Psalms 80 in plain modern English. New Ground English Translation.
Time Period
Probably the eighth century BC, around the Assyrian pressure on the northern kingdom that ended with Samaria's fall in 722 BC
Location
Jerusalem, praying for the northern tribes of Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh, and picturing a vineyard transplanted from Egypt into Canaan
Audience
Israelites watching part of their nation being overrun
Situation
A prayer that God would wake up and rescue his people, built around an image of a vine he planted himself and then left with its protective walls broken down so that passers-by strip it.
Key Background
The vine standing for Israel is a picture the prophets used often, and the broken wall in it refers to the stone boundary walls that kept animals and thieves out of a real vineyard, so the complaint is that God removed his own protection. Calling God the one enthroned between the winged figures refers to the two carved cherubim over the ark of the covenant in the temple, the spot Israel treated as his throne. The repeated refrain asking God to make his face shine borrows the priestly blessing, turning it into a plea rather than a pronouncement.
For the music director. Set to "Lilies of the Covenant." A psalm of Asaph. Shepherd of Israel, listen — you who lead like a flock, you who sit enthroned above the guardians, shine out.
In front of and Manasseh, stir up your strength — come and us.
God, us back. Let on us, and we will be saved.
of — how long will you with anger while your people pray?
You've fed them in tears; you've made them drink by the
You've made us a of for our neighbors; our enemies mock us among themselves.
God of angel armies, us back. Let your face shine on us, and we will be saved.
You transplanted a from Egypt; you drove out nations and planted it.
You the for it; it took deep root and filled the land.
Mountains were covered by its shadow; its branches towered like
It stretched its branches to the Sea, its shoots all the way to the Euphrates River.
So why have you down its walls? Now everyone passing by picks its fruit.
from the forest ravage it; creatures of the field feed on it.
God of angel armies, to us. Look down from heaven and see — take care of this vine!
Protect what your planted — the you raised up for yourself.
vine is down and burned. At the of they perish.
Let rest on the at hand, on the of you raised up for yourself.
Then we will not from you. Revive us, and we will call on your name.
of bring us back. Let your face shine on us, and we will be saved.