Psalm 80


Psalm 80 is another community lament of Asaph.  It is set "according to Lilies" like Psalms 45, 60, and 69.  Two metaphors used to describe God's People in this psalm are sheep and a vine.  The chorus in verses 3, 7, and 19 prays for God's restoration and His face to shine upon them for salvation. 

Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm:

  • Verses 1-2
    • As the psalmist prays for Israel, he mentions specific tribes.  Think of names of specific people you would like to be praying for.
  • Verses 3, 7, 19 (repeated chorus with slight variations)
    • What does "restore," "return," or "turn us back" indicate?
    • As with the Priestly Blessing in Numbers 6:24-26, the psalmist prays that the LORD would make His face to shine.  What would cause God not to shine His favor and blessing on us? 
  • Verses 4-6
    • What are some ways in which God might discipline me for my sins?
  • Verses 8-16
    • The vine is often used as a metaphor for God's People.  What are some differences between a vine rooted in God (e.g., verses 8-11) compared with one that is no longer under the protective care of the vine dresser (e.g., verses 12-16)?
  • Verses 17-18
    • The "Son of Man" ultimately points to Jesus.  How is Jesus the answer to the prayers in this psalm?


If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video:

  • "Lord, Make Us Turn to You" (Psalm 80) by Francesca LaRosa:  Link

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Psalm 149

Image
  Psalm 149 is part of the Final Hallel section (146-150), providing a doxology to the Book of Psalms.  These praise psalms begin and end with "Praise the LORD!" or "Hallelujah!"  This psalm is likely a victory song of praise from God's People to their King for deliverance but also judgment against their enemies. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-5 God's people are called to praise Him no matter where we are, together in assembly (v. 1) as well as alone in our beds (v. 5).  What do these verses teach us about praising the LORD? The last part of verse 4 may be translated "crowns the humble with victory," "adorns the afflicted with salvation," "beautifies the meek with salvation," "glorifies the lowly with salvation," or "exalts the oppressed by delivering them."  C.H. Spurgeon says that each "gives a new shade of meaning, well worthy
Read more

Psalm 120

Image
  Psalm 120 is the first in the Songs of Ascents series (Psalms 120-134). These songs were likely sung during the three annual festival processions to Jerusalem (Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles). The Feasts may typically be associated with joy, celebration, and worship, however in Psalm 120, the psalmist is crying out to the LORD in distress.  He is facing lies and deceit, such as from those in the foreign lands around him who hate peace. Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm: Verses 1-4 Why would it be better to turn to the LORD when facing "lying lips" and "a deceitful tongue"? Verses 5-7 What can we do when we live "among those who hate peace"? If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video: "I Cry Unto the Lord" (Psalm 120) by Timeless Vocal Tapestry: Link
Read more

Book of Psalms Review and Summary

Image
  The Book of Psalms is a beloved collection of 150 psalms grouped into five books:  Book I (1-41), II (42-72), III (73-89), IV (90-106), and V (107-150).  Some have considered parallels between these and the Pentateuch (i.e., Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy): Book I begins the psalms and introduces the overall theme of wisdom literature that the righteous are blessed but the wicked will receive judgment.  God is typically referred to as the Covenant LORD . Book II focuses on deliverance , particularly God's deliverance of David from his enemies.  God is often referred to as Elohim, Almighty God . Book III includes psalms of community worship and laments.  Many of these psalms are written by Levitical worship leaders such as Asaph or the Sons of Korah. Book IV starts with a psalm of Moses and includes some historical psalms.  Several of these psalms also show the depravity of man. Book V focuses on God's Word (e.g., Psalm 119) and concludes in doxolo
Read more