Side by side
Psalm 80
Our plain-language guide next to the Bible text. Each row lines up one section with the verses it explains.
Section 1: Restore UsVerses 1 to 3
"Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, who leads Joseph like a flock; You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth" (80:1).
God is addressed as a shepherd leading his flock — a picture of tender care.
"Restore us, O God, and cause Your face to shine upon us, that we may be saved" (80:3).
The shining face of God is a sign of favor and blessing. The people need it now.
1For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Lilies of the Covenant.” A Psalm of Asaph. Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, who leads Joseph like a flock; You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth 2before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh. Rally Your mighty power and come to save us. 3Restore us, O God, and cause Your face to shine upon us, that we may be saved.
Section 2: How Long?Verses 4 to 7
"O LORD God of Hosts, how long will Your anger smolder against the prayers of Your people?" (80:4).
The prayers have not stopped. But neither has the trouble. How long?
"Restore us, O God of Hosts, and cause Your face to shine upon us, that we may be saved" (80:7).
The refrain returns, louder: now God of Hosts — LORD of armies and powers.
4O LORD God of Hosts, how long will Your anger smolder against the prayers of Your people? 5You fed them with the bread of tears and made them drink the full measure of their tears. 6You make us contend with our neighbors; our enemies mock us. 7Restore us, O God of Hosts, and cause Your face to shine upon us, that we may be saved.
Section 3: The VineVerses 8 to 16
"You uprooted a vine from Egypt; You drove out the nations and transplanted it" (80:8).
Israel is the vine. God brought it from Egypt, cleared the land, and planted it.
But now: "Why have You broken down its walls, so that all who pass by pick its fruit?" (80:12).
"Return, O God of Hosts, we pray! Look down from heaven and see! Attend to this vine—" (80:14).
8You uprooted a vine from Egypt; You drove out the nations and transplanted it. 9You cleared the ground for it, and it took root and filled the land. 10The mountains were covered by its shade, and the mighty cedars with its branches. 11It sent out its branches to the Sea, and its shoots toward the River. 12Why have You broken down its walls, so that all who pass by pick its fruit? 13The boar from the forest ravages it, and the creatures of the field feed upon it. 14Return, O God of Hosts, we pray! Look down from heaven and see! Attend to this vine— 15the root Your right hand has planted, the son You have raised up for Yourself. 16Your vine has been cut down and burned; they perish at the rebuke of Your countenance.
Section 4: Revive UsVerses 17 to 19
"Let Your hand be upon the man at Your right hand, on the son of man You have raised up for Yourself" (80:17).
The son of man here was Israel's king. Christians hear Jesus, the Son of Man, in these words.
"Then we will not turn away from You; revive us, and we will call on Your name" (80:18).
"Restore us, O LORD God of Hosts; cause Your face to shine upon us, that we may be saved" (80:19).
The final refrain is the fullest: LORD God of Hosts. The plea reaches its highest note.
17Let Your hand be upon the man at Your right hand, on the son of man You have raised up for Yourself. 18Then we will not turn away from You; revive us, and we will call on Your name. 19Restore us, O LORD God of Hosts; cause Your face to shine upon us, that we may be saved.
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