King James Version
What Does Psalms 80:4 Mean?
“O LORD God of hosts, how long wilt thou be angry against the prayer of thy people? be: Heb. smoke”
Context
2
Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh stir up thy strength, and come and save us. come: Heb. come for salvation to us
3
Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.
4
O LORD God of hosts, how long wilt thou be angry against the prayer of thy people? be: Heb. smoke
5
Thou feedest them with the bread of tears; and givest them tears to drink in great measure.
6
Thou makest us a strife unto our neighbours: and our enemies laugh among themselves.
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(4) **How long wilt thou be angry?**—Literally, *until when hast thou fumed? *A pregnant construction combining two clauses. Thou hast been long angry; how long wilt thou continue to be angry? (Comp. Psalm 13:2, Note, and Exodus 10:3.) Others say the preterite here has the sense of a future perfect, which comes to *the *same thing: “How long wilt thou have fumed? (See Müller’s *Syntax, *§ i. 3, rem. (a), Prof. Robertson’s trans.)
**Against the prayer.**—Literally, *in, i.e., during the prayer. *The smoke of the Divine anger is, perhaps, conceived of as a cloud through which the prayer (often symbolised by an ascending incense) cannot penetrate.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Psalms 80:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Psalms 80:4
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge