Psalms 80
BSB1 Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, who leads Joseph like a flock; You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth 2 before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh. Rally Your mighty power and come to save us. 3 Restore us, O God, and cause Your face to shine upon us, that we may be saved. 4 O LORD God of Hosts, how long will Your anger smolder against the prayers of Your people? 5 You fed them with the bread of tears and made them drink the full measure of their tears. 6 You make us contend with our neighbors; our enemies mock us. 7 Restore us, O God of Hosts, and cause Your face to shine upon us, that we may be saved. 8 You uprooted a vine from Egypt; You drove out the nations and transplanted it. 9 You cleared the ground for it, and it took root and filled the land. 10 The mountains were covered by its shade, and the mighty cedars with its branches. 11 It sent out its branches to the Sea, and its shoots toward the River. 12 Why have You broken down its walls, so that all who pass by pick its fruit? 13 The boar from the forest ravages it, and the creatures of the field feed upon it. 14 Return, O God of Hosts, we pray! Look down from heaven and see! Attend to this vine— 15 the root Your right hand has planted, the son You have raised up for Yourself. 16 Your vine has been cut down and burned; they perish at the rebuke of Your countenance. 17 Let Your hand be upon the man at Your right hand, on the son of man You have raised up for Yourself. 18 Then we will not turn away from You; revive us, and we will call on Your name. 19 Restore us, O LORD God of Hosts; cause Your face to shine upon us, that we may be saved.
Study Notes — Psalms 80
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Psalms 80
- Themes from Psalms 80
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Psalms 80
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with a call to God to stir up His might and come to save His people, Israel (Psalms 80:1-3). The psalmist then expresses the pain and suffering of God's people, who have been fed with the bread of tears and given tears to drink (Psalms 80:4-6). He also recounts how God had brought His people out of Egypt and planted them in the promised land, but now they are being destroyed by their enemies (Psalms 80:7-13). The psalmist then cries out to God to turn again and have mercy on them, and to give them life that they may call upon His name (Psalms 80:14-19).
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of the Book of Psalms, which is a collection of poems and songs that express the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of God's people. The chapter is likely set in a time of trouble and affliction, when God's people are crying out to Him for help and rescue. The psalmist is calling on God to restore and revive His people, and to give them life and salvation.
Heart Application
This chapter calls us to seek God's face and to cry out to Him in times of trouble and affliction. It reminds us that God is our restorer and reviver, and that He is the giver of life and salvation. As we reflect on this chapter, let us turn to God and seek His presence and glory, and let us trust in His power and mercy to deliver us from all our troubles.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is a prayer for God's restoration and revival of His people. The psalmist is crying out to God to turn again and have mercy on them, and to give them life and salvation. As we read this chapter, let us remember that God is our restorer and reviver, and that He is the giver of life and salvation. Let us turn to Him and seek His presence and glory, and let us trust in His power and mercy to deliver us from all our troubles (Psalms 80:3, 14).
Voices from the Church
“The cry of the church is, "Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved." This is the cry of the believer in every age, and it is the cry that God delights to hear.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The psalmist is not asking for a mere external restoration, but for a spiritual renewal that comes from the heart. He is crying out to God to give him a new heart and a new spirit, that he may be able to serve God and follow His ways.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction: A Call to God (Psalms 80:1-3) — The psalmist begins by calling on God to stir up His might and come to save His people, Israel.
- The Pain and Suffering of God's People (Psalms 80:4-6) — The psalmist expresses the pain and suffering of God's people, who have been fed with the bread of tears and given tears to drink.
- The History of God's People (Psalms 80:7-13) — The psalmist recounts how God had brought His people out of Egypt and planted them in the promised land, but now they are being destroyed by their enemies.
- A Cry for Restoration and Revival (Psalms 80:14-19) — The psalmist cries out to God to turn again and have mercy on His people, and to give them life and salvation.
- Conclusion: A Prayer for God's Presence (Psalms 80:19) — The psalmist concludes by calling on God to let His face shine, that His people may be saved.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- This chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all things, and that He is the one who restores and revives His people. As the psalmist says, "Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved" (Psalms 80:3).
- The Importance of Prayer
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of prayer in seeking God's help and rescue in times of trouble and affliction. The psalmist is crying out to God to turn again and have mercy on His people, and to give them life and salvation.
- The Necessity of Repentance
- The chapter implies that repentance is necessary for God's people to experience restoration and revival. The psalmist is calling on God to turn again and have mercy on His people, which suggests that they have turned away from Him and need to return.
- The Promise of Salvation
- The chapter teaches that God is the giver of life and salvation, and that He is the one who delivers His people from all their troubles. As the psalmist says, "Let your face shine, that we may be saved" (Psalms 80:3).
Lessons from Psalms 80
- The Importance of Seeking God's Face — This chapter teaches that seeking God's face and crying out to Him in times of trouble and affliction is essential for experiencing restoration and revival.
