Psalm 80:1-19
Q.1. Why did the Psalmist feel so alienated from God? What view of God is a comfort to Israel in the midst of their trouble? – (Ps.80:1-13)
Asaph had both a personal and lofty view of God – O give ear Shepherd of Israel … You Who are enthroned above the cherubim, shine forth! (Ps.80:1). The nation was broken and mocked in an alien land and had had its fill of tears. He begged to God – Come to save us! (Ps.80:2). He remembered how God had raised Israel as a small plant that had grown lofty and spread out (Ps.80:8-11). Now Israel was a mere shadow of its former glory (Ps.80:12-13). However, the Psalmist saw God as somewhat distant, yet still enthroned above the cherubim, and longed for Him to shine forth His light upon Israel (Ps.80:1-3, 7).
Q.2. What longing was inspired by their constant trials? What difference does God’s smile upon us make? – (Ps.80:3, 7, 14, 19)
He repeated a chorus (with a few variations) –O God of hosts … turn again now, we beseech You … Look down from heaven and see and take care of this vine … restore us and cause Your face to shine upon us, and we will be saved (Ps.80:3, 7, 19). This is not something we cry out when all is well. However, when we pass through a sustained valley of despair after having tried everything else, we invariably return to the One to Whom we will all return – O God of hosts, turn again now, we beseech You; Look down from heaven and see, and take care of this vine (Ps.80:14). Asaph made his appeal on the basis that Israel is God’s vine and His planting (c.f. Ps.80:8-9, 14-15). His call for a Saviour alluded to Christ – Let Your hand be upon the man of Your right hand, upon the son of man Whom You made strong for Yourself (Ps.80:17). Only under His rule will Israel not turn back from the Lord – Revive us and we will call upon Your name (Ps.80:18). He closed as he began by asking that the Lord would – Cause Your face to shine upon us, and we will be saved (Ps.80:19).