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

Psalm 80 is a heartfelt plea for God’s restoration and salvation, making it a fitting responsorial psalm for the Fourth Sunday of Advent. The refrain reminds us that the fulfillment of God’s promise through Christ is not only a historical event but an ongoing invitation to experience his saving presence in our lives.

O shepherd of Israel, hearken,

The psalmist appeals to God as a shepherd who cares for and guides his people, an image rich in tenderness and authority.

A shepherd spent so much time with his flock that a good shepherd could recognize the individual bleating sounds of the various sheep, thus allowing him to know their whereabouts even when they were out of sight.

This is why the psalmist cries out “Hearken!” He is confident that God will hear the plea, recognize the voice, and immediately come to their aid.

from your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth.

Alongside the image of an attentive shepherd, the psalmist also depicts God as a sovereign ruler, majestically enthroned.

Cherubim are winged angelic beings with both human and animal characteristics. They are typically employed as guards for what belongs to God: in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24), on the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:20), and here, around God’s throne.

Rouse your power, and come to save us.

A direct petition for divine action. The psalmist calls upon God to awaken his might and deliver his people, reflecting the deep yearning for salvation and restoration that permeates Advent.

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

A third image for God: military leader.

“Hosts” is a military term meaning “divisions of the 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, and protect what your right hand has planted,

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).

Cultivating a vineyard is demanding and tedious work; it takes a long time to bring a vine to maturity. Like shepherds, vinekeepers must be exceedingly dedicated and patient. Both are stewards of living things that follow their own laws of growth, laws over which the caretakers cannot really control. They must forego their own comfort in the face of long hours and inclement weather.

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

Notice the beautiful interplay of images the psalm uses to portray the relationship between God and his people. Though God is mighty, like a sovereign ruler or a commanding leader, his care is tender and personal, like that of an attentive shepherd or a patient vinekeeper.

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.

This verse shifts focus to a specific figure, likely a royal or messianic representative. The “son of man” and “man of your right hand” suggest a chosen one who will carry out God’s work of salvation.

This may have originally referred to the Davidic king of Israel or even Israel itself, serving as the instrument of God’s power and presence. Gradually, it was applied to the longed-for royal messiah.

Christians see this verse as a prophetic foreshadowing of Christ, who uniquely fulfills both titles as the Son of God and the Son of Man, carrying out the ultimate work of redemption.

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

The psalmist promises fidelity in response to God’s restoration.

Secure and cared for, the people will have new life, will call upon God in times of need, and will not waver.