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Day 189

Psalm 80:11a "She sent out her boughs to the Sea..."

Day 189 – Psalm 80

“She sent out her boughs to the Sea…” Psalm 80:11a

A BRIEF HISTORY OF ANCIENT ISRAEL

Asaph was familiar with the history of Israel. We have a thumbnail description of the growth of the nation of Israel.

1. The fledgling years

a) Israel was only a small flock.
b) It was badly in need of Divine shepherding.

2. The golden years

a) Israel was compared to a vine that God had planted (Psalm 80:8a).
b) Nations had to be moved aside to give room for the vine to grow (Psalm 80:8b).
c) It grew taller than the hills (Psalm 80:10).
d) It was more magnificent than the mighty cedars (Psalm 80:10).

EXTENSIVE GROWTH OF THE VINE

Asaph remembered the golden years of Israel. It was a nation that traded far and wide.

“She sent out her boughs to the Sea,
And her branches to the River.”
Psalm 80:11

1. The Sea

a) This was a reference to the Mediterranean Sea.
b) Israel had maritime influence.

2. The River

a) This was a reference to the Euphrates River.
b) In the ancient days, this was “The River”.

3. Trading nation

a) Israel may have been a small nation.
b) However its economic potential was developed significantly in the reigns of David and Solomon.