Psalm 80 Study Bible

◄ Psalm 80 ►

Summary

Hear Us, O Shepherd of Israel

Psalm 80 serves as a poignant reminder that even in times of profound distress, we must maintain our faith in divine providence. It encourages us to earnestly seek God's face, reflecting on His past mercies, and affirms that turning to God in faith and obedience will lead to restoration and salvation.

Verses 1-3: Plea to the Shepherd of Israel

In the opening lines, the Psalmist implores the Shepherd of Israel, who is enthroned between the cherubim, to hear his plea. He calls upon God to awaken His might and save them, asking for His face to shine upon them so they may be saved.

Verses 4-7: Acknowledgment of God's Wrath

Here, the psalmist recognizes God's anger towards His people, lamenting the sadness and distress they experience. Once again, the plea for God's shining face and salvation is reiterated, showing the persistence of their faith and longing for restoration.

Verses 8-13: Recollection of God's Past Favors

The psalmist recalls how God had once made Israel flourish like a vine brought out of Egypt, a vineyard whose branches extended to the sea and beyond. This recollection serves to remind God of His past favor and their historic relationship.

Verses 14-19: Final Plea and Promise of Allegiance

Asaph concludes the Psalm with a renewed plea for God's intervention, asking Him to protect what His right hand has planted. He promises unwavering devotion to God from His people, stating that they will never turn away from Him if He restores them. He ends with a third repetition of his initial plea: for God's face to shine upon them that they may be saved.

Psalm 80 is a heartfelt prayer for restoration by the psalmist, Asaph. It's a passionate plea for God's mercy and intervention in times of tribulation, showcasing a deep longing for God's presence. The Psalm captures the essence of divine-human interaction, depicting a fervent plea from Israel for God to end their suffering and restore them as in the past, and thus serves as a reminder of God's omnipotence and mercy.

Teaching Points

God as Shepherd
The psalm begins with a plea to the Shepherd of Israel (Psalm 80:1), highlighting God's role as a caring and guiding leader. This imagery reminds us of God's intimate involvement in the lives of His people.

Divine Presence and Power
The psalmist calls upon God to shine forth and stir up Your strength (Psalm 80:1-2). This reflects a deep yearning for God's manifest presence and power to be evident among His people.

Refrain of Restoration
The repeated refrain, Restore us, O God; cause Your face to shine upon us, that we may be saved (Psalm 80:3, 7, 19), emphasizes the central theme of restoration and the need for God's favor.

Vineyard Imagery
The psalm uses the metaphor of a vine to describe Israel (Psalm 80:8-16). This imagery illustrates God's past care and the current plight of His people, serving as a call for divine intervention.

Messianic Hope
The reference to the son of man whom God has strengthened for Himself (Psalm 80:17) can be seen as a foreshadowing of the coming Messiah, who would ultimately fulfill God's promise of restoration.

Practical Applications

Seek God's Presence
Like the psalmist, we should earnestly seek God's presence in our lives, recognizing that His favor and guidance are essential for our well-being.

Pray for Restoration
In times of personal or communal distress, we can echo the psalmist's prayer for restoration, trusting in God's ability to renew and save.

Trust in God's Care
The imagery of God as a shepherd and caretaker of the vine encourages us to trust in His ongoing care and provision, even when circumstances seem dire.

Hope in Christ
As Christians, we can find hope in the fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus Christ, the ultimate son of man who brings restoration and salvation.

People

1. Shepherd of Israel
This refers to God, who is depicted as the shepherd leading and caring for the people of Israel. The imagery of God as a shepherd is rooted in the Hebrew word "רֹעֶה" (ro'eh), which conveys guidance and protection.

2. Joseph
Joseph represents the tribes of Israel, particularly the northern tribes, as he was one of the patriarchs whose descendants formed part of the nation. The mention of Joseph highlights the historical and covenantal relationship between God and the people of Israel.

3. Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh
These are the tribes of Israel, descendants of Joseph and Benjamin. They are mentioned together, possibly because of their geographical proximity or historical alliances. The Hebrew roots of these names connect them to the broader narrative of the tribes of Israel.

4. Son of Man
This term is used in a messianic sense, referring to a figure who is expected to restore and lead Israel. In the Hebrew context, "בֶּן אָדָם" (ben adam) can mean a human being but is often interpreted in Christian theology as a reference to the Messiah.

5. Vine
While not a person, the vine is a metaphor for Israel, planted and nurtured by God. The imagery of the vine is significant in biblical literature, symbolizing growth, fruitfulness, and the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Places

1. Israel
Referred to as the nation or people whom God shepherds. The name "Israel" comes from the Hebrew "Yisra'el," meaning "God contends" or "one who struggles with God."

2. Joseph
Symbolically represents the Northern Kingdom of Israel, often referred to as Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin, the tribes descended from Joseph. The name "Joseph" in Hebrew is "Yosef," meaning "He will add."

3. Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh
These are the tribes mentioned in verse 2, representing the Northern Kingdom. Ephraim and Manasseh were sons of Joseph, and Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob. Their mention highlights the plea for restoration and divine favor.

