Psalm 80:14

Psalm 80:14

Watch over this vine!

What a plea this is! As we noted at the beginning, this Psalm was written when the Israelites were being held captive. Some suggest that it was the Assyrian capture of the 10 northern tribes that prompted a descendant of Asaph to write these words. However, if the Temple and the Priesthood were involved, it may be set against the background of the captivity of the Jews in Babylon. Whatever the circumstances the plea is very real, “Return to us, God Almighty!” These people felt abandoned and whilst history records their plight as political, and part of the empire-building ambitions of their enemy, the root cause was seen by the Jews to be abandonment by God. If, by faith, you see the hand of God in everything that happens, then circumstances, both good and bad, must be under His control and according to His will. 

The writer pleads with God Almighty to look down from heaven and see the plight of His people, just as He had done when they cried out to Him in Egypt long before. One of the outstanding features of the Psalms is this understanding that God is either with His people or that He has withdrawn from them. All crises and all blessing start at the throne room of God and His people on earth suffer or are blessed by His hand. How important it is to understand this vital lesson. The fortunes of nations, of families, of churches and of individuals has nothing to do with our efforts, for we are wholly dependent on the One who made us and gave us life. The affairs of this world are not governed by the UN, or politicians or discussions in high places but we are all in the hands of Almighty God. Let’s stop trusting the kings and queens and rulers and those who pretend to rule our lives, let’s instead have an understanding of the spiritual conflict that is all around us, and pledge our sole allegiance to the King of kings and Lord of lords. Hallelujah!

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