- The Power of Prayer — The chapter emphasizes the importance of prayer in seeking God's help and rescue in times of trouble and affliction.
- The Necessity of Repentance — The chapter implies that repentance is necessary for God's people to experience restoration and revival.
- The Promise of Salvation — The chapter teaches that God is the giver of life and salvation, and that He is the one who delivers His people from all their troubles.
- The Importance of Trusting in God's Sovereignty — The chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all things, and that He is the one who restores and revives His people.
Themes from Psalms 80
- Restoration and Revival — This chapter is a call to God to restore and revive His people, Israel. The psalmist is crying out to God to turn again and have mercy on them, and to give them life and salvation.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all things, and that He is the one who restores and revives His people.
- The Importance of Prayer — The chapter emphasizes the importance of prayer in seeking God's help and rescue in times of trouble and affliction.
- The Necessity of Repentance — The chapter implies that repentance is necessary for God's people to experience restoration and revival.
- The Promise of Salvation — The chapter teaches that God is the giver of life and salvation, and that He is the one who delivers His people from all their troubles.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways that you can seek God's face and cry out to Him in times of trouble and affliction?
- How does the image of the vine in Psalms 80:8-13 help you to understand your relationship with God?
- What are some ways that you can trust in God's power and mercy to deliver you from all your troubles?
- How does the promise of salvation in Psalms 80:3 give you hope and comfort in times of difficulty?
- What are some ways that you can apply the teachings of this chapter to your life and ministry?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction: A Call to God (Psalms 80:1-3)
| 80:1 | The psalmist begins by calling on God to stir up His might and come to save His people, Israel. |
| 80:2 | The psalmist is crying out to God to come and save them, and to lead them in triumph over their enemies. |
| 80:3 | The psalmist is calling on God to restore them and let His face shine, that they may be saved. |
2. The Pain and Suffering of God's People (Psalms 80:4-6)
| 80:4 | The psalmist expresses the pain and suffering of God's people, who have been fed with the bread of tears and given tears to drink. |
| 80:5 | The psalmist is crying out to God to turn again and have mercy on them, and to give them life and salvation. |
| 80:6 | The psalmist is saying that God has made them a strife to their neighbors, and that they have been given tears to drink. |
3. The History of God's People (Psalms 80:7-13)
| 80:7 | The psalmist recounts how God had brought His people out of Egypt and planted them in the promised land. |
| 80:8 | The psalmist is saying that God had cast out the nations and planted His people in the promised land. |
| 80:9 | The psalmist is saying that God had prepared the ground for them, and that they had taken root and filled the land. |
| 80:10 | The psalmist is saying that the mountains were covered with the shadow of their branches, and that their boughs were like the cedars of God. |
| 80:11 | The psalmist is saying that their branches had gone out to the sea, and that their shoots had gone out to the river. |
| 80:12 | The psalmist is saying that God had cast them off, and that they had been destroyed by their enemies. |
| 80:13 | The psalmist is crying out to God to turn again and have mercy on them, and to give them life and salvation. |
4. A Cry for Restoration and Revival (Psalms 80:14-19)
| 80:14 | The psalmist is crying out to God to turn again and have mercy on them, and to give them life and salvation. |
| 80:15 | The psalmist is saying that God had brought a vine out of Egypt, and that He had cast out the nations and planted it. |
| 80:16 | The psalmist is saying that the vine had been burned with fire, and that it had been cut down by the hand of God. |
| 80:17 | The psalmist is crying out to God to let His hand be upon the man of His right hand, and upon the son of man whom He had made strong for Himself. |
| 80:18 | The psalmist is saying that they would not turn back from God, and that they would call upon His name. |
| 80:19 | The psalmist is crying out to God to turn again and have mercy on them, and to give them life and salvation. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of Psalms 80?
The main theme of Psalms 80 is the call for God's restoration and revival of His people, Israel. The psalmist is crying out to God to turn again and have mercy on them, and to give them life and salvation (Psalms 80:3, 14).
What is the significance of the vine in Psalms 80:8-13?
The vine in Psalms 80:8-13 is a symbol of God's people, Israel. It represents the idea that God's people are planted and nurtured by Him, and that they are dependent on Him for life and growth (Psalms 80:8-13).
How does the chapter relate to Christ?
