symbolizes power and authority. The imagery of God's hand resting upon someone suggests a bestowal of strength, guidance, and blessing. Historically, this reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice where a king's hand upon a subject indicated favor and empowerment. Spiritually, it is a plea for God's active involvement and support in the life of the individual or nation.

the man at Your right hand
The "right hand" is a position of honor and authority. In biblical times, sitting at the right hand of a king was a place of privilege and power. This phrase can be seen as a messianic reference, pointing to Jesus Christ, who is often described in the New Testament as seated at the right hand of God (e.g., Hebrews 1:3). Theologically, it underscores the belief in Christ's divine authority and His role as an intercessor for humanity.

the son of man
The term "son of man" is a significant biblical phrase with deep roots in both the Old and New Testaments. In Hebrew, "ben adam" can simply mean a human being, emphasizing the humanity of the individual. However, in a messianic context, it points to Jesus Christ, who frequently used this title for Himself, highlighting both His humanity and His divine mission. This duality is central to Christian theology, affirming Christ's role as both fully human and fully divine.

You have raised up for Yourself
The phrase "You have raised up for Yourself" indicates divine selection and purpose. In the Hebrew tradition, God raising someone up implies a calling or anointing for a specific mission or task. This can be seen in the lives of biblical figures like David, who was chosen and elevated by God to fulfill His purposes. In a messianic sense, it reflects the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus Christ, whom God raised up to accomplish the work of salvation. This underscores the belief in God's sovereign plan and His active role in the redemption of humanity.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Man at Your Right Hand
This phrase is often interpreted as a reference to a leader or king, possibly a messianic figure. In Christian theology, it is seen as a prophetic reference to Jesus Christ, who is seated at the right hand of God.

2. The Son of Man
This term is used in the Old Testament to refer to a human being, but in the New Testament, it becomes a title for Jesus Christ, emphasizing His humanity and His role as the Messiah.

3. God's Right Hand
Symbolically represents power, authority, and favor. In the context of this Psalm, it signifies divine support and empowerment.

4. The Psalmist (Asaph)
The author of Psalm 80, who is pleading for God's intervention and restoration for Israel.

5. Israel's Distress
The historical context of the Psalm is a time of national crisis for Israel, possibly during the Assyrian or Babylonian invasions.
Teaching Points
Divine Empowerment
God empowers those He chooses for His purposes. Just as the Psalmist prays for God's hand to be upon the leader, we should seek God's empowerment in our lives to fulfill His will.

Messianic Fulfillment
Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of this verse. Recognizing Him as the "Son of Man" and the one at God's right hand strengthens our faith in His divine authority and role as Savior.

Intercession for Leadership
Pray for leaders, both spiritual and political, that God's hand would guide and support them. This is crucial for the well-being of communities and nations.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
In times of distress, like Israel faced, trust in God's sovereign plan and His ability to raise up leaders for His purposes.

Identity in Christ
As believers, we are called to be "raised up" for God's purposes. Reflect on how you can align your life with God's calling and mission.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of God's "right hand" in Psalm 80:17 enhance our understanding of divine authority and support?

2. In what ways does the title "Son of Man" deepen our understanding of Jesus' role and mission as described in the New Testament?

3. How can we apply the concept of divine empowerment in our personal lives and ministries today?

4. What are some practical ways we can intercede for our leaders, asking for God's guidance and support?

5. Reflect on a time of personal or communal distress. How can Psalm 80:17 encourage you to trust in God's sovereignty and His ability to raise up leaders for His purposes?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 110:1
This verse also speaks of the "right hand" and is frequently cited in the New Testament as a messianic prophecy fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Daniel 7:13-14
The "Son of Man" is given authority and dominion, a vision that aligns with the messianic interpretation of Psalm 80:17.

Hebrews 1:3
Describes Jesus as sitting at the right hand of the Majesty on high, connecting to the imagery of divine authority and favor.
A Prayer for the MessiahBp. Cowper.Psalm 80:17
Christ Made Strong for GodJ. Allan.Psalm 80:17
God's RedemptionC. Short Psalm 80:1-19
The Almighty in Relation to Erring ManHomilistPsalm 80:1-19
The God that Dwelleth Between the CherubimsJ. S. Broad, M. A.Psalm 80:1-19
The Mercy-SeatJ. Parsons.Psalm 80:1-19
The Relative DeityHomilistPsalm 80:1-19
The Word God Means the Shining OneCynddylan Jones.Psalm 80:1-19
People
Asaph, Benjamin, Joseph, Manasseh, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Hast, Madest, Raised, Strengthened, Strong, Thyself
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 80:17

