Psalms 80:11

¹⁰The mountains were covered by its shade, and the mighty cedars with its branches. ¹¹It sent out its branches to the Sea, and its shoots toward the River.

Summary

This verse portrays Israel as a vine that God brought out of Egypt, symbolizing His care and protection over His chosen people. The imagery of a vineyard highlights God's intention for Israel to flourish and bear fruit, but their disobedience and unfaithfulness have caused them to be vulnerable to attack and devastation. Despite their waywardness, God's plea for restoration and mercy is evident, showing His desire to revive and strengthen His people. The verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of straying from God's ways and the importance of seeking His forgiveness and guidance for renewal and sustenance.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

Why hast thou then broken down her hedges,.... After having done all this for her; which signifies the Lord's removing his presence, power, and protection, from Israel; which were the hedge he set about them, and by which they were secured and defended from their enemies; but these being gone, they became an easy prey to them; see Job 1:10, the hedge about the church and people of God are the angels that encamp about them; salvation, which is as walls and bulwarks to them; and the Lord himself, who is a wall of fire around them; which may be said to be broken down when he withdraws his presence, and does not exert his power in the protection of them; but suffers them to be exposed to the persecutions of men: so that all they which pass by the way do pluck her? the hedge being broken down, all passengers and travellers plucked the fruit of the vine as they passed along, there being noticing to keep them off from it: this may denote the plunder of the Israelites by their enemies, when left of God, they fell into their hands; and the havoc persecutors make of the church of Christ, and their spoiling them of their goods and substance, when they are permitted to do it.

Psalms 80:11

Hear Us, O Shepherd of Israel

¹⁰The mountains were covered by its shade, and the mighty cedars with its branches. ¹¹It sent out its branches to the Sea, and its shoots toward the River.