DIVINE RESTORATION
- Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Today’s Reading:
Psalm 80:1–2, 8–19
Isaiah 3:18–4:6
Matthew 24:15–27
This psalm is believed to have been written by Asaph, or one of his descendants, possibly from Jerusalem. The writer is deeply troubled by the captivity and destruction of the northern kingdom of Israel, whose people had been deported to Assyria. In the psalm, God is addressed through various titles, each reflecting aspects of His divine nature:
Shepherd of Israel (v. 1)
You who sit enthroned between the cherubim (v. 1)
God (v. 2)
Lord God Almighty (vv. 4, 19)
God Almighty (vv. 7, 14)
The psalmist acknowledges that the people of God had removed themselves from the blessings of the Mosaic Covenant through apostasy. As a result, he offers a heartfelt prayer, asking God to act, to revive, and to restore His people after their devastation (vv. 3, 7, 14, 19). In times of national and global crisis—especially in our own nation—believers must remember that our only hope of salvation and restoration lies in God, the Creator of heaven and earth.
Psalm 80 is structured into four key sections:
Prayer for Divine Restoration (vv. 1–3)
Despair Over God’s Anger (vv. 4–7)
Description of God’s Vine (vv. 8–16a)
Renewed Prayer for Restoration (vv. 16b–19)
The image of God as enthroned between the cherubim signifies His divine presence. Referring to God as Shepherd evokes Psalm 23, where David called the Lord his personal Shepherd. The reference to Joseph (v. 1) symbolises the northern kingdom of Israel. This psalm begins during a time of national crisis, when God’s people were oppressed by their enemies. God is called upon to restore His people, not because of their merits, but because of His covenantal care and mercy.
Scripture reveals that God’s dwelling is between the cherubim —above the Ark of the Covenant (Ex. 25:10–22; Ps. 99:1). The repeated plea, “Restore us,” echoes the priestly blessing of Aaron (vv. 3, 7, 19; Num. 6:24–26). The hope of Israel lies in the saving presence of the Lord, who faithfully shepherds His flock.
But restoration requires repentance. True repentance involves humbling ourselves, turning from sin, and returning to God for His forgiveness. As we seek God, He enables us to see our sin more clearly. This awareness leads to renewed repentance, and from there, ongoing restoration and fellowship with God (Ps. 139:23–24). The reference to the man at Your right hand (v. 17) may symbolise Israel, whom God calls His firstborn son in Exodus 4:22—though others interpret it as pointing forward to the Messiah. Regardless, the plea is for God to renew His mercy toward the people He once chose to carry His message to the world.
A Vine Out of Egypt
This prayer recalls Israel’s deliverance from Egyptian bondage and its planting in the Promised Land. God is portrayed as having planted a vine —a symbol of His people—in new soil and nurturing it into a flourishing nation (Isa. 5:1–7; 27:2–6; Matt. 21:33–40). The vine thrived:
It grew large enough to cover mountains and cedars (v. 10)
It extended from the Sea (Mediterranean) to the river (Euphrates) (v. 11)
As commentator Derek Kidner notes, this imagery recalls Israel’s exodus, conquest, and golden age under David and Solomon. It also foreshadows the Messiah, who is frequently likened to a vine in the New Testament.
But then judgment came. The protective walls—symbolising God’s divine covering—were broken down. Passersby plucked its fruit (v. 12). Not only humans ravaged the vine, but wild animals too—boars from the forest and beasts of the field (v. 13). The harvest was ruined. The psalmist, in anguish, asks why God allowed such devastation. And God, the loving gardener, also asks, “Why, when I looked for good grapes, did it yield only bad?” (Isa. 5:4). “Return to us, O God Almighty” (v. 14) becomes the cry of a people yearning for mercy. They ask God to look down from heaven and take notice of their suffering. The vine is also the son —the one God has planted and raised (v. 15). Israel, God’s son (Ex. 4:22; Hos. 11:1), is both the chosen vine and the favoured child. Verse 16 expresses the urgency of restoration: “Your vine is cut down, it is burned with fire; at Your rebuke, Your people perish.”
A Final Plea
Some scholars believe the “son” in verse 15 refers to a future king. This is made clearer in verse 17: “Let Your hand rest on the man of Your right hand, the son of man You have raised for Yourself.” While man here could mean a king, it might also symbolise a messenger—an instrument through whom God will restore His people. The psalmist declares, “Then we will not turn away from You; revive us, and we will call on Your name” (v. 18). This implies that when God moves in redemptive power through His chosen instrument, the people will return, be renewed, and once again call upon His name.
He concludes: “Restore us, O Lord God Almighty; make Your face shine upon us, that we may be saved” (v. 19).
OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! You are welcome to the body of Christ. Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, You who lead Joseph like a flock. You who dwell
between the cherubim, shine forth!
Before the nations that call upon Your name—especially our nation, Nigeria—stir up
Your strength comes and saves us.
Restore us, O God; cause Your face to shine upon us, and we shall be saved.
Return, we beseech You, O God of hosts. Look down from heaven and see, and visit
Your people.
Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is
the person to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit, there is no
deceit.
Lord, we acknowledge our sins before You and do not hide our iniquity. We confess
our transgressions, and You forgive the guilt of our sin.
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