TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt: thou hast cast out the heathen, and planted it.
Berean Standard Bible
You uprooted a vine from Egypt; You drove out the nations and transplanted it.
American Standard Version
Thou broughtest a vine out of Egypt: Thou didst drive out the nations, and plantedst it.
World English Bible Messianic
You brought a vine out of Egypt. You drove out the nations, and planted it.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt: thou hast cast out the heathen, and planted it.
Young's Literal Translation
A vine out of Egypt Thou dost bring, Thou dost cast out nations, and plantest it.
In the KJVVerse 15,207 of 31,102
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Commentary on Psalms 80 verses 8–19
8 ¶ Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt: thou hast cast out the heathen, and planted it.
9 Thou preparedst room before it, and didst cause it to take deep root, and it filled the land.
10 The hills were covered with the shadow of it, and the boughs thereof were like the goodly cedars.
11 She sent out her boughs unto the sea, and her branches unto the river.
12 Why hast thou then broken down her hedges, so that all they which pass by the way do pluck her?
13 The boar out of the wood doth waste it, and the wild beast of the field doth devour it.
14 Return, we beseech thee, O God of hosts: look down from heaven, and behold, and visit this vine;
15 And the vineyard which thy right hand hath planted, and the branch that thou madest strong for thyself.
16 It is burned with fire, it is cut down: they perish at the rebuke of thy countenance.
17 Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand, upon the son of man whom thou madest strong for thyself.
18 So will not we go back from thee: quicken us, and we will call upon thy name.
19 Turn us again, O LORD God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.
The psalmist is here presenting his suit for the Israel of God, and pressing it home at the throne of grace, pleading with God for mercy and grace for them. The church is here represented as a vine (Psa 80:8, Psa 80:14) and a vineyard, Psa 80:15. The root of this vine is Christ, Rom 11:18. The branches are believers, Joh 15:5. The church is like a vine, weak and needing support, unsightly and having an unpromising outside, but spreading and fruitful, and its fruit most excellent. The church is a choice and noble vine; we have reason to acknowledge the goodness of God that he has planted such a vine in the wilderness of this world, and preserved it to this day. Now observe here,
I. How the vine of the Old Testament church was planted at first. It was brought out of Egypt with a high hand; the heathen were cast out of Canaan to make room for it, seven nations to make room for that one. Thou didst sweep before it (so some read Psa 80:9), to make clear work; the nations were swept away as dirt with the besom of destruction. God, having made room for it, and planted it, cause it to take deep root by a happy establishment of their government both in church and state, which was so firm that, though their neighbours about them often attempted it, they could not prevail to pluck it up.
II. How it spread and flourished. 1. The land of Canaan itself was fully peopled. At first they were not so numerous as to replenish it, Exo 23:29. But in Solomon's time Judah and Israel were many as the sand of the sea; the land was filled with them, and yet such a fruitful land that it was not over-stocked, Psa 80:10. The hills of Canaan were covered with their shadow, and the branches, though they extended themselves far, like those of the vine, yet were not weak like them, but as strong as those of the goodly cedars. Israel not only had abundance of men, but those mighty men of valour. 2. They extended their conquests and dominion to the neighbouring countries (Psa 80:11): She sent out her boughs to the sea, the great sea westward, and her branches to the river, to the river of Egypt southward, the river of Damascus northward, or rather the river Euphrates eastward, Gen 15:18. Nebuchadnezzar's greatness is represented by a flourishing tree, Dan 4:20, Dan 4:21. But it is observable here concerning this vine that it is praised for its shadow, its boughs, and its branches, but not a word of its fruit, for Israel was an empty vine, Hos 10:1. God came looking for grapes, but, behold, wild grapes, Isa 5:2. And, if a vine do not bring forth fruit, no tree so useless, so worthless, Eze 15:2, Eze 15:6.
