Psalms 80 - Introduction

A.M. 3294. B.C. 710.

This Psalm was composed upon occasion of some calamity which befell the tribes of Israel after their division into two kingdoms, and before the captivity of either of them. In which time all the evils here mentioned did befall them, sometimes in one part, and sometimes in another. The author represents their deplorable state under the figure of a vine, and begs of God at length to take compassion on them and save them. The particulars are,

(1,) He prays for the tokens of God's presence, Psalms 80:1.

(2,) Complains of heavy distress, Psalms 80:4.

(3,) Illustrates this by a striking similitude, Psalms 80:8. Concludes with a prayer for mercy, Psalms 80:17.

Title. Shoshannim-eduth seems to be the name of a musical instrument; many, however, separate the latter part of the word, Eduth, from the former, and as it means testimony, they consider it as entitling the Psalm, A testimony, or witness, namely, between God and his people, of his relation to them, and of their dependance on him.