Psalms 80:19
“Turn us again, O LORD God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.”
Psalm 80:19 (KJV) says:
“Turn us again, O LORD God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.”
Context:Psalm 80 is attributed to Asaph, one of the chief musicians during the time of David. It is a communal lament, expressing the distress of the people of Israel and their longing for God’s restoration. The psalm begins with a plea for God to shepherd His people, the vineyard of Israel. In verse 19, the psalmist petitions the Lord to turn the people back to Himself and to shine His face upon them for their salvation.
“Turn us again”: The psalmist recognizes that the people of Israel have strayed from God’s ways, and they are in need of divine intervention to bring them back. This acknowledgment demonstrates the psalmist’s humility and desire for repentance. It reflects the understanding that their present situation is a result of their own waywardness and the need for God to lead them back on the right path.
“O LORD God of hosts”: By addressing God as the “LORD God of hosts,” the psalmist acknowledges God’s sovereignty and power over all creation and the angelic armies. It highlights the psalmist’s trust in God’s ability to rescue and deliver His people from their current distress. This title emphasizes that the psalmist is appealing to the almighty God who can intervene on behalf of His people.
“Cause thy face to shine”: The request for God to cause His face to shine upon the people carries a deep meaning. In the biblical context, the shining of God’s face represents His favour, blessing, and the manifestation of His presence. It signifies God’s gracious attention and the restoration of His relationship with His people. The psalmist implores God to turn His attention toward them, to restore His favour, and to bless them abundantly.
“And we shall be saved”: The psalmist expresses confidence that when God turns His face toward them, salvation will follow. The salvation referred to here goes beyond physical deliverance; it encompasses the restoration of the people’s relationship with God, the renewal of their spiritual life, and the reestablishment of the covenant blessings. The psalmist recognises that true salvation can only come from God, and it is through His gracious intervention that the people will find deliverance and restoration.
Overall, Psalm 80:19 is a heartfelt plea for God to bring the people of Israel back to Himself, to shine His face upon them, and to grant them salvation. It reflects the psalmist’s recognition of their need for divine intervention, trust in God’s power, and hope in His gracious response to their plea. Today, this verse can also serve as a reminder of our own need for repentance, God’s faithfulness, and our reliance on Him for salvation and restoration in our lives.
