Psalms 80:13

Psalm 80:13 (KJV) vividly describes the desolation of Israel, personified as a vineyard, under attack from destructive forces. This verse is a poignant cry within a larger lament, emphasizing the vulnerability of God's people when divine protection seems withdrawn.

Context

Psalm 80 is a communal lament, often attributed to Asaph, a prominent choirmaster in the Old Testament. The psalm is a heartfelt prayer for the restoration of Israel, particularly the Northern Kingdom (Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh are mentioned in Psalm 80:2). The central metaphor throughout the psalm is that of Israel as a "vine" (Psalm 80:8), which God brought out of Egypt and planted. After thriving, this vine is now suffering, its protective wall broken down (Psalm 80:12), leaving it exposed. Psalm 80:13 depicts the consequence of this brokenness, where external aggressors, symbolized by wild animals, freely inflict damage.

Key Themes

• Vulnerability and Desolation: The imagery of the "boar" and "wild beast" highlights the complete exposure and destruction faced by Israel. It conveys a sense of helplessness against overwhelming external threats.
• Divine Judgment and Discipline: While a lament, the psalm implicitly acknowledges that Israel's distress is linked to God's displeasure, as seen in the repeated plea for God to "turn us again" and "cause thy face to shine" (Psalm 80:3, Psalm 80:7, Psalm 80:19). The suffering is a consequence of their spiritual state.
• Destructive Enemies: The "boar" and "wild beast" are metaphors for the hostile nations or internal forces that plague Israel. Historically, this could refer to the Assyrian Empire or other invaders that threatened the Northern Kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used convey specific destructive imagery:

• "Boar" (חֲזִיר - chazir): Refers to a wild pig. Wild boars are notorious for rooting up fields and vineyards, causing extensive and indiscriminate damage. This symbolizes a brutal, perhaps uncivilized, and ruthless enemy. In a cultural context, pigs were also considered unclean animals, adding a layer of defilement to the destruction.
• "Wild beast of the field" (זִיז שָׂדַי - ziz saday): A general term for any destructive creature from the wilderness or open country. This broadens the scope of the threat, suggesting that multiple forms of devastation are at play, utterly devouring the vineyard's fruit and vitality.

Related Scriptures

• The metaphor of Israel as a vine or vineyard is common in prophetic literature, notably in Isaiah 5:1-7, where God's vineyard yields wild grapes, leading to its desolation.
• The idea of God's people being vulnerable to enemies when they stray from Him is a recurring theme, as seen in the curses of the covenant in Deuteronomy 28:49-57.

Practical Application

Psalm 80:13 resonates with believers today by illustrating several profound truths:

1. Spiritual Vulnerability: Just as Israel's protective hedge was removed, believers can experience spiritual vulnerability when they drift from God's will or neglect their spiritual disciplines. This can open the door for spiritual attacks or the negative influences of the world.
2. Consequences of Disobedience: While God's love is steadfast, there are consequences for disobedience. This verse serves as a reminder of the potential for spiritual "devouring" when we are not abiding in Christ, our true vine (as taught in John 15:5).
3. Call to Prayer and Repentance: The psalm's ultimate response to this devastation is a fervent plea for God's restoration. It encourages believers to turn to God in prayer and repentance during times of hardship or spiritual attack, seeking His face and renewed protection.

This verse underscores the importance of God's sovereign protection and the dire consequences when His people, like a neglected vineyard, become exposed to the destructive forces of the world.