Psalms 80 — Jamieson–Fausset–Brown
80:1–2
1-2. Joseph--for Ephraim (1Ch 7:20-29; Psa 78:67; Re 7:8), for Israel. Shepherd--(Compare Ge 49:24). leadest, c.--(Psa 77:20). dwellest ... cherubim--(Ex 25:20); the place of God's visible glory, whence He communed with the people (He 9:5). shine forth--appear (Psa 50:2; 94:1).
80:3
3. Turn us--that is, from captivity. thy face to shine--(Nu 6:25).
80:4
4. be angry--(Compare Margin.)
80:5
5. bread of tears--still an Eastern figure for affliction.
80:6
6. strife--object or cause of (Is 9:11). On last clause compare Psa 79:4; Eze 36:4.
80:8–11
8-11. brought--or, "plucked up," as by roots, to be replanted. a vine--(Psa 78:47). The figure (Is 16:8) represents the flourishing state of Israel, as predicted (Ge 28:14), and verified (1Ki 4:20-25).
80:12
12. hedges--(Is 5:5).
80:13
13. The boar--may represent the ravaging Assyrian and the wild beast--other heathen.
80:14–15
14-15. visit this vine--favorably (Psa 8:4).
80:16
16. it--the "vine" or they--the "people" are suffering from Thy displeasure.
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 Psa 80:15, from "and the branch," c., literally, and confirm the exposition given above.
80:18
18. We need quickening grace (Psa 71:20; 119:25) to persevere in Thy right worship (Ge 4:26; Ro 10:11).
80:19
19. (Compare Psa 80:3, "O God"; Psa 80:7, "O God of hosts").