Date of Composition of Psalm 80
Date of Composition of Psalm 80
Psalm 80 is a lament psalm that expresses a deep longing for God's restoration and salvation. The psalm begins, "Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock! You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth" [1].
The date of composition of Psalm 80 is not explicitly stated in the psalm itself. However, various traditions and commentators have offered insights into its possible historical context. The psalm is attributed to Asaph, a Levite and a leader of the choir in the time of David [4, 5].
Some scholars suggest that Psalm 80 might have originated with the remnant of the northern kingdom after its fall in 722 BC [3]. This view is based on the psalm's themes of lament and restoration, which may reflect the experiences of the Israelites during this period. The psalmist's reference to the "vine" that God brought out of Egypt (Psalm 80:8-11) may allude to the history of Israel and its relationship with God [2].
The psalm's language and imagery also provide clues about its date. The use of the title "Shepherd of Israel" (Psalm 80:1) is reminiscent of other biblical passages that refer to God as the shepherd of his people (e.g., Psalm 23:1; 78:52-53) [3]. The psalm's emphasis on God's presence "enthroned upon the cherubim" (Psalm 80:1) may also reflect the priestly and cultic traditions of ancient Israel.
Commentators from various traditions have offered different interpretations of the psalm's date and historical context. For example, John Gill suggests that the psalm may be related to the musical instrument "Shoshannim-eduth," although the exact meaning of this term is unclear [4]. Matthew Henry, on the other hand, thinks that the psalm may have been penned on the occasion of the desolation and captivity of the ten tribes [5].
While the exact date of composition of Psalm 80 remains uncertain, its themes and language continue to resonate with readers across different traditions and historical contexts. The psalm's emphasis on God's restoration and salvation remains a powerful expression of faith and hope.
Sources
- Psalms “Sumite psalmum, et date tympanum ; psalterium jucundum cum cithara. -- Psalms 80:3”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Psalms 80:8 cross-references: Joshua 13:6, Psalms 31:17, Psalms 44:2, Psalms 60:3, Psalms 78:55, Isaiah 5:1, Isaiah 27:2, Jeremiah 2:21, Jeremiah 12:10, Jeremiah 18:9, Ezekiel 15:6, Ezekiel 17:6, Ezekiel 19:10, Matthew 21:33, John 15:1, Acts 7:45”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 80:1: Ps 80 This psalm of lament might originate with the remnant of the northern kingdom after its fall in 722 BC. The people call on God as their Shepherd and as the God of Heaven’s Armies in the hope that he will return to them and restore them. They remember the Exodus and their special relationship with the Lord and conclude with an expression of renewed commitment to him (80:18). 80:title The tune “Lilies of the Covenant” is unknown today. 80:1-3 The psalmist urgently calls upon the Lord to act. 80:1-2 God is the Shepherd of Israel: See also 23:1; 28:9; 78:52-53. ”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 80 (introduction): INTRODUCTION TO PSALM 80 To the chief Musician upon Shoshannimeduth, A Psalm of Asaph. Of the word "shoshannim", see Gill on Psa 45:1, and of "shushaneduth", see Gill on Psa 60:1 which seems to be the same with this here, and is thought by some to be the name of a musical instrument now unknown, as Kimchi and Ben Melech; though these two words are not to be read together as one, for there is a dividing accent on "shoshannim", and which may be rendered "concerning the lilies" (a); and so may denote the subject matter of the psalm, or respect the people o”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 80 (introduction): This psalm is much to the same purport with the foregoing. Some think it was penned upon occasion of the desolation and captivity of the ten tribes, as the foregoing psalm of the two. But many were the distresses of the Israel of God, many perhaps which are not recorded in the sacred history some whereof might give occasion for the drawing up of this psalm, which is proper to be sung in the day of Jacob's trouble, and if, in singing it, we express a true love to the church and a hearty concern for its interest, with a firm confidence in God's power to”