Psalm 80 Commentary

Psalm 80 Commentary

The timing of this psalm is sometime after 587 BC, after the destruction of Jerusalem. It is a petition. The psalmist prays for restoration.

God is the Shepherd of Israel. The mention of Joseph creates a picture of God’s relationship with Israel. The palmist wants us to think about the rich patriarchal blessings of Joseph. The double potion and everything.

Where are we in the light of the blessing of prosperity, strength, and fruitfulness?  

Could we think of Israel’s experiences in the same light as Joseph’s experiences? Hatred, the pit experience, slavery, and injustice, could these difficulties be part of God’s grand plan for Israel’s elevation, as was the case for Joseph?

Regardless, the psalmist calls for restoration.

But the circumstances are different. Joseph was righteous. Israel isn’t. Joseph could petition heaven from a strong position. Israel’s position is weak. Israel’s godlessness makes prayer very difficult.

Probably this point.

The petition by itself is an admission that Israel cannot restore itself. Only God can. Humanity can destroy itself, but it cannot ‘undestroy’ itself. It’s a fallacy when men and women think they can undo their own corruption!

In the statement that the LORD has fed them with the bread of tears, the modern reader may accuse the psalmist of blaming God.

We need to be patient. These psalms were written by the remnant – a group of people who feared God. If Israel fitted the description of the remnant, the nation would never have arrived at this point! This psalm would be needless!

We are a team as humanity. We have lost the game as a team. Those of us with a sense of duty can see how deeply offended our LORD is. Saints can begin to think of God’s anger and focus less on their “little” righteousness.

Let prayer be said from this position. It’s a prayer for restoration. Then humanity can be saved.

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