Psalms 80:15

This verse presents serious ambiguities and difficulties. The first word may be rendered as a substantive, in close connexion with Psalms 80:14, and the vineyard, or better as R.V. and the stock: or, as in R.V. marg., as a verb: and protect (or maintain) that which thy right hand hath planted. The second rendering is preferable, though not wholly free from difficulty.

the branch Or, the son, which is the literal meaning of the word. Cp. Exodus 4:22; Hosea 11:1. Probably an allusion to Genesis 49:22. The Targum interprets, "and upon Messiah the king, whom thou hast made strong for thyself." But the primary reference is obviously to the nation.

madest strong Tending it with loving care till it grew up: cp. Psa. 39:21; Isaiah 1:2.