TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 80:8–19. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
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.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
But with what profit is this? "O God of virtues turn Thou nevertheless" [Psalm 80:14]. Although these things have been done, "Turn Thou nevertheless." "Look from heaven and see, and visit this vineyard." "And perfect Thou her whom Your right hand has planted" [Psalm 80:15]. No other plant Thou, but this make Thou perfect. For she is the very seed of Abraham, she is the very seed in whom all nations shall be blessed: [Genesis 22:18] there is the root where is borne the graffed wild olive. "Perfect Thou this vineyard which Your right hand has planted." But wherein does He perfect? "And upon the Son of man, whom You have strengthened to Yourself." What can be more evident? Why do ye still expect, that we should still explain to you in discourse, and should we not rather cry out with you in admiration, "Perfect Thou this vineyard which Your right hand has planted, and upon the Son of man" perfect her? What Son of man? Him "whom You have strengthened to Yourself." A mighty stronghold: build as much as you are able. "For other foundation no one is able to lay, except that which is laid, which is Christ Jesus." [1 Corinthians 3:11]
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Summary
Psalms 80:14 is a fervent and poignant plea for divine intervention and restoration, arising from a period of profound national distress for Israel. The verse encapsulates a communal lament, imploring the omnipotent "God of hosts" to "return," "look down from heaven," "behold," and "visit" His people, who are tenderly depicted through the metaphor of a suffering vine. It expresses a deep yearning for God's active, benevolent presence and powerful action to reverse their desolate circumstances and restore them to their former state of flourishing under His protective care.
Context
Literary Context
Psalm 80 is a communal lament, a heartfelt prayer for national restoration attributed to Asaph. It is characterized by a recurring refrain that intensifies with each repetition: "Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved" (Psalms 80:3, Psalms 80:7, Psalms 80:19). The central and dominant metaphor throughout the psalm is that of Israel as a vine, which God Himself brought out of Egypt and carefully planted (see Psalms 80:8-11). Prior to verse 14, the psalmist laments that God has seemingly broken down the vine's protective hedge, allowing wild beasts to devour and spoil it (Psalms 80:12-13). Verse 14, therefore, intensifies the desperate cry for God to re-engage with this suffering vine, highlighting the people's dire need for His personal and powerful attention after His apparent withdrawal.
Historical & Cultural Context
While the precise historical setting for Psalm 80 remains a subject of scholarly debate, it most plausibly reflects a period of severe national calamity, such as the Assyrian invasion and subsequent exile of the Northern Kingdom (Israel, particularly the tribes of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, explicitly mentioned in Psalms 80:2). This era brought immense suffering, foreign oppression, and a sense of divine abandonment. Culturally, the imagery of the vine was profoundly significant in the ancient Near East, where vineyards were crucial agricultural assets, symbolizing prosperity, blessing, and covenant faithfulness. For Israel, the vine metaphor represented their identity as God's chosen and cultivated people, a theme deeply embedded in their national consciousness. The desolation of a vineyard, as vividly depicted in the psalm, would have been a terrifying and tangible representation of national ruin, foreign invasion, and perceived divine displeasure. The plea for God to "return" thus embodies a desperate longing for Him to re-establish His protective presence and reverse the national catastrophe.
Key Themes
The overarching theme of Psalm 80, powerfully encapsulated in verse 14, is Divine Restoration. The psalmist and the community recognize that only God's active presence and direct intervention can reverse their fortunes and lead them back to a state of blessing and flourishing. This theme intertwines with God's Sovereignty and Power, as addressing God as "O God of hosts" (Hebrew: Yahweh Sabaoth) underscores His supreme authority over all creation and His absolute ability to deliver His people from any plight. The pervasive Metaphor of Israel as God's Vine highlights God's intimate covenant relationship with His people, His past faithfulness in nurturing them, and the tragic contrast with their current desolate state. This powerful imagery is echoed in other prophetic texts, such as Isaiah 5:1-7 and Jeremiah 2:21. Finally, the verse expresses Earnest Intercession, with the repeated pleas for God to "return," "look down," "behold," and "visit" conveying a humble, persistent, and desperate prayer for divine attention and beneficial action.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This plural noun, often translated as "God," refers to the supreme God, the Creator and Ruler of the universe. While it can also refer to gods in a general sense, its use here with the context of "hosts" and the singular verb "return" clearly points to the one true God of Israel. It emphasizes His divine nature and supreme authority.
This term refers to a mass of persons or things, especially an army or organized group for warfare. When combined with "God" to form "God of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth), it signifies God as the sovereign commander of heavenly armies (angels) and all cosmic forces. It portrays Him as the Lord of all creation, possessing infinite power and authority, capable of delivering His people from any foe or plight.
This primitive root means "to scan," "to look intently at," and by implication, "to regard with pleasure, favor, or care." In this context, it is a plea for God not merely to observe their suffering casually, but to fix His gaze upon them with compassionate attention and active concern, leading to a beneficial intervention.
This primitive root carries a wide range of meanings, including "to attend to," "to inspect," "to muster," "to charge," "to care for," or "to punish." In Psalms 80:14, the plea is for God to "visit" in a beneficial sense—to actively engage with His people, showing care, protection, and restorative power, much like a shepherd tending to his flock or a gardener to his vine. It is a request for God's personal, redemptive presence to reverse their desolation and restore their vitality.
Derived from an unused root meaning "to bend," this word refers to a vine, especially the grape. In the context of Psalm 80, "this vine" is a powerful metaphor for Israel, representing God's chosen people whom He carefully cultivated and brought out of Egypt. The term highlights their identity as a people intimately connected to God's care and their current state of desolation.
