Psalm 80
Verse 1 Joseph - The children of Joseph or Israel. The name of Joseph, the most eminent of the patriarchs, is elsewhere put for all the tribes. Cherubim - Which were by the mercy seat above the ark. Verse 2 Before Ephraim - Here is an allusion to the ancient situation of the tabernacle in the wilderness, where these tribes were placed on the west - side of the tabernacle, in which the ark was, which consequently was before them. Verse 3 Turn us - To thy self. Verse 9 Preparedst - Thou didst root out the idolatrous nations. Deep root - Thou gavest them a firm settlement. Verse 10 The hills - They filled not only the fruitful valleys, but even the barren mountains. Verse 11 The river - They possessed the whole land, from the mid - land sea to the river Euphrates. Verse 12 Hedges - Taken away thy protection. Verse 16 They - Thy people, signified by the vine. So now he passes from the metaphor to the thing designed by it. Verse 17 Be - To protect and strengthen him. Right - hand - Benjamin signifies the son of the right hand, a dearly beloved son, as Benjamin was to Jacob. Son of man - The people of Israel, who are often spoken of as one person, as God's son and first - born. Verse 18 Go back - Revolt from thee to idolatry or wickedness. Quicken - Revive and restore us to our tranquility.