Psalm 80
This psalm relates to the distressed condition of the Hebrew church and nation, perhaps during the Syrian, Assyrian, or Chaldean invasions, 2 Kings 12-13, 15, 17-19, 24-25. Here are, (1.) Earnest supplications for God's special presence and favour, ver. 1-3, 7, 19. (2.) Mournful complaints of the lasting appearances of God's anger; of the overflowings of their grief; of abuse and derision by their neighbours; and of the unhinging of their constitution, which God himself had fixed, when he brought them out of Egypt, ver. 4-13. (3.) Further supplications, that God would consider and pity his vineyard, their church and nation; assist their king, his vine-dresser; and convert them to, and quicken them in, his service, ver. 14-19.
While I sing, let me be affected with the distresses of God's church. Let me pant for the fullest manifestations of his glory, and the blessings of his presence. Let me insist that his Spirit may glorify Jesus Christ, the Man of his right hand, in taking what is his, and showing it unto me.