Psalms 80:19

Verse Psalms 80:19. Turn as again] Redeem us from this captivity.

O Lord God of hosts] Thou who hast all power in heaven and earth, the innumerable hosts of both worlds being at thy command.

Cause thy face to shine] Let us know that thou art reconciled to us. Let us once more enjoy thy approbation. Smile upon thy poor rebels, weary of their sins, and prostrate at thy feet, imploring mercy.

And we shall be saved.] From the power and oppression of the Chaldeans, from the guilt and condemnation of our sins, and from thy wrath and everlasting displeasure. Thus, O God, save US!

ANALYSIS OF THE EIGHTIETH PSALM

The parts of this Psalm are the following: -

I. A prayer, Psalms 80:1.

II. A complaint by way of expostulation, Psalms 80:4.

III. In the twelve last verses, to move God's mercy, he, 1. Shows God's love to Israel under the allegory of a vine, Psalms 80:8. 2. Deplores the waste made upon it, Psalms 80:12. 3. Prays for its restoration, Psalms 80:13.

IV. He makes a vow of perpetual service, Psalms 80:19.

I. The first part, his petition, Psalms 80:1. Psalms 80:1. For audience, Psalms 80:2. 2. For assistance, Psalms 80:3. 3. For grace to amend, Psalms 80:3.

The arguments he uses to induce the Lord to hear. 1. He was formerly their Shepherd. 2. He sat between the cherubim, on the mercy - seat. 3. He has only to shine forth, and show himself; and they shall be saved.

II. The second part, his complaint. He complains, 1. That God was angry with them. 2. That the people were in the most distressed circumstances, Psalms 80:5. 3. Of what they suffered from their neighbours, Psalms 80:6.

On which he redoubles his prayer. 1. Turn us. 2. Cause thy face to shine. And, 3. Then we shall be saved, Psalms 80:7.

III. The third part: what God had done for his people. 1. He brought the vine out of Egypt, Psalms 80:8. 2. He cast out the heathen, Psalms 80:8. 3. He planted it. 4. He prepared the soil for it. 5. He caused it to take deep root. 6. And it filled the land, from the river Euphrates to the Mediterranean Sea, Psalms 80:9.

He deplores the waste made upon it. 1. The fence was broken down. 2. It was spoiled by those who passed by, and by the wild beasts.

Then he prays, 1. Look down from heaven. 2. Visit this vine. 3. It is cut down. 4. It is burnt with fire. 5. Let thy power in its behalf be shown by the Man of thy right hand. See the notes.

Some think Zerubbabel is meant; others think the Jewish nation is thus called the son of man, and the man of God's right hand.

IV. The last part of the Psalm: gratitude and obedience are promised. 1. We will backslide no more, Psalms 80:18. 2. We are nearly dead; quicken us, and we will live to thee. 3. We will invoke thy name. We will serve thee alone, and never more bow down to any strange god, Psalms 80:18.

All these things considered, he thinks he has good ground for his prayer; and therefore confidently repeats what he had twice before said: "Turn us again, O Lord God of hosts, cause thy face to shine," c.