Psalms 80:6

Psalms 80:6 from the King James Version (KJV) is a poignant verse found within a communal lament, expressing the deep distress and humiliation of God's people. It reads: "Thou makest us a strife unto our neighbours: and our enemies laugh among themselves." This verse highlights a period of national suffering and divine displeasure, where Israel has become an object of contention and mockery among surrounding nations.

Context

Psalm 80 is a fervent prayer for restoration by Asaph, a chief musician and seer. The Psalm begins with an earnest appeal for God to "give ear" and "shine forth" (verse 1) and repeats the plea for restoration three times, notably in verses 3, 7, and 19. The overall context is one of national calamity, where Israel, depicted as a vine brought out of Egypt (verses 8-11), has been laid waste by God's apparent judgment. The verse in question articulates the painful consequence of this judgment: the people of God are no longer seen as blessed or protected, but as a source of conflict and derision to their adversaries, leading to profound shame and sorrow.

Meaning of the Verse

The phrase "Thou makest us a strife unto our neighbours" indicates that God Himself is seen as the agent behind their predicament. This is not necessarily an accusation of injustice, but an acknowledgment of divine sovereignty over their circumstances, implying that their suffering is a consequence of God's allowing or even orchestrating judgment. The Hebrew word for "strife" is madon (מָדוֹן), which means contention, quarrel, or dispute. It suggests that Israel has become an object over which others dispute, or perhaps a source of conflict, leading to constant disagreement and trouble with surrounding peoples.

Furthermore, "and our enemies laugh among themselves" underscores the depth of their humiliation. The word for "laugh" here (לָעַג, la'ag) often carries the connotation of mocking, scoffing, or deriding. This isn't a joyful laughter but a scornful one, indicating that Israel's adversaries find satisfaction and amusement in their weakened, vulnerable state. This sentiment of being a "reproach" and object of scorn is also found in other laments, such as Psalm 44:13, highlighting a common experience of Israel during times of national distress.

Key Themes

• Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: The verse attributes the nation's troubled state directly to God's action ("Thou makest us"), emphasizing His ultimate control over their destiny and the consequences of their actions.
• National Humiliation and Suffering: It vividly portrays the deep shame and pain experienced by God's people when they are mocked and despised by their enemies.
• The Need for Restoration: This lament serves as a desperate cry for God to intervene and restore their fortunes, turning their shame into salvation.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 80:6 offers several insights:

1. Understanding Trials: It acknowledges that even God's chosen people can experience periods of intense difficulty, public humiliation, and opposition. These trials may feel like God has "made us a strife," prompting introspection about our relationship with Him.
2. The Nature of Opposition: When living faithfully, Christians may sometimes face scorn or derision from those who do not understand or oppose their beliefs. This verse reminds us that such mockery is not new and was experienced by God's people in ancient times.
3. Call to Prayer and Reliance: The Psalm as a whole, including this verse, serves as a powerful reminder to turn to God in lament and prayer during times of distress, seeking His face and His restorative power. Just as Israel cried out for God to "turn us again," we too are called to depend on Him for deliverance and renewed strength, trusting that He hears the cries of His people (Psalm 34:17).