@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).
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).
3. Turn us--that is, from captivity.
thy face to shine--(@Nu 6:25).
4. be angry--(Compare Margin.)
5. bread of tears--still an Eastern figure for affliction.
6. strife--object or cause of (@Isa 9:11). On last clause compare @Ps 79:4 Eze 36:4.
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).
12. hedges--(@Isa 5:5).
13. The boar--may represent the ravaging Assyrian and
the wild beast--other heathen.
14, 15. visit this vine--favorably (@Ps 8:4).
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
16. it--the "vine" or
they--the "people" are suffering from Thy displeasure.
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.
18. We need quickening grace (@Ps 71:20 119:25) to persevere in Thy right worship (@Ge 4:26 Ro 10:11).
19. (Compare @Ps 80:3, "O God"; @Ps 80:7, "O God of hosts").