801 Shepherd of Israel, give ear, Leading Joseph as a flock, Inhabiting the cherubs—shine forth, 2 Before Ephraim, and Benjamin, and Manasseh, Wake up Thy might, and come for our salvation. 3 O God, cause us to turn back, And cause Thy face to shine, and we are saved. 4 Jehovah, God of Hosts, till when? Thou hast burned against the prayer of Thy people. 5 Thou hast caused them to eat bread of tears, And causest them to drink With tears a third time. 6 Thou makest us a strife to our neighbors, And our enemies mock at it. 7 God of Hosts, turn us back, And cause Thy face to shine, and we are 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.