III. How it was wasted and ruined: "Lord, thou hast done great things for this vine, and why shall it be all undone again? If it were a plant not of God's planting, it were not strange to see it rooted up; but will God desert and abandon that which he himself gave being to?" Psa 80:12. Why hast thou then broken down her hedges? There was a good reason for this change in God's way towards them. This noble vine had become the degenerate plant of a strange vine (Jer 2:21), to the reproach of its great owner, and then no marvel if he took away its hedge (Isa 5:5); yet God's former favours to this vine are urged as pleas in prayer to God, and improved as encouragements to faith, that, notwithstanding all this, God would not wholly cast them off. Observe, 1. The malice and enmity of the Gentile nations against Israel. As soon as ever God broke down their hedges and left them exposed troops of enemies presently broke in upon them, that waited for an opportunity to destroy them. Those that passed by the way plucked at them; the board out of the wood and the wild beast of the field were ready to ravage it, Psa 80:13. But, 2. See also the restraint which these cruel enemies were under; for till God had broken down their hedges they could not pluck a leaf of this vine. The devil could not hurt Job so long as God continued the hedge round about him, Job 1:10. See how much it is the interest of any people to keep themselves in the favour of God and then they need not fear any wild beast of the field, Job 5:23. If we provoke God to withdraw, our defence has departed from us, and we are undone. The deplorable state of Israel is described (Psa 80:16): It is burnt with fire; it is cut down; the people are treated like thorns and briers, that are nigh unto cursing and whose end is to be burned, and no longer like vines that are protected and cherished. They perish not through the rage of the wild beast and the boar, but at the rebuke of thy countenance; that was it which they dreaded and to which they attributed all their calamities. It is well or ill with us according as we are under God's smiles or frowns.
IV. What their requests were to God hereupon. 1. That God would help the vine (Psa 80:14, Psa 80:15), that he would graciously take cognizance of its case and do for it as he thought fit: "Return, we beseech thee, O Lord of hosts! for thou hast seemed to go away from us. Look down from heaven, to which thou hast retired, - from heaven, that place of prospect, whence thou seest all the wrongs that are done us, that place of power, whence thou canst send effectual relief, - from heaven, where thou hast prepared thy throne of judgment, to which we appeal, and where thou hast prepared a better country for those that are Israelites indeed, - thence give a gracious look, thence make a gracious visit, to this vine. Take our woeful condition into thy compassionate consideration, and for the particular fruits of thy pity we refer ourselves to thee. Only behold the vineyard, or rather the root, which thy right hand hath planted, and which therefore we hope thy right hand will protect, that branch which thou madest strong for thyself, to show forth thy praise (Isa 43:21), that with the fruit of it thou mightest be honoured. Lord, it is formed by thyself and for thyself, and therefore it may with a humble confidence be committed to thyself and to thy own care." As for God, his work is perfect. What we read the branch in the Hebrew is the son (Ben), whom in thy counsel thou hast made strong for thyself. That branch was to come out of the stock of Israel (my servant the branch, Zac 3:8), and therefore, till he should come, Israel in general, and the house of David in particular, must be preserved, and upheld, and kept in being. He is the true vine, Joh 15:1; Isa 11:1. Destroy it not for that blessing is in it, Isa 65:8. 2. That he would help the vine-dresser (Psa 80:17, Psa 80:18): "Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand," that king (whoever it was) of the house of David that was now to go in and out before them; "let they hand be upon him, not only to protect and cover him, but to own him, and strengthen him, and give him success." We have this phrase, Ezr 7:28, And I was strengthened as the hand of the Lord my God was upon me. Their king is called the man of God's right hand as he was the representative of their state, which was dear to God, as his Benjamin, the son of his right hand, as he was president in their affairs and an instrument in God's right hand of much good to them, defending them from themselves and from their enemies and directing them in the right way, and as he was under-shepherd under him who was the great shepherd of Israel. Princes, who have power, must remember that they are sons of men, of Adam (so the word is), that, if they are strong, it is God that has made them strong, and he has made them so for himself, for they are his ministers to serve the interests of his kingdom among men, and, if they do this in sincerity, his hand shall be upon them; and we should pray in faith that it may be so, adding this promise, that, if God will adhere to our governors, we will adhere to him: So will not we go back from thee; we will never desert a cause which we see that God espouses and is the patron of. Let God be our leader and we will follow him. Adding also this prayer, "Quicken us, put life into us, revive our dying interests, revive our drooping spirits, and then we will call upon thy name. We will continue to do so upon all occasions, having found it not in vain to do so." We cannot call upon God's name in a right manner unless he quicken us; but it is he that puts life into our souls, that puts liveliness into our prayers. But many interpreters, both Jewish and Christian, apply this to the Messiah, the Son of David, the protector and Saviour of the church and the keeper of the vineyard. (1.) He is the man of God's right hand, to whom he has sworn by his right hand (so the Chaldee), whom he has exalted to his right hand, and who is indeed his right hand, the arm of the Lord, for all power is given to him. (2.) He is that son of man whom he made strong for himself, for the glorifying of his name and the advancing of the interests of his kingdom among men. (3.) God's hand is upon him throughout his whole undertaking, to bear him out and carry him on, to protect and animate him, that the good pleasure of the Lord might prosper in his hand. (4.) The stability and constancy of believers are entirely owing to the grace and strength which are laid up for us in Jesus Christ, Psa 68:28. In him is our strength found, by which we are enabled to persevere to the end. Let thy hand be upon him; on him let our help be laid who is mighty; let him be made able to save to the uttermost and that will be our security; so will not we go back from thee.
