TRV
Translation
Complete Jewish Bible
It put out branches as far as the sea and shoots to the [Euphrates] River.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Shee stretched out her branches vnto the Sea, and her boughes vnto the Riuer.
Young's Literal Translation
It sendeth forth its branches unto the sea, And unto the river its sucklings.
In the KJVVerse 15,210 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 way You have made in the sight of her, and hast planted the roots of her, and she has filled the land" [Psalm 80:9]. Would she have filled the land, unless a way had been made in the sight of her? What was the way which was made in the sight of her? "I am," He says, "the Way, the Truth, and the Life." [John 14:6] With reason she has filled the land. That has now been said of this vineyard, which has been accomplished at the last. But in the mean time what? "She has covered the mountains with her shadow, and with her branch the cedars of God" [Psalm 80:10]. "You have stretched out her boughs even unto the sea, and even unto the river her shoots" [Psalm 80:11]. This requires the office of an expositor, that of a reader and praiser does not suffice: aid me with attention; for the mention of this vineyard in this Psalm is wont to overcloud with darkness the inattentive....But nevertheless the first Jewish nation was this vine. But the Jewish nation reigned as far as the sea and as far as the river. As far as the sea; it appears in Scripture [Numbers 34:5] that the sea was in the vicinity thereof. And as far as the river Jordan. For on the other side of Jordan some part of the Jews was established, but within Jordan was the whole nation. Therefore, "even unto the sea and even unto the river," is the kingdom of the Jews, the kingdom of Israel: but not "from sea even unto sea, and from the river even unto the ends of the round world;" this is the future perfection of the vineyard, concerning which in this place he has foretold. When, I say, he had foretold to you the perfection, he returns to the beginning, out of which the perfection was made. Of the beginning will you hear? "Even unto the river." Of the end will you hear? "He shall have dominion from sea even unto sea:" that is, "she has filled the earth." Let us look then to the testimony of Asaph, as to what was done to the first vineyard, and what must be expected for the second vineyard, nay to the same vineyard....What then, the vineyard before the sight whereof a way was made, that she should fill the earth, at first was where? "Her shadow covered the mountains." Who are the mountains? The Prophets. Why did her shadow cover them? Because darkly they spoke the things which were foretold as to come. You hear from the Prophets, Keep the Sabbath day, on the eighth day circumcise a child, offer sacrifice of ram, of calf, of he-goat. Be not troubled, her shadow does cover the mountains of God; there will come after the shadow a manifestation. "And her shrubs the cedars of God," that is, she has covered the cedars of God; very lofty, but of God. For the cedars are types of the proud, that must needs be overthrown. The "cedars of Lebanon," the heights of the world, this vineyard did cover in growing, and the mountains of God, all the holy Prophets and Patriarchs.
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
Psalm 80:11, embedded within a fervent communal lament, vividly portrays Israel as a divinely planted vine, illustrating its intended state of magnificent flourishing and expansive reach. This verse describes the nation's ideal prosperity and dominion, stretching metaphorically from the Mediterranean Sea in the west to the Euphrates River in the east, symbolizing the full realization of God's covenant promises regarding the land. It serves as a poignant reminder of God's original design and generous intentions for His people, setting a stark contrast with their current state of distress and desolation that the psalmist laments.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalm 80 is a deeply emotional communal lament, an urgent and repeated plea for divine restoration addressed to the "Shepherd of Israel" Psalm 80:1. The psalm is structured around a powerful refrain, "Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved!" Psalm 80:3, which is repeated in verses 7 and 19, emphasizing the people's desperate need for God's intervention. The central metaphor of Israel as a vine is introduced in Psalm 80:8, where God is depicted as bringing a vine out of Egypt and planting it in the promised land, clearing the ground for it. Verse 11, therefore, describes the glorious, ideal state of this vine—its intended flourishing and vast dominion—before its current state of desolation, which is immediately detailed in Psalm 80:12-13, where its protective walls are broken down and it is ravaged by passersby and wild beasts. This stark contrast between the divine ideal and the painful reality amplifies the urgency of the lament and the depth of the people's suffering, appealing to God's past faithfulness and glorious intentions for His people.
Historical & Cultural Context: The psalm likely originates from a period of profound national distress, possibly during or after the Assyrian or Babylonian exiles, or a time of severe military defeat and oppression that left the nation vulnerable and humiliated. The imagery of broken walls and a ravaged vine points to a devastated land and people. In ancient Israelite culture, the vine was a profoundly significant symbol of prosperity, blessing, and national identity, frequently appearing in prophetic literature to describe Israel's relationship with God (e.g., Isaiah 5:1-7; Jeremiah 2:21; Hosea 10:1). The "sea" in this verse unequivocally refers to the Mediterranean Sea, which formed the western boundary of the promised land. The "river" refers specifically to the Euphrates River, which marked the traditional eastern boundary. These two geographical markers represent the ideal, divinely promised boundaries of the land given to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 15:18; Exodus 23:31), signifying the full extent of Israel's intended dominion and blessing under God's covenant faithfulness.
Key Themes: Psalm 80:11 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 80 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Promise and Ideal Prosperity, highlighting God's generous intention for Israel to flourish abundantly, bearing fruit and exercising dominion over a vast, prosperous land. Secondly, it evokes Covenant Faithfulness, implicitly appealing to God's historical commitment to His people and the unconditional promises made to Abraham regarding the land. Thirdly, the Vine as a National Symbol is central, representing Israel's identity and its intimate relationship with God—a relationship where God is the Vinedresser and Israel is His chosen plant. The lament then pivots on the stark contrast between this ideal state of the vine and the current reality of desolation, emphasizing the theme of God's Restorative Power and the desperate need for His intervention to bring the nation back to its intended flourishing and fruitfulness. This longing for restoration is a dominant motif throughout the psalm, culminating in repeated pleas for God to "restore us."
