O SHEPHERD OF ISRAEL] a representation of God characteristic of the
Asaphic Pss. (see Intro, to Book 3). JOSEPH] the father of Ephraim and
Manasseh. The name is applied to the kingdom of the Ten Tribes.
DWELLEST _between,_ etc.] RV 'sittest upon the cherubim': see Exodus
25:20; Ezekiel 1:26; Ezekiel... [ Continue Reading ]
This Ps. is an appeal to God to save His people from the adversities
that have come upon them, and have made them the laughing stock of
their enemies (Psalms 80:1). Their past history is recalled under the
figure of a vine, once flourishing, but now wasted by wild beasts and
fire (Psalms 80:8). Spec... [ Continue Reading ]
EPHRAIM.. BEN JAMIN.. MANASSEH] These three tribes were the
descendants of Rachel. They encamped together in the wilderness, and
followed immediately after the tabernacle when Israel was marching
(Numbers 2:18). The Psalmist prays that they may be restored to their
ancient place of favour.... [ Continue Reading ]
This v. recurs as a refrain in Psalms 80:7; Psalms 80:19. TURN US
AGAIN] bring us back from captivity. CAUSE THY FACE TO SHINE] from
Numbers 6:25.... [ Continue Reading ]
For the vine as an emblem of Israel see Isaiah 5:1; Isaiah 27:2;
Jeremiah 2:21; Ezekiel 17:1.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE SEA] the Mediterranean on the W. THE RIVER] RV 'River': the
Euphrates on the E. These were the ideal boundaries of Israel (Genesis
15:18; Exodus 23:31; Deuteronomy 11:24; Psalms 72:8), which were
reached, for the time in the days of Solomon (1 Kings 4:24).... [ Continue Reading ]
BOAR.. WILD BEAST (RV 'beasts')] Israel's enemies, especially,
perhaps, the Assyrians.... [ Continue Reading ]
VINEYARD] RV 'stock'; another reading gives 'protect.'... [ Continue Reading ]
THEY PERISH] The figure of the vine is dropped here.... [ Continue Reading ]
LET THY HAND BE UPON] to protect. THE MAN OF THY RIGHT HAND] the
nation of Israel personified, with a special allusion to the name
Benjamin, which means' son of the right hand': see Psalms 80:15. SON
OF MAN] another expression for the nation in its human weakness: cp.
the use of the phrase in Ezekie... [ Continue Reading ]
QUICKEN] make alive, revive.... [ Continue Reading ]