TRV
Translation
King James Version
Thou preparedst room before it, and didst cause it to take deep root, and it filled the land.
American Standard Version
Thou preparedst room before it, And it took deep root, and filled the land.
World English Bible Messianic
You cleared the ground for it. It took deep root, and filled the land.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Thou madest roume for it, and didest cause it to take roote, and it filled the land.
Young's Literal Translation
Thou hast looked before it, and dost root it, And it filleth the land,
In the KJVVerse 15,208 of 31,102
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Commentary on Psalms 80 verses 8–19
8 ¶ Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt: thou hast cast out the heathen, and planted it.
9 Thou preparedst room before it, and didst cause it to take deep root, and it filled the land.
10 The hills were covered with the shadow of it, and the boughs thereof were like the goodly cedars.
11 She sent out her boughs unto the sea, and her branches unto the river.
12 Why hast thou then broken down her hedges, so that all they which pass by the way do pluck her?
13 The boar out of the wood doth waste it, and the wild beast of the field doth devour it.
14 Return, we beseech thee, O God of hosts: look down from heaven, and behold, and visit this vine;
15 And the vineyard which thy right hand hath planted, and the branch that thou madest strong for thyself.
16 It is burned with fire, it is cut down: they perish at the rebuke of thy countenance.
17 Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand, upon the son of man whom thou madest strong for thyself.
18 So will not we go back from thee: quicken us, and we will call upon thy name.
19 Turn us again, O LORD God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.
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.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 8–19. Public domain.
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JeromeAD 420
Against Rufinus 2.24
What is there in human life that can be safe if innocence is made the object of accusation? I am the householder who finds that while he slept the enemy has sown tares among his wheat. “The wild boar out of the wood has rooted up my vineyard, and the strange wild beast has devoured it.” I keep silence, but a letter that is not mine speaks against me. I am ignorant of the crime laid against me, yet I am made to confess the crime all through the world. “Woe is me, my mother, that you have borne me a man to be judged and condemned in the whole earth.”
Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 80
"A way You have made in the sight of her, and hast planted the roots of her, and she has filled the land" [Psalm 80:9]. Would she have filled the land, unless a way had been made in the sight of her? What was the way which was made in the sight of her? "I am," He says, "the Way, the Truth, and the Life." [John 14:6] With reason she has filled the land. That has now been said of this vineyard, which has been accomplished at the last. But in the mean time what? "She has covered the mountains with her shadow, and with her branch the cedars of God" [Psalm 80:10]. "You have stretched out her boughs even unto the sea, and even unto the river her shoots" [Psalm 80:11]. This requires the office of an expositor, that of a reader and praiser does not suffice: aid me with attention; for the mention of this vineyard in this Psalm is wont to overcloud with darkness the inattentive....But nevertheless the first Jewish nation was this vine. But the Jewish nation reigned as far as the sea and as far as the river. As far as the sea; it appears in Scripture [Numbers 34:5] that the sea was in the vicinity thereof. And as far as the river Jordan. For on the other side of Jordan some part of the Jews was established, but within Jordan was the whole nation. Therefore, "even unto the sea and even unto the river," is the kingdom of the Jews, the kingdom of Israel: but not "from sea even unto sea, and from the river even unto the ends of the round world;" this is the future perfection of the vineyard, concerning which in this place he has foretold. When, I say, he had foretold to you the perfection, he returns to the beginning, out of which the perfection was made. Of the beginning will you hear? "Even unto the river." Of the end will you hear? "He shall have dominion from sea even unto sea:" that is, "she has filled the earth." Let us look then to the testimony of Asaph, as to what was done to the first vineyard, and what must be expected for the second vineyard, nay to the same vineyard....What then, the vineyard before the sight whereof a way was made, that she should fill the earth, at first was where? "Her shadow covered the mountains." Who are the mountains? The Prophets. Why did her shadow cover them? Because darkly they spoke the things which were foretold as to come. You hear from the Prophets, Keep the Sabbath day, on the eighth day circumcise a child, offer sacrifice of ram, of calf, of he-goat. Be not troubled, her shadow does cover the mountains of God; there will come after the shadow a manifestation. "And her shrubs the cedars of God," that is, she has covered the cedars of God; very lofty, but of God. For the cedars are types of the proud, that must needs be overthrown. The "cedars of Lebanon," the heights of the world, this vineyard did cover in growing, and the mountains of God, all the holy Prophets and Patriarchs.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 80:9 serves as a poignant historical remembrance within a communal lament, vividly depicting God's meticulous and powerful work in establishing ancient Israel, His chosen "vine," in the Promised Land. This verse describes a period of profound divine favor and flourishing, where God actively cleared obstacles, ensured deep and stable rootage for the nation, and enabled its expansive growth to fill the entire territory. It stands as a powerful testament to God's past faithfulness and the nation's former glory, creating a stark and sorrowful contrast with the current state of distress and apparent divine abandonment that forms the urgent backdrop of the psalm's earnest prayer for restoration.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 80:9 is profoundly rich in Metaphor, primarily extending the Vine Metaphor introduced in the preceding verse. Israel is consistently depicted as a vine, a common and powerful image in the ancient world for a chosen, cultivated entity, allowing the psalmist to describe the nation's history, God's meticulous care, and its current plight in vivid, relatable terms. The actions attributed to God—"preparedst room," "didst cause it to take deep root," and the vine's subsequent action "it filled the land"—are examples of Personification, as they describe God interacting with the vine as a diligent gardener tends to a precious plant, and the vine acting with agency. This also contributes to the strong Imagery of a flourishing vineyard, evoking sensory details of vigorous growth, expansive reach, and abundant fruitfulness. The entire verse functions as a powerful Contrast to the subsequent lament, highlighting the stark difference between God's original, benevolent design for Israel's prosperity and their current state of desolation, thereby intensifying the desperate plea for divine intervention and restoration.