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Psalms 80 · JFB
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JFB Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary

Psalms 80

Public-domain commentary by Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown.

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Commentary Notes

15 sections

v1

Psalms 80:1

Ps 80:1-19. Shoshannim —"Lilies" (see on Ps 45:1, title). Eduth —Testimony, referring to the topic as a testimony of God to His people (compare Ps 19:7). This Psalm probably relates to the captivity of the ten tribes, as the former to that of Judah. Its complaint is aggravated by the contrast of former prosperity, and the prayer for relief occurs as a refrain through the Psalm.

1, 2. Joseph —for Ephraim (1Ch 7:20-29; Ps 78:67; Re 7:8), for Israel.

Shepherd —(Compare Ge 49:24).

leadest, &c.—(Ps 77:20).

dwellest … cherubim —(Ex 25:20); the place of God's visible glory, whence He communed with the people (Heb 9:5).

shine forth —appear (Ps 50:2; 94:1).

  • Ps 80 1-Ps 80 19
  • Ps 45 1
  • Ps 19 7
  • 1Chr 7 20-1Chr 7 29
  • Ps 78 67
  • Rev 7 8
  • Gen 49 24
  • Exod 25 20
  • Heb 9 5
  • Ps 50 2
  • Ps 94 1

v2

Psalms 80:2

2. Before Ephraim, &c.—These tribes marched next the ark (Nu 2:18-24). The name of Benjamin may be introduced merely in allusion to that fact, and not because that tribe was identified with Israel in the schism (1Ki 12:16-21; compare also Nu 10:24).

  • Num 2 18-Num 2 24
  • 1Kgs 12 16-1Kgs 12 21
  • Num 10 24

v3

Psalms 80:3

3. Turn us —that is, from captivity.

thy face to shine —(Nu 6:25).

  • Num 6 25

v5

Psalms 80:5

5. bread of tears —still an Eastern figure for affliction.

v8

Psalms 80:8

8-11. brought —or, "plucked up," as by roots, to be replanted.

a vine —(Ps 78:47). The figure (Isa 16:8) represents the flourishing state of Israel, as predicted (Ge 28:14), and verified (1Ki 4:20-25).

  • Ps 78 47
  • Isa 16 8
  • Gen 28 14
  • 1Kgs 4 20-1Kgs 4 25

v13

Psalms 80:13

13. The boar —may represent the ravaging Assyrian and

the wild beast —other heathen.

v15

Psalms 80:15

15. And the vineyard —or, "And protect or guard what thy right hand," &c.

the branch —literally, "over the Son of man," preceding this phrase, with "protect" or "watch."

for thyself —a tacit allusion to the plea for help; for

v16

Psalms 80:16

16. it —the "vine" or

they —the "people" are suffering from Thy displeasure.

v17

Psalms 80:17

17. thy hand … upon —that is, strengthen (Ezr 7:6; 8:22).

man of … hand —may allude to Benjamin (Ge 35:18). The terms in the latter clause correspond with those of Ps 80:15, from "and the branch," &c., literally, and confirm the exposition given above.

  • Ezra 7 6
  • Ezra 8 22
  • Gen 35 18
  • Ps 80 15