Psalm 80:1-4

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Psalms 80:1-7

The psalmist here, in the name of the church, applies to God by prayer, with reference to the present afflicted state of Israel. I. He entreats God's favour for them (Ps. 80:1, 2); that is all in all to the sanctuary when it is desolate, and is to be sought in the first place. Observe, 1. How he eyes God in his address as the Shepherd of Israel, whom he had called the sheep of his pasture (Ps. 79:13), under whose guidance and care Israel was, as the sheep are under the care and conduct of the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 80:1

Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel ,.... The title of a shepherd for the most part belongs to the Messiah, and who is expressly called the Shepherd and stone of Israel, as distinct from the God of Jacob, Genesis 49:24 and may be so called because he was to be, and was of Israel, according to the flesh, and sent to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, and appointed by his Father as a Shepherd over them; and it is on the mountains of Israel he provides a good fold, and pasture for his sheep, ... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 80:2

Before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, stir up thy strength ,.... Which Christ did in the public ministry of the word, speaking as one having authority, and not as the Scribes and Pharisees; and in the performance of miracles, openly, and in the sight of all; and in his sufferings and death for the salvation of his people; in which he appeared to be the mighty God, travelling in the greatness of his strength, and mighty to save. These tribes design all Israel, before whom the above things... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 80:3

Turn us again, O God ,.... From our captivity, as the Targum, into our own land; or return us backsliding sinners to thyself by repentance; turn us, and we shall be turned; for the prayer shows it was not in their power, but must be effected by the grace of God; or restore our souls, which have been wandering, and them to their former flourishing and comfortable condition: and cause thy face to shine ; grant thy gracious presence, lift up the light of thy countenance; favour with the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Psalms 80:4

O Lord God of hosts ,.... Aben Ezra and Kimchi observe, that the word "Elohe" is here understood, and the words to be read, "O Lord God, the God of hosts"; of the armies above and below, against whom there is no standing, nor any before him when he is angry: how long wilt thou be angry against the prayer of thy people ? which must be put up in a wrong manner, in a very cold and lukewarm way, without faith and love, and with wrath and doubting; or otherwise God is not angry with, nor sets... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 80:1

O Shepherd of Israel - The subject continued from the last verse of the preceding Psalm. Leadest Joseph - Israel and Joseph mean here the whole of the Jewish tribes; all were at this time in captivity; all had been the people of the Lord; all, no doubt, made supplication unto him now that his chastening hand was upon them; and for all the psalmist makes supplication. That dwellest between the cherubims - It was between the cherubim, over the cover of the ark, called the propitiatory... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 80:2

Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh - It is supposed that these three tribes represent the whole, Benjamin being incorporated with Judah, Manasseh comprehending the country beyond Jordan, and Ephraim all the rest - Dodd. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 80:3

Turn us again - השיבנו hashibenu , convert or restore us. There are four parts in this Psalm, three of which end with the above words; see the third, seventh, and nineteenth verses; and one with words similar, Psalm 80:14 . read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 80:1

Verse 1 1Hearken, O Shepherd of Israel! The prophet, previous to his naming Manasseh and Ephraim, makes mention of Joseph; and why does he speak of Joseph rather than of Judah, but because it was his design to treat separately of the kingdom of Israel, the government of which was in the family and posterity of Joseph? Nor, since God sent special prophets among them, after he had stricken them with his rods, is there any inconsistency when, at the same time, the prayer is added, That God would... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 80:3

Verse 3 3Turn us again, O God! The meaning of this prayer is, Restore us to our former state. They had petitioned, in the preceding verse, that God would stir up his strength in the sight of Ephraim and Manasseh; and now they complain that they are but castaways until God succor them, and remedy their miserable dispersion. Some understand the words, turn us again, in a different way; namely, as a prayer that God would bestow upon them the spirit of regeneration. But this interpretation being... read more

Group of Brands