Psalm 80

Come, Lord, Restore Us

How have you prayed in times of desperation? What were the results of those prayers?

There’s a story about an airplane that spinning out of control. As the passengers realize they are about to die, some curse while some pray. While I admit this story probably began as a flight of fancy, it does clearly define how people react in times of desperation. Some look inward only to find despair. Others reach out to God.

Psalm 80 was a prayer of desperation, but not despair. The tone of the psalm revealed a weak Judea ravaged by its neighbors. This was the situation during the reign of Josiah (640-609 BC). The Assyrians had swept away the northern kingdom of Israel. The southern kingdom of Judea had been whittled away to the city-state of Jerusalem. The priest-cantor cried out to YHWH so he would restore the former glory of the kingdom.

In 80:1-3, the cantor implored the Shepherd of Israel to reveal himself to the areas of the northern kingdom of Israel and some of the lost regions of Judea (the tribes of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh). Notice revelation, power, and salvation were synonymous; as YHWH revealed himself, he would show his power (in the might of the armies of Judea?) and save his people. After these petition, the cantor sang the refrain (80:4) that would be repeated in 80:8 and 80:20; Lord, restore your people and let your face shine upon us (i.e., give us your blessings).

80:5-7 stated the condition of the people; they cried tears of lamentation that were so common, they acted as daily food. They lamented, “Why us, O Lord?” The nation was weak, its reputation was ridiculed. “Why us, O Lord?’

In 80:9-12, the analogy of the vineyard described the activity of God and the glory of Israel. God brought the people out of Egypt and planted them in Canaan. The nation grew in power and prestige; it reached its height under Solomon (the growth of the vine described the extent of Solomon’s empire). But, 80:13-14 described the downfall of the nation whose enemies attacked and ravaged the land (walls broken down and the wild boar eating the fruit).

The psalm ended with a prayer for restoration. 80:15-19 returned to the theme of revelation and power. O Lord, return and fight against our enemies. Part of that restoration was a strong monarchy (80:18, the king who sat at the Lord’s right hand). In response to the restoration, the cantor promises the fidelity of the people.

Psalm 80 was a prayer that grew out of desperate times, but not times of despair. It is not an inward reflection on hopelessness, but a cry to the Lord for help. The psalm looked forward to better days, when the Lord would restore his people.

We, too, look forward to times of happiness. We look forward to the return of the Lord in glory, at the end of time and at the celebration of Christmas.

How can times like Advent restore your spirit?