Psalms 80:7

Psalm 80:7 KJV: "Turn us again, O God of hosts, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved."

Context of Psalm 80:7

Psalm 80 is a heartfelt communal lament, believed to have been composed during a period of national distress for Israel, possibly during exile or a time of severe oppression. The psalmist pleads for divine restoration, emphasizing God's role as the "Shepherd of Israel" (Psalm 80:1). This verse is a powerful refrain, appearing almost identically in Psalm 80:3 and Psalm 80:19, underscoring the urgency and desperation of the people's plea for God's intervention and mercy.

Key Themes and Messages

• Plea for Divine Restoration: The phrase "Turn us again" is a fervent prayer for God to restore His people, implying a need for spiritual renewal, repentance, and deliverance from their current afflictions. It's a cry for God to reverse their fortunes and bring them back into His favor.
• God's Sovereign Power: Addressing God as "O God of hosts" (Hebrew: Elohim Tzeva'ot or Yahweh Sabaoth) highlights His supreme authority and power over all armies, heavenly bodies, and earthly forces. This title underscores the belief that only a God of such might could bring about the desired salvation and restoration.
• Desire for God's Favor and Presence: "Cause thy face to shine" is a profound request for God's active blessing, approval, and manifest presence. It echoes the ancient Priestly Blessing found in Numbers 6:25, where God's shining face signifies His benevolent gaze, bringing light, life, and peace. When God's face shines upon His people, it denotes His favor and protection.
• Promise of Salvation: The concluding phrase, "and we shall be saved," expresses the confident expectation that God's restoration and favor will inevitably lead to deliverance. This salvation encompasses not only physical rescue from enemies or hardship but also spiritual well-being, peace, and wholeness that comes from being rightly related to God.

Linguistic Insights

The title "God of hosts" (Hebrew: Elohim Tzeva'ot) is a powerful designation emphasizing God's omnipotence and His command over all celestial and earthly armies. It conveys His ability to bring about mighty deliverance. The petition "cause thy face to shine" (Hebrew: ha'er paneikha) is a direct appeal for divine illumination and favor, a concept deeply rooted in biblical tradition where God's countenance signifies His blessing and active presence, as seen in Psalm 4:6.

Practical Application

Psalm 80:7 serves as a timeless model for prayer in times of personal or communal distress. It teaches us to:

• Seek God for Restoration: When we feel distant from God or are facing overwhelming challenges, this verse encourages us to humbly ask Him to "turn us again" – to draw us back to Him and restore our spiritual vitality.
• Long for God's Presence: Our ultimate salvation and well-being are found in God's presence and favor. The prayer to "cause thy face to shine" reminds us to prioritize seeking His approval and blessing above all else.
• Trust in His Power: Acknowledging God as the "God of hosts" reinforces our trust in His supreme power to deliver us from any situation, no matter how dire. Just as He heard Israel's plea, He hears ours.

This verse offers hope and a pathway to renewed relationship with God, assuring us that His shining face brings true salvation and deliverance.