It's likely this Psalm was written in response to the Assyrian campaign recorded in 2 Kings 17:1-6. Refugees fled to Jerusalem from the Northern Kingdom and are praying for restoration and peace. Although it's written corporately (using "we, us and them"), today I invite you to personally pray this prayer in view of any bitter struggles or a guilty conscience you may have.
Psalm 80:1-7, 17 Restore Us, O God
1 Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, You who lead Joseph like a flock.
You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth.
2 Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh,
stir up Your might and come to save us!
3 Restore us, O God;
let Your face shine, that we may be saved!
4 O Lord God of hosts,
how long will You be angry with Your people’s prayers?
5 You have fed them with the bread of tears
and given them tears to drink in full measure.
6 You make us an object of contention for our neighbors,
and our enemies laugh among themselves.
7 Restore us, O God of hosts;
let Your face shine, that we may be saved!
In many times & situations doesn't it seem God isn't hearing your prayers or is angry with them? Do your sufferings feel like the bread of tears? Are your tears so plentiful, they must be drunk in full measure? And what about the guilt of our sins? We all deserve nothing but God's punishment and rejection, no matter how "good" we might feel we are. Is there any hope for us? Who will save us?
The psalmist prays for this in verse 17, which points us to Jesus, the true Son of Man, who sits at God the Father's right hand in heaven:
17 But let your hand be on the man of your right hand,
the son of man whom you have made strong for yourself!Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS Burton, Michigan
office: 810.744.1188
We are Pilgrims with a Purpose:
Sharing God’s Love & Mercy with Each Other & the World.
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