Lastly, The psalm concludes with the same petition that had been put up twice before, and yet it is no vain repetition (Psa 80:19): Turn us again. The title given to God rises, Psa 80:3, O God! Psa 80:7, O God of hosts! Psa 80:19, O Lord (Jehovah) God of hosts! When we come to God for his grace, his good-will towards us and his good work in us, we should pray earnestly, continue instant in prayer, and pray more earnestly.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 8–19. Public domain.
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JeromeAD 420
Against Rufinus 2.24
What is there in human life that can be safe if innocence is made the object of accusation? I am the householder who finds that while he slept the enemy has sown tares among his wheat. “The wild boar out of the wood has rooted up my vineyard, and the strange wild beast has devoured it.” I keep silence, but a letter that is not mine speaks against me. I am ignorant of the crime laid against me, yet I am made to confess the crime all through the world. “Woe is me, my mother, that you have borne me a man to be judged and condemned in the whole earth.”
Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 80
"A vineyard out of Egypt You have brought over, You have cast out the nations, and hast planted her" [Psalm 80:8]. It was done, we know. How many nations were cast out? Amorites, Cethites, Jebusites, Gergesites, and Evites: after whose expulsion and overthrow, there was led in the people delivered out of Egypt, into the land of promise. Whence the vineyard was cast out, and where she was planted, we have heard. Let us see what next was done, how she believed, how much she grew, what ground she covered.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 80:8 stands as a poignant historical remembrance within a communal lament, serving as the bedrock for Israel's desperate plea for divine restoration. It masterfully encapsulates God's foundational acts of faithfulness: His miraculous liberation of Israel, symbolized as a tender "vine," from the oppressive bondage of Egypt, followed by His mighty expulsion of pagan nations from the Promised Land, and their secure establishment within it. This powerful recounting of past divine intervention not only underscores God's unwavering covenant loyalty but also solidifies Israel's unique identity as His specially cultivated people, thereby intensifying the psalmist's urgent appeal for renewed favor and intervention in their present distress.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 80:8 is profoundly enriched by its use of several powerful literary techniques. The primary device is Metaphor, specifically the sustained and deeply significant image of Israel as a "vine." This central metaphor portrays Israel as a cherished, cultivated plant, entirely dependent on God, the divine vinedresser, for its very existence, sustenance, and fruitfulness. It evokes a sense of intimacy, proprietorship, and a covenantal relationship. The verse also employs Historical Allusion, referencing the pivotal and foundational events of the Exodus and the Conquest of Canaan. These allusions are not merely decorative but serve to ground the psalmist's plea in God's undeniable past acts of power and faithfulness, which were central to Israel's national identity and theological understanding. Furthermore, the Personification of God as an active gardener—one who "brought," "cast out," and "planted"—emphasizes His direct involvement, powerful agency, and meticulous care in the nation's history. This masterful combination of devices creates a vivid, emotionally resonant appeal, grounding the psalmist's lament in God's proven and enduring faithfulness.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 80:8 serves as a profound theological anchor within the lament, reminding Israel—and subsequently, all believers—of God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It establishes a powerful precedent for divine intervention, illustrating that the God who acted so decisively and miraculously in the past is not only capable but also willing to do so again. The vivid imagery of the vine, meticulously cared for and strategically planted, highlights God's intimate relationship with His people and His profound desire for their flourishing. This historical memory of deliverance and establishment becomes the very basis for the psalmist's urgent plea for restoration, underscoring the enduring theological truth that God's past faithfulness is a powerful guarantee of His future provision and an unshakeable source of hope in times of profound distress.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 80:8 offers a profound and comforting lens through which to view God's enduring faithfulness and our own spiritual journey. Just as God meticulously cared for and established Israel, bringing them out of bondage and planting them securely in their promised land, so too does He providentially work in the lives of His people today, both individually and corporately. This verse powerfully encourages us to remember and recount God's past acts of deliverance, establishment, and provision in our own lives. When we face distress, uncertainty, or feel "uprooted" by life's challenges, recalling God's steadfastness in history and in our personal narratives can provide immense comfort, stability, and a firm foundation for renewed trust. Our spiritual vitality, much like that of a vine, is entirely dependent on our continuous, abiding connection to God, who is the ultimate cultivator and provider of all life. We are called to remain deeply rooted in Him, drawing sustenance from His living Word and the empowering presence of His Spirit, so that we might bear abundant fruit for His glory, even amidst the most challenging circumstances. This verse profoundly invites us to pray with unwavering confidence, knowing that the God who deliberately planted us is also the one who possesses the power and the will to restore us fully.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is Israel referred to as a "vine" in this psalm and other biblical texts?
