Psalm 80 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

80:1-2

Psalm 80:1-19. Shoshannim - “Lilies” (see on Psalm 45:1, title). Eduth - Testimony, referring to the topic as a testimony of God to His people (compare Psalm 19:7). 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.

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

Shepherd — (Compare Genesis 49:24).

leadest, etc. — (Psalm 77:20).

dwellest cherubim — (Exodus 25:20); the place of God‘s visible glory, whence He communed with the people (Hebrews 9:5).

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

80:2

Before Ephraim, etc. — These tribes marched next the ark (Numbers 2:18-24). 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 (1 Kings 12:16-21; compare also Numbers 10:24).

80:3

Turn us — that is, from captivity.

thy face to shine — (Numbers 6:25).

80:4

be angry — (Compare Margin.)

80:5

bread of tears — still an Eastern figure for affliction.

80:6

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

80:8-11

brought — or, “plucked up,” as by roots, to be replanted.

a vine — (Psalm 78:47). The figure (Isaiah 16:8) represents the flourishing state of Israel, as predicted (Genesis 28:14), and verified (1 Kings 4:20-25).

80:12

hedges — (Isaiah 5:5).

80:13

The boar — may represent the ravaging Assyrian and

the wild beast — other heathen.

80:14-15

visit this vine — favorably (Psalm 8:4).

80:15

And the vineyard — or, “And protect or guard what thy right hand,” etc.

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

80:16

it — the “vine” or

they — the “people” are suffering from Thy displeasure.

80:17 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 Psalm 80:15, from “and the branch,” etc., literally, and confirm the exposition given above.

80:18

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

80:19

(Compare Psalm 80:3, “O God”; Psalm 80:7, “O God of hosts”).