The chapter points to Christ as the true vine who gives life to His people (Psalms 80:14-15, John 15:1-5). The psalmist's cry for restoration and revival is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who is the restorer of God's people and the giver of life and salvation.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 80:1 → Psalms 74:1 | Both Psalms 80:1 and Psalms 74:1 call on God to stir up His might and come to save His people. |
| 2 | Psalms 80:3 → Numbers 6:25 | The phrase "let your face shine" in Psalms 80:3 is reminiscent of the priestly blessing in Numbers 6:25, where God is asked to make His face shine upon His people. |
| 3 | Psalms 80:8 → Isaiah 5:1-7 | The image of the vine in Psalms 80:8 is similar to the image of the vineyard in Isaiah 5:1-7, where God is said to have planted a vineyard but it had produced only bad grapes. |
| 4 | Psalms 80:14 → John 15:1-5 | The image of the vine in Psalms 80:14 is fulfilled in Christ, who is the true vine who gives life to His people (John 15:1-5). |
| 5 | Psalms 80:17 → Psalms 118:16 | The phrase "the son of man" in Psalms 80:17 is reminiscent of the phrase "the right hand of the Lord" in Psalms 118:16, where God is said to have worked salvation for His people. |
| 6 | Psalms 80:19 → Deuteronomy 30:3 | The phrase "turn again" in Psalms 80:19 is similar to the phrase "return and obey" in Deuteronomy 30:3, where God is said to have promised to restore His people if they would return to Him. |
| 7 | Psalms 80:1 → Hebrews 13:20-21 | The call to God to stir up His might and come to save His people in Psalms 80:1 is fulfilled in Christ, who is the great Shepherd of the sheep (Hebrews 13:20-21). |
| 8 | Psalms 80:3 → 2 Corinthians 4:6 | The phrase "let your face shine" in Psalms 80:3 is reminiscent of the phrase "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God" in 2 Corinthians 4:6, where God is said to have shone in the hearts of His people to give them the light of the knowledge of His glory. |
| 9 | Psalms 80:14 → Ephesians 2:10 | The image of the vine in Psalms 80:14 is fulfilled in Christ, who is the true vine who gives life to His people (Ephesians 2:10). |
| 10 | Psalms 80:19 → Revelation 21:3 | The phrase "turn again" in Psalms 80:19 is reminiscent of the phrase "God will wipe away every tear" in Revelation 21:3, where God is said to have promised to restore His people and wipe away every tear from their eyes. |
Sermons on Psalms 80
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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When Wales Caught the Fire of the Holy Ghost - the 1904 Welsh Revival by Brian Green | In this sermon transcript, the speaker recounts the story of a man named Evan who embarked on a journey to spread his faith without any resources or support. Despite the challenges |
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Pray Along With Agonizing Prayer by Andrew Strom | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for revival and urges the audience to pray for it. They express concern that if people simply go back to their normal lives after a |
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The Power of the Holy Spirit by J. Edwin Orr | In this sermon, the preacher uses various illustrations to convey his message. He starts by talking about a farmer and his tractor, highlighting the importance of having the right |
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The Violent Overthrow of God's House by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, Pastor David speaks about the violent overthrow of God's house, referencing the story of Jesus entering the temple in Jerusalem. The city was moved by Jesus' presen |
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Going Up to Zion by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the presence of God in the worship of Israel. The people of Israel expected and called for a powerful manifestation of God |
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Abiding in Christ by Gareth Evans | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of going to meet politicians at the airport to discuss the purchase of a white ship for ministering to first-time offenders |
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The Impossibility of the Christian Life by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of running to Christ through the word of God for every problem and thirst we have. He highlights the superficiality of our fai |
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The Ark of God by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon delves into the story of David and the ark of God, highlighting the consequences of mishandling holy things, the importance of obedience over sacrifice, and the need fo |
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The Heavenly Calling - Part 15 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the preacher begins by asking a rhetorical question about the usefulness of a vine branch from the forest. He emphasizes that the branch is only fit for fuel and ca |
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Lessons Learned From Korah's Rebellion by Alan Martin | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of repentance and understanding the wrath of God. He refers to a story in Numbers where the earth opens up and swallows rebellio |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 80
This chapter is a call to God to restore and revive His people, Israel. The psalmist is crying out to God to turn again and have mercy on them, and to give them life and salvation. As Matthew Henry says, "The church is planted, but it is in danger of being plucked up; the people are in a suffering state, but they are not forsaken by their God." The chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all things, and that He is the one who restores and revives His people. It emphasizes the importance of prayer and repentance, and it points to Christ as the true vine who gives life to His people. As Henry says, "The Son of God, who is the vine, will not be cut down, but will be preserved and will flourish, and all his people shall be preserved and shall flourish with him." Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The use of horticultural imagery
The psalmist uses the image of a vine to describe God's people, Israel. This image emphasizes the idea that God's people are planted and nurtured by Him, and that they are dependent on Him for life and growth.
The emphasis on God's presence
The psalmist is crying out to God to turn again and have mercy on His people, and to reveal His presence and glory to them. This emphasis on God's presence highlights the importance of experiencing God's nearness and fellowship in times of trouble and affliction.
The focus on salvation
The psalmist's ultimate goal is to be saved and delivered from the troubles and afflictions of this life. This focus on salvation emphasizes the importance of seeking God's help and rescue in times of need.