801 Hear us, Shepherd of Israel,
you who lead Joseph like a flock,
you who sit above the cherubim, shine forth. 2 Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh, stir up your might!
Come to save us! 3 Turn us again, God.
Cause your face to shine,
and we will be saved. 4 Yahweh God of Armies,
How long will you be angry against the prayer of your people? 5 You have fed them with the bread of tears,
and given them tears to drink in large measure. 6 You make us a source of contention to our neighbors.
Our enemies laugh among themselves. 7 Turn us again, God of Armies.
Cause your face to shine,
and we will be saved.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 80:1-7
Commentary on Psalm 80:1-7
(Read Psalm 80:1-7)
He that dwelleth upon the mercy-seat, is the good Shepherd of his people. But we can neither expect the comfort of his love, nor the protection of his arm, unless we partake of his converting grace. If he is really angry at the prayers of his people, it is because, although they pray, their ends are not right, or there is some secret sin indulged in them, or he will try their patience and perseverance in prayer. When God is displeased with his people, we must expect to see them in tears, and their enemies in triumph. There is no salvation but from God's favour; there is no conversion to God but by his own grace.