Psalm 80, A Song of Restoration, “Restore us, O God!”
Stanza 1: The FLOCK Crying Out to the Shepherd (vv. 1-3)
This bold prayer is based on the PERSON and the PROMISES of God.
- -He is our sovereign KING. (v1; Ps 2)
- -He is our sovereign SHEPHERD. (v1; John 10; Heb 13:20-21)
- -He is MIGHTY and able to SAVE. (v2)
Stanza 2: The intensity of their situation (vv. 4-7)
- -1st question: HOW LONG? (v4 & Ps 30:5)
- -more passionate, urgent 2nd chorus, v7, calling on O God of hosts
Stanza 3: The VINE Crying out to the vine-keeper (vv. 8-19)
Their prayer is based upon God’s PURPOSES for His people, who are like a vine.
- -The image
- -The planter
- -Their history
- -The 2nd question: WHY? (v12)
- -The hedge -The keeper
- -The cry: is also based on the faithfulness and compassion of God.
- -The son -The contrast (smile v3 vs frown/rebuke v16)
- -The giver of life (Rom 8:11; 10:13) … divine initiative and human responsibility (Romans 10:13; 8:11)
- -The final, climactic chorus: appealing to O LORD, (God’s covenant name,Yahweh) God of hosts