Israel’s Plea for God’s Mercy
Some Biblical scholars believe this psalm was penned upon the occasion of the desolation and captivity of the ten tribes. Due to their sins & adulteries, many were the distresses of God’s people. The psalmist begs for God’s presence with them and favor towards them, and concludes with a prayer to God for mercy towards His people.
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You who dwell between the cherubim, Shine forth! ~ Ps. 80:1 |
On the Ark of the Covenant, the mercy seat was located between the cherubim. It is here that God met with His people. How fitting that is the "mercy seat" - how we need / crave God's mercy!
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| Restore us, O God; Cause Your face to shine, And we shall be saved! ~ Ps. 80:3 |
Return, we beseech You, O God of hosts;
Look down from Heaven and see . . . ~Ps. 80:14
In verse 1, Asaph refers to God as “O Shepherd of Israel” – this particular phrase appears only here in the Old Testament.
In verses 8-11, God’s relationship to Israel
Abide in Me and I in you . . . I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. ~ John 15:4-5
WHAT CAN I LEARN ABOUT GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:
- God’s Presence is with His people
- God chastises those He loves
- Ours is a God of restoration
- God is my Vinedresser
- God will punish sin
HOW CAN I PRAISE GOD THROUGH THIS PSALM:
- I praise God that, even in the midst of His chastisement, He is still my God
- I praise God that – because of the righteousness of Jesus Christ as my Savior - I don’t have to fear His wrath
PRAYER:
Thank You, O Lord, that You dwell among Your people. Even today, Father, Your Holy Spirit resides in those who are Your children. As our Heavenly Vinedresser, You abide in me, and I abide in You. May I live this victorious life of abiding in You daily.
May I welcome Your chastisement as a sign of Your love for me, and may my heart always be soft to Your molding & shaping me into the image of Your son – in whose name I pray ~ Amen
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