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalm 80:11 is rich in literary artistry, primarily employing Metaphor and Personification. The central metaphor is that of Israel as a vine, a recurring biblical image (e.g., Isaiah 5) that conveys the nation's intimate relationship with God as its planter and cultivator, and its potential for fruitfulness or barrenness. The vine's vigorous growth and expansive spread symbolize Israel's prosperity, dominion, and influence when in right relationship with God. Personification is evident in the phrase "She sent out," attributing human-like, intentional action to the vine, emphasizing its active and natural expansion as if it were a living agent. This device makes the metaphor more vivid and relatable, highlighting the vine's inherent vitality. Furthermore, the verse utilizes Symbolism where the "sea" (Mediterranean) and "river" (Euphrates) are not merely geographical features but powerful symbols of the full, divinely ordained boundaries of the promised land, representing the totality and completeness of God's blessing and the ideal extent of Israel's dominion. The implied vastness of this reach, encompassing the entire promised territory, also borders on Hyperbole, underscoring the magnificent scale of God's original, glorious intention for His people.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates God's original, generous intention for His people, Israel, to flourish and expand in accordance with His covenant promises. It speaks to a theology of divine blessing and the ideal state of God's chosen nation, where their prosperity and influence would extend to the very boundaries He had set. The lament in Psalm 80 contrasts this glorious vision with the current reality of a ravaged vine, highlighting the consequences of disobedience and the desperate need for God's restorative grace. The imagery reminds us that God desires His people to be fruitful and to impact their world, reflecting His glory. This ideal state, though seemingly unfulfilled for historical Israel in its fullest extent, points forward to a greater spiritual reality of God's kingdom.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 80:11 invites us to reflect on God's profound desire for His people to thrive, bear fruit, and expand their influence, not just for their own benefit but for the extension of His kingdom and glory in the world. While the literal land promise was for ancient Israel, the spiritual principle of expansive influence, fruitfulness, and flourishing applies powerfully to the church and to individual believers today. As God's people, we are called to be spiritually fruitful in our lives, spreading the truth and goodness of God's kingdom far and wide, much like the vine's branches were meant to extend. This verse can inspire us to pray for spiritual growth and impact, both individually and corporately, trusting that God delights in the expansion of His people's witness and the spread of His Gospel. When we experience spiritual barrenness, decline, or feel constrained by circumstances, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's original design for abundance and motivates us to appeal to Him for restoration and renewed fruitfulness, confident in His power to bring about spiritual flourishing and breakthrough beyond perceived limitations.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is Israel depicted as a vine in the Bible?
Answer: The imagery of Israel as a vine or vineyard is a common and rich metaphor throughout the Old Testament. It symbolizes Israel's special relationship with God, who is portrayed as the Vinedresser who brought them out of Egypt, planted them in the promised land, and cultivated them with meticulous care (Psalm 80:8; Isaiah 5:1-7). The vine's health and fruitfulness represent Israel's prosperity, obedience to God's covenant, and their role in bringing glory to Him. Conversely, its barrenness or wild, degenerate growth signifies their unfaithfulness and subsequent judgment. This metaphor underscores God's personal investment in His people and their inherent responsibility to bear good fruit in response to His cultivation.
What do "the sea" and "the river" specifically refer to in this verse?
Answer: In the context of the promised land, "the sea" refers specifically to the Mediterranean Sea, which formed the western boundary of the territory God promised to Abraham and his descendants. "The river" refers to the Euphrates River, which traditionally marked the eastern boundary of this promised land. Together, these two geographical markers represent the full, ideal extent of the land God intended for Israel's dominion, as outlined in covenant promises such as Genesis 15:18 and Exodus 23:31. The verse thus describes Israel's intended flourishing and expansive reach across its entire divinely appointed territory, symbolizing complete fulfillment of God's land promises.
How does Psalm 80:11 relate to the overall message of Psalm 80?
Answer: Psalm 80:11 is a crucial and poignant part of the psalm's communal lament. It describes Israel's ideal, divinely intended state of flourishing and expansive dominion, serving as a powerful backdrop against which the psalmist laments the nation's current state of desolation and distress. The vivid contrast between the vibrant, far-reaching vine of verse 11 and the broken, ravaged vine described immediately after in Psalm 80:12-13 amplifies the urgency and pathos of the people's plea for God's restoration. By recalling God's past faithfulness and glorious intentions for His people, the psalmist appeals to God's character and covenant to intervene and "restore us" Psalm 80:3, demonstrating that the current suffering is a deviation from God's perfect design.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalm 80:11 describes the ideal, expansive flourishing of physical Israel under the Old Covenant, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment is found in Jesus, the true Israel, and in His body, the Church. Jesus Himself declares, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser" John 15:1. In Christ, the ideal of God's people bearing abundant fruit and extending their influence is perfectly realized. Believers, as branches in Him, are called to abide in Him to bear "much fruit" John 15:5. The spiritual "boughs" and "branches" of this new covenant people, empowered by the Holy Spirit, are not limited by geographical boundaries but are sent out to the "ends of the earth" with the Gospel Acts 1:8. The Church, as the spiritual Israel, is destined to grow and expand, bringing God's truth and light to every nation, fulfilling the Abrahamic promise of blessing all peoples through His seed, who is Christ Galatians 3:16. Thus, the vision of a flourishing, far-reaching vine finds its ultimate and global realization in the redemptive work of Christ and the worldwide mission of His Church, extending God's kingdom without physical borders.