     2221   Christ, Son of Man
     2233   Son of Man

Psalm 80:1-19

     8149   revival, nature of

Psalm 80:8-17

     4534   vine

Psalm 80:8-19

     4458   grape

Psalm 80:17-19

     8151   revival, corporate

Library
One Antidote for Many Ills
This morning's sermon, then will be especially addressed to my own church, on the absolute necessity of true religion in our midst, and of revival from all apathy and indifference. We may ask of God multitudes of other things, but amongst them all, let this be our chief prayer: "Lord, revive us; Lord, revive us!" We have uttered it in song; let me stir up your pure minds, by way of remembrance, to utter it in your secret prayers, and make it the daily aspiration of your souls. I feel, beloved, that
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

Dishonest Tenants
'And He began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country. 2. And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard. 3. And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty. 4. And again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Blessing of God.
NUMB. VI. 22-27. We have already seen the grace of GOD making provision that His people, who had lost the privilege of priestly service, might draw near to Him by Nazarite separation and consecration. And not as the offence was the free gift: those who had forfeited the privilege of priestly service were the males only, but women and even children might be Nazarites; whosoever desired was free to come, and thus draw near to GOD. We now come to the concluding verses of Numb. vi, and see in them one
James Hudson Taylor—Separation and Service

Period iii. The Critical Period: A. D. 140 to A. D. 200
The interval between the close of the post-apostolic age and the end of the second century, or from about 140 to 200, may be called the Critical Period of Ancient Christianity. In this period there grew up conceptions of Christianity which were felt by the Church, as a whole, to be fundamentally opposed to its essential spirit and to constitute a serious menace to the Christian faith as it had been commonly received. These conceptions, which grew up both alongside of, and within the Church, have
Joseph Cullen Ayer Jr., Ph.D.—A Source Book for Ancient Church History

The Wicked Husbandmen.
"Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: and when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

Discourse on the Good Shepherd.
(Jerusalem, December, a.d. 29.) ^D John X. 1-21. ^d 1 Verily, verily, I say to you [unto the parties whom he was addressing in the last section], He that entereth not by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. [In this section Jesus proceeds to contrast his own care for humanity with that manifested by the Pharisees, who had just cast out the beggar. Old Testament prophecies were full of declarations that false shepherds would arise to
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Homiletical.
Twenty-four homilies on miscellaneous subjects, published under St. Basil's name, are generally accepted as genuine. They are conveniently classified as (i) Dogmatic and Exegetic, (ii) Moral, and (iii) Panegyric. To Class (i) will be referred III. In Illud, Attende tibi ipsi. VI. In Illud, Destruam horrea, etc. IX. In Illud, Quod Deus non est auctor malorum. XII. In principium Proverbiorum. XV. De Fide. XVI. In Illud, In principio erat Verbum. XXIV. Contra Sabellianos et Arium et Anomoeos.
Basil—Basil: Letters and Select Works

Rules to be Observed in Singing of Psalms.
1. Beware of singing divine psalms for an ordinary recreation, as do men of impure spirits, who sing holy psalms intermingled with profane ballads: They are God's word: take them not in thy mouth in vain. 2. Remember to sing David's psalms with David's spirit (Matt. xxii. 43.) 3. Practise St. Paul's rule--"I will sing with the spirit, but I will sing with the understanding also." (1 Cor. xiv. 15.) 4. As you sing uncover your heads (1 Cor. xi. 4), and behave yourselves in comely reverence as in the
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Shepherd of Our Souls.
"I am the good Shepherd: the good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep."--John x. 11. Our Lord here appropriates to Himself the title under which He had been foretold by the Prophets. "David My servant shall be king over them," says Almighty God by the mouth of Ezekiel: "and they all shall have one Shepherd." And in the book of Zechariah, "Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, and against the man that is My fellow, saith the Lord of Hosts; smite the Shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered."
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

Farewell Discourse to Disciples.
(Jerusalem. Evening Before the Crucifixion.) ^D John XIV.-XVI. ^d 1 Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me. [That one should betray him and one should deny him, that all should be offended, and that the Lord should depart, raised anxieties which Jesus here seeks to quiet. That they should go out as homeless wanderers without the presence of their Lord and be subjected to persecution, was also in their thoughts. But Jesus sustains their spirits by appealing to them to
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Barren Fig-Tree;
OR, THE DOOM AND DOWNFALL OF THE FRUITLESS PROFESSOR: SHOWING, THAT THE DAY OF GRACE MAY BE PAST WITH HIM LONG BEFORE HIS LIFE IS ENDED; THE SIGNS ALSO BY WHICH SUCH MISERABLE MORTALS MAY BE KNOWN. BY JOHN BUNYAN 'Who being dead, yet speaketh.'--Hebrews 11:4 London: Printed for J. Robinson, at the Golden Lion, in St. Paul's Churchyard, 1688. This Title has a broad Black Border. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. This solemn, searching, awful treatise, was published by Bunyan in 1682; but does not appear
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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