Psalm 80: 2-3, 15-16, 18-19

The responsorial psalm for this first week of Advent comes from Psalm 80, a community lament in a time of distress.

This lamen aligns with the Advent season’s focus on anticipation, longing, and the desire for restoration.

O shepherd of Israel, hearken,

This psalm sketches various images of God, the first being that of an attentive shepherd. A good shepherd was so intimately acquainted with the sheep in his flock that he could recognize their individual bleats. This allowed the shepherd to be aware of their whereabouts even when they were out of his sight.

Thus, the psalmist earnestly cries out, “Hearken!” expressing confidence that God will hear their plea, recognize their voice, and swiftly come to their aid.

from your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth.

The second image for God: an imperial ruler, majestically enthroned.

The mention of God as “enthroned upon the cherubim” conveys the idea that God’s throne is not an earthly, physical seat but is established in the realm of the divine, surrounded by angelic beings. It emphasizes the grandeur and holiness of God’s sovereignty.

For more about cherubim, see Genesis 3:24; Exodus 25:18-22; 1 Kings 6:23-28; Ezekiel 10; Revelation 4:6-8.

Rouse your power, and come to save us.

The psalmist pleads for God to manifest his strength and deliver them from their distress.

Once again, O LORD of hosts, look down from heaven, and see;

A third image for God: military leader.

“Hosts” is a military term indicating divisions of an army. The heavenly hosts fight cosmic battles with God as their captain.

Israel believed that whenever necessary, God would marshal these forces of heaven and fight in Israel’s defense (Isaiah 40:26)

take care of this vine,

A fourth and final image for God: vinekeeper. Israel often referred to itself metaphorically as a vineyard, as seen in the writings of Isaiah (5:1-7, 27:2-5), Jeremiah (2:21), Hosea (10:1), and Matthew (21:33).

Tending a vineyard requires dedication and patience. Both vinekeepers and shepherds care for living things that follow their own laws of growth that are beyond the caretakers’ control. Shepherds and vinekeepers often sacrifice their own comfort, enduring long hours and adverse weather conditions.

Picturing God this way, the psalmist cries: “Take care of this vine!”

Note how this psalm beautifully weaves together multiple images to illustrate the relationship between God and the people. God has immense power, like an imperial ruler or military leader, but the tender care he provides is like that of an attentive shepherd or a patient vinekeeper.

and protect what your right hand has planted, the son of man whom you yourself made strong. May your help be with the man of your right hand, with the son of man whom you yourself made strong.

The final plea mentions one who sits at God’s right hand, traditionally considered the place of honor. This may have originally referred to Israel as the conduit for God’s power or the Davidic king responsible for the nation’s well-being.

Over time, this reference was applied to the long-awaited messiah.

Then we will no more withdraw from you; give us new life, and we will call upon your name.

This final plea humbly acknowledges that the people can only fully engage in worship and call upon God through his grace. They are entirely dependent upon him and await his intervention in their lives.

When this happens, the people will have new life, secured and cared for. They will call upon God in times of need, and will not waver.