4. Vine out of Egypt
This metaphorical reference in verse 8 alludes to the Israelites being brought out of Egypt. "Egypt" in Hebrew is "Mitzrayim," which historically refers to the land of bondage from which God delivered the Israelites.

5. The Sea
Mentioned in verse 11, it symbolizes the western boundary of the Promised Land. The Hebrew word for sea is "Yam," often referring to the Mediterranean Sea.

6. The River
Also in verse 11, this likely refers to the Euphrates River, symbolizing the eastern boundary of the land promised to Israel. The Hebrew word is "Nahar," which can denote a large river.

Events

1. Invocation of God as Shepherd (Verse 1)
The psalm begins with a call to God, described as the "Shepherd of Israel," to listen and lead His people. The imagery of God as a shepherd is rooted in the Hebrew word "רֹעֶה" (ro'eh), emphasizing guidance and care.

2. Appeal for Divine Presence (Verse 2)
The psalmist asks God to "shine forth" before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, tribes that represent the northern kingdom of Israel. This plea for God's presence is a request for His active intervention.

3. Petition for Restoration (Verse 3)
A repeated refrain throughout the psalm, "Restore us, O God, and cause Your face to shine upon us, that we may be saved," highlights the central theme of seeking God's favor and restoration.

4. Lament Over God's Anger (Verses 4-6)
The psalmist laments that God is angry with the prayers of His people, describing their suffering and tears as their "bread" and "drink," indicating a state of distress and divine displeasure.

5. Metaphor of the Vine (Verses 8-11)
Israel is likened to a vine brought out of Egypt and planted by God. This metaphor, rooted in the Hebrew word "גֶּפֶן" (gefen), illustrates God's past care and the flourishing of Israel under His protection.

6. Destruction and Vulnerability (Verses 12-13)
The psalmist questions why God has broken down the walls of the vineyard, leaving it vulnerable to passersby and wild animals, symbolizing the nation's exposure to enemies.

7. Call for Divine Attention and Action (Verses 14-15)
The psalmist implores God to "return" and "look down from heaven" to care for the vine, emphasizing a need for divine intervention to restore and protect Israel.

8. Prayer for the Man at God’s Right Hand (Verse 17)
The psalmist prays for God's hand to be upon "the man of Your right hand," interpreted by some as a messianic reference, seeking strength and support for a leader or deliverer.

9. Final Plea for Restoration (Verse 19)
The psalm concludes with a reiteration of the refrain, "Restore us, O LORD God of Hosts; cause Your face to shine upon us, that we may be saved," underscoring the hope for divine restoration and salvation.

Connections to Additional Scriptures

John 10:11-14
Jesus as the Good Shepherd, echoing the shepherd imagery in Psalm 80.

Isaiah 5:1-7
The vineyard of the Lord, paralleling the vine imagery in Psalm 80.

2 Chronicles 7:14
A call for God's people to humble themselves and seek His face for healing and restoration.

John 15:1-5
Jesus as the true vine, connecting to the vine imagery and emphasizing the importance of abiding in Him.

Prayer Points

Pray for God's Presence
Ask God to make His presence known in your life and the lives of those around you.

Intercede for Restoration
Pray for personal and communal restoration, seeking God's intervention in areas of brokenness.

Trust in God's Care
Thank God for His role as a shepherd and caretaker, and ask for increased trust in His provision.

Hope in Christ's Fulfillment
Praise God for the fulfillment of His promises through Jesus and pray for a deeper understanding of His redemptive work.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Psalm 80 reflect the human condition during times of extreme hardship?

2. Discuss the significance of the repeated request: "Make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved".

3. How does the metaphor of the vineyard illustrate Israel's relationship with God?

4. How can the Psalmist's acceptance of God's anger inform our response to suffering today?

5. In what ways can the themes of Psalm 80 be applied in your life currently?

6. How does the psalmist's continual call for God's intervention demonstrate faith and resilience?

7. What does Psalm 80 suggest about God's relationship with His people, and how can that be reflected in your personal relationship with God?

8. How does the Psalmist leverage past deliverances to plea for current intervention?

9. How can you embody the same unwavering devotion that the Psalmist promises to God in the face of adversity?

10. What does the reference to the "Son of Man" in verse 17 suggest about Messianic hopes in Israel?

11. In what ways can we relate the Psalmist's prayers for restoration to modern prayers for societal or personal healing?

