What does Psalm 80:12 mean?
ESV: Why then have you broken down its walls, so that all who pass along the way pluck its fruit?
NIV: Why have you broken down its walls so that all who pass by pick its grapes?
NASB: Why have You broken down its hedges, So that all who pass that way pick its fruit?
CSB: Why have you broken down its walls so that all who pass by pick its fruit?
NLT: But now, why have you broken down our walls so that all who pass by may steal our fruit?
KJV: Why hast thou then broken down her hedges, so that all they which pass by the way do pluck her?
NKJV: Why have You broken down her hedges, So that all who pass by the way pluck her fruit?
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
Psalm 80:7–13 reflects on the Lord's former blessings on Israel. The nation's rescue from slavery and establishment in the Promised Land are depicted as a vine transplanted and nurtured. This "vine" became large, powerful, and successful. But now the nation is like a vineyard with broken walls: open to thieves, vandals, and wild animals.
Chapter Summary:
The psalmist calls for God's rescue during a time of defeat. The refrain "Restore us…that we may be saved" is repeated several times. The song expresses grief that the Lord has allowed Israel to suffer defeat and embarrassment. Though Israel was brought out of slavery and established in the Promised Land, it is being attacked by some force or foreign power. The psalmist appeals to God to restore His chosen people.
Chapter Context:
This is not clearly associated with a specific event, as are some other chapters in this part of the book of Psalms. Scholars have suggested the conquest of the northern kingdom, the fall of the entire nation of Israel, and harassment by foreign nations during the early days of the monarchy. An unlikely possibility is that the psalm mourns spiritual decay in the nation. The wide range of eras which might apply makes exact authorship uncertain, as well.
Book Summary:
The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.
Accessed 11/21/2024 3:59:25 PM
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