Psalm 80
Theme
Restore Us, O God
Outline
1-3, Hear, Shine Forth, and Save (Benjamin, Son of Right Hand) 4-7, How Long until You Cause Your Face to Shine? 8-14, Why Have You Judged the Vine? Visit the Vine 15-19, Shine on Us by the Son, the Man of Your Right Hand
Key Verse
(80:3) Restore us, O God; cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved! (80:1) Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, You who lead Joseph like a flock; you who dwell between the cherubim, shine forth!
Notes
Psalm 80 is structured around a repeated refrain in verses 3, 7, 19, and a related phrase in verse 14. The psalm opens with a plea for God to shine forth, referencing "Benjamin" and concluding with a call for salvation through the Davidic king. The second section questions how long God will be angry with His people. The third unit reflects on God's past actions during the exodus and questions His current judgment. The final section seeks God's help for Israel, emphasizing the "son" and "man of God's right hand." The psalm follows a chiastic structure across four thought units.