Israel’s pleas for full restoration
 
The psalmist has Christ in his view, for there is only one Shepherd of Israel. The office of shepherd is a theme that runs throughout Scripture, and was ratified by the Lord when He said, “I am the Good Shepherd.” He is also the One that sits between the cherubims (v. 1), for the mercy seat prefigured Him. The end of the psalm also reveals Him as the right hand Man of God.
 
In the light of this knowledge, the psalmist calls three times (vv. 3, 7, 19), that the light of His countenance shine once more upon His people. Also that the favour and love of Christ would be bestowed and bring salvation and deliverance to His people. It is by the display of Christ’s glory, power and grace in the Gospel that we are quickened and turned from our waywardness.
 

Psalm 80

   1  Hear, Isr'el's Shepherd! like a flock
         thou that dost Joseph guide;
      Shine forth, O thou that dost between
         the cherubims abide.

   2  In Ephraim's, and Benjamin's
         and in Manasseh's sight,
      O come for our salvation;
         stir up thy strength and might.

   3  Turn us again, O Lord our God,
         and upon us vouchsafe
      To make thy countenance to shine,
         and so we shall be safe.

   4  O Lord of hosts, Almighty God,
         how long shall kindled be
      Thy wrath against the prayer made
         by thine own folk to thee? 

   5  Thou tears of sorrow giv'st to them
         instead of bread to eat;
      Yea, tears instead of drink thou giv'st
         to them in measure great.

   6  Thou makest us a strife unto
         our neighbours round about;
      Our enemies among themselves
         at us do laugh and flout.

   7  Turn us again, O God of hosts,
         and upon us vouchsafe
      To make thy countenance to shine,
         and so we shall be safe.

   8  A vine from Egypt brought thou hast,
         by thine outstretched hand;
      And thou the heathen out didst cast,
         to plant it in their land.

   9  Before it thou a room didst make,
         where it might grow and stand;
      Thou causedst it deep root to take,
         and it did fill the land.

  10  The mountains vail'd were with its shade,
         as with a covering;
      Like goodly cedars were the boughs
         which out from it did spring. 

  11  Upon the one hand to the sea
         her boughs she did out send;
      On th' other side unto the flood
         her branches did extend. 

  12  Why hast thou then thus broken down,
         and ta'en her hedge away?
      So that all passengers do pluck,
         and make of her a prey. 

  13  The boar who from the forest comes
         doth waste it at his pleasure;
      The wild beast of the field also
         devours it out of measure. 

  14  O God of hosts, we thee beseech,
         return now unto thine;
      Look down from heav'n in love, behold,
         and visit this thy vine: 

  15  This vineyard, which thine own right hand
         hath planted us among;
      And that same branch, which for thyself
         thou hast made to be strong. 

  16  Burnt up it is with flaming fire,
         it also is cut down:
      They utterly are perished,
         when as thy face doth frown. 

  17  O let thy hand be still upon
         the Man of thy right hand,
      The Son of man, whom for thyself
         thou madest strong to stand. 

  18  So henceforth we will not go back,
         nor turn from thee at all:
      O do thou quicken us, and we
         upon thy name will call.

  19  Turn us again, Lord God of hosts,
         and upon us vouchsafe
      To make thy countenance to shine,
         and so we shall be safe.

Recommended Tune

Evan

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