Psalm 80 Restore us O God
Background Another psalm of Asaph “A testimony of Asaph” “Set to the lilies” Israel still in existence A psalm crying for deliverance
A Plea for Restoration (1-3) The shepherd of Israel His flock being led ( cf. Psa. 23 ) – protection Our shepherd – John 10:4, 11, 14-18
A Plea for Restoration (1-3) Dwelling between the cherubim – a reference to the ark of the covenant ( Ex. 25:20-22 ) Shine forth! Cf. Ex. 34:29-34; Deut. 33:2
A Plea for Restoration (1-3) Before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh – both Northern and Southern Israel present
A Plea for Restoration (1-3) “Restore us O God” (3) A need for restoration Do we need restoration? Jer. 6:16, Neh. 8:13-18
A Plea for Restoration (1-3) “Cause your face to shine” Num. 6:24-25 And we shall be saved God can restore us to our state of relationship
Devastation (4-7) “How long?” (4) God does know best Cf. Heb. 12:5-11 He was not hearing – sin! Is. 1:15, Jer. 7:16
Devastation (4-7) Tears in great measure (5) The scorn of their enemies (6) Humiliation “Restore us O God” (7) God can restore His name in our lives
The Vine of Israel (8-19) Deliverance and establishment We are the branches - John 15:1-8, cf. Rom. 11:11-23
The Vine of Israel (8-19) Out of Egypt Planted in the Promised Land (8) It took deep root (9) – boundaries- cf. Josh. 21:45. Gen. 15:18-20, 1 Kn. 4:24-25, 2 Chron. 9:26
The Vine of Israel (8-19) Broken vine (12-13) A plea to return (14-15) Damaged
The Vine of Israel (8-19) Let your hand be upon the man of Your right hand (17) The ONLY source of their strength
The Vine of Israel (8-19) The promise (18) Was it a vain promise? When we make promises to God do we mean them ( cf. Eccl. 5:2-6 )
The Vine of Israel (8-19) Restore us O God (19) God can firm establish us AGAIN!
May we seek His restoration while we still have opportunity