Psalms 80:5
Thou feedest them with the bread of tears; and givest them tears to drink in great measure.
Psalms 80:5 (KJV)
Context
Psalm 80 is a communal lament attributed to Asaph, a leader among the temple musicians. The people cry out to God during a national crisis, possibly after the Northern Kingdom fell to Assyria in 722 BC. The psalm addresses God as the Shepherd of Israel, who leads Joseph like a flock and dwells between the cherubim. The repeated plea is that God would turn them again and cause His face to shine, so that they might be saved.
In verse 5, the psalmist uses vivid imagery to describe the people’s suffering. He says that God feeds them with the “bread of tears” and gives them “tears to drink in great measure.” This means their sorrow is so constant and overwhelming that tears replace their daily food and drink. The Targum, an ancient Aramaic paraphrase, interprets “bread of tears” as bread dipped in tears, showing that their grief was so intense they could not stop weeping even while eating.
Meaning
The verse follows the question in verse 4: “O LORD God of hosts, how long wilt thou be angry against the prayer of thy people?” This shows that the tears are a result of God’s anger and the people’s unanswered prayers. The psalmist directly attributes the affliction to God, affirming His sovereignty over both blessing and hardship. The metaphor of tears as bread and drink powerfully expresses the depth of human suffering and the reality of divine discipline.
The imagery also carries a spiritual meaning. The “bread of tears” suggests a period of testing and purification, where God uses difficult circumstances to refine and strengthen faith. The phrase “tears to drink in great measure” can be understood as a consequence of disobedience, calling the people to repentance and mourning over sin. Their tears serve as a reminder of their need to turn back to God.
Biblical connections
The surrounding context in verses 6-7 shows that the people’s suffering included being made an object of derision to their neighbors and enemies. The repeated refrain emphasizes that only God’s shining face can bring salvation. The larger vineyard metaphor in verses 8-16 depicts Israel as a vine brought out of Egypt, planted, and then broken down, illustrating God’s past deliverance and present judgment. This verse is part of that larger picture of God’s covenant relationship with His people.
Application
This verse reminds us that tears and hardship are a part of life. It is essential to acknowledge our pain and bring it before God honestly, just as the psalmist did. We can take comfort in the fact that God understands our tears and is compassionate towards our suffering.
Acknowledge sorrow: Bring your pain to God in honest prayer, knowing He hears.
Seek restoration: When facing trials, turn to God as your ultimate source of hope and healing. He can transform tears into joy in His perfect timing.
Learn from discipline: If you experience consequences of your actions, see it as an opportunity for growth, repentance, and aligning your life with God’s will.
Reflection
The lament in this verse is not despairing but hopeful. The psalmist brings deep sorrow before God while still appealing to His mercy. The repeated plea for God’s face to shine indicates trust in His power to save. This verse does not minimize suffering but places it within a covenant relationship where God hears and can restore. It points to the compassionate nature of God, who understands our tears and invites us to find solace and hope in Him.