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 80:9 powerfully articulates the profound theological truth of God's active, benevolent, and sovereign involvement in the life of His people. It reveals a God who is not distant or detached but intimately involved in the establishment, nurturing, and flourishing of His chosen nation. The imagery of preparing the ground and ensuring deep rootage speaks to God's meticulous care, His foresight in removing obstacles, and His unwavering commitment to providing a secure and stable foundation. The subsequent filling of the land signifies His desire for His people to experience abundance, fruitfulness, and the full realization of His covenant promises. This historical remembrance serves as a crucial theological anchor for the psalmist's desperate plea, reminding both God and the supplicants of His unchanging character and His ultimate design for their prosperity, even when present circumstances suggest otherwise. It underscores that true national or spiritual flourishing is always ultimately a result of divine initiative, sustained by divine power, and realized through divine blessing.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 80:9 offers profound and enduring insights for contemporary believers, serving as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering commitment to His people and His deep desire for our spiritual flourishing. Just as God meticulously prepared the land and ensured deep rootage for ancient Israel, He continues to work providentially in our lives, actively clearing paths, removing obstacles, and providing the necessary spiritual environment for us to grow in faith and maturity. This verse calls us to cultivate a profound trust in His sovereign hand, even when we cannot fully discern the "room" He is preparing or feel the "roots" of our faith deepening. It challenges us to reflect critically on the quality of our own spiritual root system: are we deeply rooted in Christ, drawing consistent nourishment from His Word and Spirit, or are we shallow, easily swayed and uprooted by trials and tribulations? The vision of the vine "filling the land" also inspires us to consider the expansive nature of God's kingdom and our vital role in its growth and influence. Our individual spiritual health and fruitfulness contribute directly to the collective flourishing and impact of the Church in the world. In times of personal dryness, communal distress, or national crisis, this verse serves as a powerful anchor, recalling God's past faithfulness and His original intention for abundance, thereby fueling our prayers for renewed blessing and restoration, confident that He remains the faithful Gardener who desires His vine to thrive and bear much fruit.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does the "vine" metaphor in Psalms 80 refer to, and why is it used?
Answer: The "vine" metaphor in Psalms 80, particularly prominent from Psalm 80:8 onwards, refers to the nation of Israel. This metaphor is deeply significant and is employed for several profound reasons. Firstly, it highlights God's intimate and personal relationship with His people, portraying Him as the diligent and caring gardener who carefully brought Israel out of the bondage of Egypt, planted them securely in the Promised Land, and meticulously tended to their growth and flourishing. Secondly, it powerfully emphasizes Israel's absolute dependence on God for its very life, sustenance, and fruitfulness; just as a vine relies entirely on its cultivator for nourishment and protection, Israel relied solely on God's provision and safeguarding. Thirdly, the metaphor often carries a dual meaning within biblical prophecy, representing both God's loving care and Israel's corresponding responsibility to bear good fruit. When the vine fails to produce or becomes wild and corrupt, it signifies Israel's unfaithfulness and the resulting divine judgment, as powerfully illustrated in other prophetic passages like Isaiah 5:1-7 and Jeremiah 2:21. In the context of Psalms 80, the metaphor serves as a poignant tool to lament the current desolate and vulnerable state of the vine, appealing earnestly to the divine Gardener to restore His once-flourishing vineyard to its former glory.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 80:9 vividly describes God's meticulous work in establishing Old Testament Israel as His chosen vine, its profound imagery finds its ultimate and superior Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ and the establishment of His global Church. Jesus Himself unequivocally declares, "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser" in John 15:1, shifting the focus from a national, ethnic entity to a personal, spiritual relationship with Him. The "room" God prepared in the Old Testament, clearing the land for Israel, is ultimately superseded by the way of salvation through Christ, who, by His perfect life, atoning sacrifice on the cross, and glorious resurrection, has cleared the path to God, removing the ultimate obstacle of sin (Hebrews 10:19-20). The "deep root" is no longer merely geographical or national, but profoundly spiritual, found in being "rooted and built up in him and established in the faith" as beautifully described in Colossians 2:7. Believers, as branches in the True Vine, are called to abide deeply in Christ to bear abundant spiritual fruit, fulfilling the very purpose of the vine (John 15:5). Finally, the concept of the vine "filling the land" finds its ultimate and glorious expression in the global expansion of the Gospel through the Church. The spiritual kingdom of God, initiated by Christ's first advent and empowered by the Holy Spirit, is a dynamic reality that is progressively "filling the earth with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea" (Habakkuk 2:14), extending its transformative influence far beyond the geographical borders of ancient Israel, through the power of the Holy Spirit enabling believers to be His witnesses "to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Thus, Psalms 80:9, though rooted in Israel's historical experience, powerfully foreshadows the superior and spiritual reality of God's new covenant people, deeply rooted in Christ and destined to fill the earth with His glory.