Verse Breakdown
"Return, we beseech thee, O God of hosts:"
This opening clause is a direct, urgent, and humble appeal to God. The verb "return" (שׁוּב, shuv) implies that God has seemingly withdrawn His favor, protection, or active presence, and the people are pleading for Him to come back to them. "We beseech thee" (literally, "please") underscores the earnestness and desperation of their prayer. Addressing Him as "O God of hosts" invokes His immense power and supreme authority, appealing to His capacity to act decisively on their behalf.
"look down from heaven, and behold, and visit this vine;"
This forms a triple appeal, intensifying the plea for divine attention and action. "Look down from heaven" is an anthropomorphic expression, picturing God observing their plight from His exalted, heavenly throne, implying His transcendence yet His ability to perceive earthly suffering. "Behold" (רָאָה, ra'ah) is more than a casual glance; it signifies a careful, compassionate, and attentive observation of their suffering. Finally, "visit this vine" is the culmination of the plea, asking God not just to see but to actively intervene with His restorative, life-giving power. "This vine" refers metaphorically to Israel, using the central image of the psalm, emphasizing their identity as God's chosen and once-flourishing people who are now desolate and in dire need of His tender care and powerful intervention.
Literary Devices
Psalm 80:14 masterfully employs several Literary Devices to convey its poignant and urgent message. The most prominent is the Metaphor of "this vine" for Israel. This extended metaphor, developed throughout the psalm, powerfully illustrates God's initial loving cultivation of His people, their flourishing under His care, and their current state of desolation due to His apparent withdrawal. The image of a ravaged vineyard, broken down and devoured by wild beasts, evokes deep sympathy and urgency, underscoring the severity of their plight. Anthropomorphism is also evident in the pleas for God to "return," "look down," "behold," and "visit," attributing human-like actions and perceptions to God to express the people's profound desire for His personal, compassionate, and active engagement. The triple imperative—"look down," "behold," and "visit"—creates a sense of Climax and Emphasis, building from mere observation to active, restorative intervention. This also functions as a form of Parallelism, reinforcing the singular, desperate request for God's beneficial presence and highlighting the multifaceted nature of the divine action they seek.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The plea in Psalms 80:14 resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative of God's covenant relationship with His people and His unwavering commitment to their restoration. It underscores the profound theological truth that God is not a distant or apathetic deity but one who hears the cries of His people and is capable of intervening powerfully on His behalf. The lament acknowledges human failure and the consequences of divine judgment, yet it never abandons hope in God's ultimate mercy and faithfulness. It teaches that even in the darkest valleys of suffering and apparent abandonment, the proper response is persistent, humble, and earnest prayer, appealing to God's character as the omnipotent "God of hosts" and His past acts of salvation. The "vine" metaphor connects Israel's identity and destiny directly to God's care, implying that their flourishing is entirely dependent on His active presence and benevolent "visitation." This reliance on divine intervention for national well-being is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament.
Reflection and Application
Psalms 80:14 offers a profound model for believers facing personal or corporate distress. It reminds us that when we feel abandoned, overwhelmed by circumstances, or witness the decline of spiritual vitality around us, our first and most potent recourse is earnest prayer to the sovereign God. This verse encourages a posture of humble dependence, acknowledging that true restoration—whether personal healing, spiritual revival, or societal transformation—originates solely from God's active "visitation." It challenges us to persist in prayer, even when answers seem delayed, clinging to the truth that the "God of hosts" is powerful enough to reverse any desolation. Furthermore, it calls us to examine our own lives and communities: are we living as a flourishing "vine" under God's careful cultivation, or have we become desolate through neglect, unfaithfulness, or a turning away from His commands? The cry for God to "return" is often a prelude to our own turning back to Him in repentance and renewed devotion, recognizing that His presence is our ultimate source of life and flourishing.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of the title "God of hosts" in this verse?
The title "God of hosts" (Hebrew: Yahweh Sabaoth) is highly significant because it emphasizes God's supreme power and authority. "Hosts" refers to armies, both earthly and, more importantly, heavenly. By addressing God as "God of hosts," the psalmist acknowledges Him as the divine commander of all forces, capable of marshaling celestial armies and intervening decisively in human history and the affairs of nations. In the context of a lament, it is a profound appeal to His omnipotence, recognizing that only such a powerful God can "return," "look down," "behold," and "visit" His desolate people with the necessary strength and might to bring about complete restoration. It underscores the belief that no situation is too dire or hopeless for His intervention, as He commands all the resources of the universe.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalms 80:14, with its poignant plea for God to "visit this vine," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament "vine" was Israel, a people often proving unfaithful and bearing sour fruit as depicted in Isaiah 5:1-7, Jesus declares Himself to be the "true vine" in John 15:1-5. He is the perfect embodiment of God's chosen people, the faithful Son through whom all who believe are grafted in and receive life. The "visitation" longed for in Psalm 80 is fully realized in the Incarnation, when God Himself, the "God of hosts," "visited and redeemed His people" through the birth of Jesus Christ (Luke 1:68). Jesus, as God in human flesh, came to tend to the desolate vineyard of humanity, offering ultimate restoration through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection. Through Him, the Church becomes God's new "vine" or "spiritual house" (1 Peter 2:5), a chosen race and holy nation (1 Peter 2:9-10), flourishing under His constant care and empowered by His Spirit. The ancient prayer for God to "return" and "visit" now anticipates Christ's glorious second coming, when He will return to fully restore His creation and gather His redeemed people into eternal glory, completing the work begun at His first advent.