Psalm 80

  In this psalm, which is technically a communal lament, the psalmist asks God several times to save the people (i.e., Israel).  At first, it is unclear from what the people are to be saved.  Eventually, it is either from a severe military defeat or the Exile.  Several times in this psalm, God  is implored to make His face shine, positively on Israel and negatively on Israel’s enemies.  Toward the end of the Psalm, the psalmist points out that should salvation appear in the form of victory, God will be invoked.