PSALMS (80)

0. Introduction

a) Psalms is a great collection of songs and prayers expresses the heart and soul of humanity. In them, the whole range of human experiences is expressed. David and the other writers honestly pour out their true feelings, reflecting a dynamic, powerful, and life-changing relationship with God. The psalmists confess their sins, express their doubts and fears, ask God for help in times of trouble, and praise and worship him.

b) As you read Psalms, let the honesty of the psalmists guide you into a deep and genuine relationship with God.

1. Psalms 80

a) To the Chief Musician. Set to "The Lilies." A Testimony of Asaph. A Psalm.

2. Theme:

a) A prayer of revival and restoration after experiencing destruction. God is our only hope for salvation.

3. Author:

a) Asaph (or one of his descendants), probably written after the northern kingdom of Israel was defeated and its people deported to Assyria.

4. Scripture text: Psalms 80:1-19

i) Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
You who lead Joseph like a flock;
You who dwell between the cherubim, shine forth!
² Before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh,
Stir up Your strength,
And come and save us!

³ Restore us, O God;

Cause Your face to shine,
And we shall be saved!

⁴ O Lord God of hosts,

How long will You be angry
Against the prayer of Your people?
⁵ You have fed them with the bread of tears,
And given them tears to drink in great measure.
⁶ You have made us a strife to our neighbors,
And our enemies laugh among themselves.

⁷ Restore us, O God of hosts;

Cause Your face to shine,
And we shall be saved!

⁸ You have brought a vine out of Egypt;

You have cast out the nations, and planted it.
⁹ You prepared room for it,
And caused it to take deep root,
And it filled the land.
¹⁰ The hills were covered with its shadow,
And the mighty cedars with its boughs.
¹¹ She sent out her boughs to the Sea,
And her branches to the River.

¹² Why have You broken down her hedges,

So that all who pass by the way pluck her fruit?
¹³ The boar out of the woods uproots it,
And the wild beast of the field devours it.

¹⁴ Return, we beseech You, O God of hosts;

Look down from heaven and see,
And visit this vine
¹⁵ And the vineyard which Your right hand has planted,
And the branch that You made strong for Yourself.
¹⁶ It is burned with fire, it is cut down;
They perish at the rebuke of Your countenance.
¹⁷ Let Your hand be upon the man of Your right hand,
Upon the son of man whom You made strong for Yourself.
¹⁸ Then we will not turn back from You;
Revive us, and we will call upon Your name.

¹⁹ Restore us, O Lord God of hosts;

Cause Your face to shine,
And we shall be saved! (Psalms 80:1-19 NKJV)