Answer: The imagery of Israel as a "vine" or "vineyard" is a rich and recurring metaphor throughout the Old Testament, signifying God's special, intimate relationship with His chosen people. It emphasizes God as the diligent vinedresser who carefully cultivates, protects, and expects fruitfulness from His "plant." This metaphor highlights Israel's profound dependence on God for its very existence, sustenance, and prosperity. It evokes the idea of a deliberate, precious planting, distinguishing Israel from other nations and underscoring God's intentionality in their establishment. Examples include Isaiah 5:1-7, which depicts God's meticulous care for His vineyard and its subsequent failure to produce good fruit, and Jeremiah 2:21, where the vine's health or degeneracy often reflects Israel's spiritual condition and faithfulness to God.
What does "cast out the heathen, and planted it" refer to historically?
Answer: This phrase refers to the pivotal historical events surrounding the Israelite conquest and settlement of the land of Canaan. After miraculously delivering Israel from slavery in Egypt (the "bringing a vine out of Egypt"), God commanded and empowered them to dispossess the existing Canaanite nations ("the heathen" or goyim) who inhabited the land. This act, detailed extensively in books like Joshua and Judges, was a direct fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham that his descendants would inherit the land. "Planted it" signifies God's deliberate, sovereign act of establishing Israel securely in their promised inheritance, providing them with a homeland where they could flourish as His chosen people, distinct from the surrounding nations.
How does Psalm 80:8 relate to the broader theme of lament in the Psalms?
Answer: Psalm 80:8 serves as a crucial and powerful foundation for the lament that pervades the rest of the psalm. By recounting God's glorious past acts of deliverance and establishment, the psalmist grounds his current desperate plea for restoration in God's proven faithfulness and mighty power. The stark contrast between God's past meticulous care (bringing, casting out, planting) and Israel's present distress (being broken down, devoured, made a derision, as described in verses 12-13) intensifies the lament. It's an impassioned appeal to God's character and His own profound investment in His people, essentially asking, "You did all this for us before, why are you not doing it now? Restore us!" This historical appeal is a common and vital feature in many biblical laments, reminding God of His covenant promises and past interventions as a compelling basis for future help, as powerfully seen in passages like Psalm 44:1-3.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 80:8, with its evocative imagery of Israel as God's specially cultivated vine, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament vine often depicted a nation that, despite God's meticulous care, ultimately failed to bear the expected fruit of righteousness, Jesus declares, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser" (John 15:1). In Christ, the ideal of God's perfectly fruitful people is fully realized. He is the faithful Israel, the one who perfectly embodies the divine purpose for which the vine was planted. Believers, by being united to Christ through faith, become branches of this "true vine," drawing all life, sustenance, and spiritual fruitfulness directly from Him (John 15:5). The "bringing out of Egypt" and "planting" of the Old Testament vine foreshadows Christ's redemptive work of delivering humanity from the bondage of sin and death, and establishing His new covenant people—the Church—in the spiritual inheritance of the Kingdom of God. Just as God cleared the land for Israel, Christ, through His atoning sacrifice and victorious resurrection, "cast out" the dominion of sin, death, and Satan (Colossians 2:15) and "planted" His followers in new life, enabling them to bear the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Thus, the hope for restoration expressed so fervently in Psalm 80 is fully and eternally realized in the restorative, life-giving work of Christ, who perfectly fulfills the purpose of God's vine.