Restoration Cry – Psalm 80

Psalm 80 is among the Psalms of Asaph that can be classified as a community lament. A song of sadness and loss yet offered to a savior capable and merciful. Ultimately Asaph places his hope for restoration in one man at Yahweh's right hand. Spurgeon reminds us of the historic plight of peoples through history: “Nations rise or fall largely through the instrumentality of individuals; by a Napoleon kingdoms are scourged, and by a Wellington nations are saved from the tyrant. It is by the man Christ Jesus that fallen Israel is yet saved from the tyrant. It is by the man Christ Jesus that fallen Israel is yet to rise and indeed through Him, who deigns to call Himself the 'Son of Man', the world is to be delivered from the dominion of Satan and the curse of sin.” This psalm of Asaph seems to be structured with two familiar prayers, historic to the vitality of corporate Israel, in mind. The first is from Num 6:24-27 (Aaron's benediction). The second is the prayer of Moses which attended the advancement of the Ark of the Covenant (Num 10:35-36) “Arise O Lord, and let your enemies be scattered and let those who hate you flee before you ...Return O Lord, to the ten thousands thousands of Israel.” When would these cries be answered in full? With the arrival of the Messiah Son of Man, Jesus Christ. Psalm 80 yearns for that day..