Daily Devotions
Psalms
Psalm 80:15a "And the vineyard which Your right hand has planted..."
Day 193 – Psalm 80
“And the vineyard which Your right hand has planted…” Psalm 80:15a
THE SAD ESTATE OF THE VINE
How Asaph must have been heart-broken as he wrote these words.
“And the vineyard which Your right hand has planted,
And the branch that You made strong for Yourself.
It is burned with fire, it is cut down;
They perish at the rebuke of Your countenance.”
Psalm 80:15-16
1. Remembering the origin of the Vine
a) It was God who made the vineyard.
b) It was God who personally planted the vine and caused it to grow.
c) It was God who made the branches strong.
d) These were done for the Lord’s own joy and glory.
2. The present plight of the vine
a) It was cut down.
b) It was burned.
c) It was perishing.
3. They perish at the rebuke of Your countenance
a) Hostile enemies caused great damage to the vine… to the nation.
b) The nation was severely wounded and was literally perishing.
c) But the enemy nations could only prevail because God had allowed them to do so.
THE COUNTENANCE OF GOD
God could do either of two things.
1. He could continue to look at Israel with disfavour
If so, then Israel would perish!
2. He could respond to prayer
Asaph could pray that God would grant mercy to His people.
God could return to His people with healing in His wings. He could bring about needed restoration. He could cause His countenance to shine upon His people again!