12. How does the Psalmist balance acknowledging God's wrath and pleading for His mercy?

13. Discuss the significance of the tribes mentioned in Psalm 80. What might they represent?

14. How does Psalm 80 challenge us to reflect on our spiritual journey?

15. How might you use the concepts in this Psalm to offer comfort to someone in a difficult situation?

16. How does the repeated refrain (verses 3, 7, 19) serve to structure and emphasize the key message of the Psalm?

17. Explore the role of divine intervention in both the narrative of Psalm 80 and in your personal life.

18. How can Psalm 80 serve as a model for your own prayers during times of hardship?

19. What does the idea of God as a shepherd mean to you, and how does it provide comfort in times of uncertainty?

20. How does Psalm 80 offer a perspective on the role of suffering and deliverance in spiritual growth?

Topics

1. Invocation of the Shepherd of Israel
The psalm begins with a call to God as the Shepherd of Israel, asking Him to lead and save His people. The imagery of God as a shepherd is rooted in the Hebrew word "רֹעֶה" (ro'eh), emphasizing guidance and care.
^"Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, who leads Joseph like a flock; You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth."^ (Psalm 80:1)

2. Plea for Divine Restoration
The psalmist repeatedly asks God to restore and save them, highlighting a deep desire for divine intervention. The Hebrew word "שׁוּב" (shuv) is used, meaning to return or restore.
^"Restore us, O God, and cause Your face to shine upon us, that we may be saved."^ (Psalm 80:3)

3. Lament over God's Anger
The community laments God's anger and the resulting suffering, seeking His compassion. The Hebrew word "עָשַׁן" (ashan) is used to describe God's anger as smoke, indicating intensity.
^"O LORD God of Hosts, how long will Your anger smolder against the prayers of Your people?"^ (Psalm 80:4)

4. Description of Israel's Plight
The psalmist describes the dire situation of Israel, using vivid imagery to convey their distress and need for deliverance.
^"You have fed them with the bread of tears and made them drink their full measure of tears."^ (Psalm 80:5)

5. Metaphor of the Vine
Israel is depicted as a vine brought out of Egypt, planted, and once flourishing, now in need of protection and restoration. The vine metaphor is significant in Hebrew scripture, symbolizing God's people.
^"You uprooted a vine from Egypt; You drove out the nations and transplanted it."^ (Psalm 80:8)

6. Call for God's Attention and Action
The psalmist calls on God to look down from heaven and take action to save the vine, emphasizing urgency and dependence on divine intervention.
^"Return, O God of Hosts, we pray; look down from heaven and see; attend to this vine."^ (Psalm 80:14)

7. Hope for the Son of Man
The psalmist expresses hope in the "son of man" whom God has strengthened, a term that can be seen as a messianic reference. The Hebrew "בֶּן־אָדָם" (ben-adam) is used, often interpreted as a reference to humanity or a specific deliverer.
^"Let Your hand be upon the man at Your right hand, the son of man You have raised up for Yourself."^ (Psalm 80:17)

8. Commitment to Faithfulness
The psalm concludes with a vow of faithfulness and a final plea for restoration, underscoring the community's commitment to God if He delivers them.
^"Then we will not turn away from You; revive us, and we will call on Your name."^ (Psalm 80:18)

Themes

1. Divine Shepherding and Guidance
Psalm 80 opens with a plea to God as the Shepherd of Israel: "Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, You who lead Joseph like a flock" (Psalm 80:1). The imagery of God as a shepherd underscores His role in guiding and protecting His people, drawing from the Hebrew root "רָעָה" (ra'ah), meaning to tend or shepherd.

2. God's Sovereign Power and Presence
The psalmist calls upon God's might and presence: "You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth" (Psalm 80:1). This theme emphasizes God's sovereign rule and His dwelling among His people, reflecting the Hebrew concept of "שָׁכַן" (shakan), to dwell or abide.

3. Restoration and Salvation
A recurring plea in the psalm is for restoration: "Restore us, O God; cause Your face to shine upon us, that we may be saved" (Psalm 80:3). The Hebrew word "שׁוּב" (shuv), meaning to return or restore, highlights the desire for renewal and divine favor.

4. Divine Anger and Human Suffering
The psalmist acknowledges God's anger and the resulting suffering: "O LORD God of Hosts, how long will Your anger smolder against the prayers of Your people?" (Psalm 80:4). This theme reflects the tension between divine justice and mercy, with "אַף" (aph) indicating anger or wrath.

5. Vineyard Metaphor for Israel
Israel is depicted as a vine brought out of Egypt: "You uprooted a vine from Egypt; You drove out the nations and planted it" (Psalm 80:8). This metaphor, rooted in the Hebrew "כֶּרֶם" (kerem), meaning vineyard, illustrates God's care and cultivation of His chosen people.

6. Desolation and Plea for Protection
The psalmist laments the desolation of the vineyard: "Why have You broken down its walls, so that all who pass by pick its fruit?" (Psalm 80:12). This theme of vulnerability and the need for divine protection is central to the psalm's cry for help.

7. Messianic Hope and the Son of Man
The psalmist looks forward to a future deliverer: "Let Your hand be upon the man at Your right hand, the son of man You have raised up for Yourself" (Psalm 80:17). This theme anticipates the coming of a messianic figure, with "בֶּן אָדָם" (ben adam) pointing to a human agent of God's salvation.

8. Covenant Relationship and Faithfulness
The psalm concludes with a commitment to faithfulness: "Then we will not turn away from You; revive us, and we will call on Your name" (Psalm 80:18). This theme underscores the covenant relationship between God and His people, emphasizing loyalty and divine revival.

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