Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19

First Week of Advent
November 27, 2005


The portions we are reading of this psalm are similar to those we read in Isaiah, except that the people singing here are much more direct in their exaltations to God. They plainly see their failings and openly, blatantly beseech God to restore them, to visit them anew. They know that God has left them and are praying that He will visit them again. They have left their cynicism and the sin that caused their grief. They fully realize that it is their sin that brought the tears, brought the enemy’s hatred, derision, and mocking. Israel knows that only God can save them from themselves, from the mess in which they have placed themselves. And on top of all of this repentance, they proclaim the arrival of the Messiah, knowing that His presence will make all of the difference. They have mourned & wept and now they seek their deliverance, since they were unable to fix themselves on their terms, only getting deeper into trouble. “Restore us, Lord God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we might be saved. (Psalm 80:7, 19 TNIV) They wait expectantly on the arrival of the Lord.