Psalms 80:18

So will not we go back from thee: quicken us, and we will call upon thy name.

So will not we go back {H5472}{H8799)} from thee: quicken {H2421}{H8762)} us, and we will call {H7121}{H8799)} upon thy name {H8034}.

Then we won't turn away from you if you revive us, we will call on your name.

Then we will not turn away from You; revive us, and we will call on Your name.

So shall we not go back from thee: Quicken thou us, and we will call upon thy name.

Commentary

Psalms 80:18 is a poignant plea for divine intervention and restoration, found within a communal lament. This verse encapsulates the heart of Israel's cry to God during a time of national distress, promising renewed faithfulness in exchange for His life-giving power.

Context of Psalms 80:18

Psalm 80 is a fervent prayer for restoration, addressed to God as the "Shepherd of Israel." It likely originated during a period of national suffering, possibly after military defeat or exile, where the northern tribes (Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh) were particularly affected. The psalm uses the powerful imagery of Israel as a vine brought out of Egypt, which God planted and cultivated, but now lies desolate and broken. The repeated refrain, "Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved," underscores the desperate need for God's favor and salvation. Verse 18 is part of the psalm's concluding petition, articulating a commitment from the people if God would act.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Commitment to Fidelity: The phrase "So will not we go back from thee" is a solemn promise of repentance and steadfast loyalty. It signifies the people's willingness to forsake their past wanderings and remain devoted to God, provided He revives them. This echoes the covenant relationship where faithfulness is expected.
  • Plea for Revival and Life: The core request, "quicken us," uses the Hebrew word chayah (ื—ึธื™ึธื”), meaning "to live," "revive," or "restore to life." It's a profound cry for spiritual, national, and even physical revitalization. It asks God to breathe new life into a desolate situation, enabling them to flourish once more. This concept of divine quickening is central to spiritual renewal, as seen in passages describing being made alive with Christ.
  • Promise of Worship and Dependence: "And we will call upon thy name" is a commitment to renewed worship, prayer, and absolute reliance on God. It suggests that if God grants their plea for revival, their natural response will be to honor Him and seek Him continually. This highlights the reciprocal nature of the divine-human relationship, where God's grace leads to human devotion. The act of calling upon the name of the Lord is often linked to salvation and true worship.

Linguistic Insights

The term "quicken us" is particularly significant. The Hebrew verb chayah (ื—ึธื™ึธื”) conveys the idea of bringing back to life, preserving life, or causing to live. It's used in various contexts, from physical resurrection to spiritual renewal and national restoration. In this psalm, it signifies God's power to infuse vitality into a dying nation, restoring their vigor and purpose.

Practical Application

Psalms 80:18 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It teaches us that true repentance involves a commitment to not turn back from God. When we acknowledge our failings and resolve to follow Him, we can confidently pray for His "quickening" power to revive our spirits, our churches, and even our communities. This verse reminds us that divine life and spiritual vitality enable us to genuinely "call upon His name" in worship and dependence. It's a model for prayer when seeking personal spiritual renewal or communal revival, emphasizing that God's grace empowers our faithfulness.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 119:25

    ยถ DALETH. My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.

  • Philippians 2:12

    ยถ Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

  • Philippians 2:13

    For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure.

  • Psalms 119:40

    ยถ Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.

  • Psalms 119:107

    ยถ I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.

  • Psalms 119:154

    Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.

  • Song Of Solomon 1:4

    Draw me, we will run after thee: the king hath brought me into his chambers: we will be glad and rejoice in thee, we will remember thy love more than wine: the upright love thee.