Chronicles of a Journeyman

Psalm 80

1-7: Plea for divine restoration

8-13: Divine establishment and discipline

14-19: Plea for divine restoration

Asaph pictures Israel as a vine, plucked by God from Egypt and transplanted into the Holy Land to flourish. He also pictures God as a shepherd and Israel as a flock, turning to the only source of salvation they know.

But wrath, shame, and destruction has overtaken them, likely because of their sins. Asaph wonders why God has permitted his chosen people to suffer and be trampled down by the nations.

This psalm is a prayer to God for restoration and for His favour so that Israel may be saved. Asaph pleads with God and reminds Him that He has chosen Israel for Himself, thus invoking the divine covenant.

Amidst our deepest troubles, we can invoke the divine covenant as a basis of plea for God’s mercy. Even in His just anger, He will not forget His people. He is our Shepherd and Husbandman, who keeps us always.