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Psalm 80 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
There are some aspects to growth that can only happen in community. This is the central theme of this chapter. Three times the psalmist pleads for victory through restoration. However, it is not a personal plea, but a corporate one.
Restore us, Yahweh, the God of Hosts; look on us with favor, and we will be saved.
Psalms 80:19 HCSB
The ‘us’ in this passage signals a community, nation, or larger group of people who are calling out with one heart. There is total brokenness as the people call out for Him to turn ALL of them around. In Jesus’ letters to the churches, He called out the entire body for their sin struggle.
Ephesus – Revelation 2:6 HCSB Yet you do have this: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
Pergamum – Revelation 2:15-16 HCSB In the same way, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Therefore repent! Otherwise, I will come to you quickly and fight against them with the sword of My mouth.
Thyatira – Revelation 2:20 HCSB But I have this against you: You tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and teaches and deceives My slaves to commit sexual immorality and to eat meat sacrificed to idols.
Sardis – Revelation 3:2 HCSB Be alert and strengthen what remains, which is about to die, for I have not found your works complete before My God.
Laodicea – Revelation 3:15-16 HCSB I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of My mouth.
It can be assumed from those writings that Jesus was addressing themes or patterns of sin within all the members of the body. So, in the same way, we are taught here to confess our iniquities together with one accord.
When we do this, we also grow stronger and more mature as individuals. We see others in a different light which allows us to love them more sincerely. At the same time, we are given opportunities to minister to them utilizing the spiritual gifts that God has given us. There is much talk about personal repentance – and there should be – but, there is not much corporate accountability these days. I wonder, what would Jesus write in a letter to your church? What would the theme be?
There is a lot to be said about entering humbly into personal repentance. However, we need to remember that our body should have accountability as well. Churches, nations, and families all have a history of sinning together, even when they think they are doing what’s right. The truth of this psalm states that we need to repent together and seek restoration from our God in Heaven.