King James Version
What Does Psalms 80:8 Mean?
“Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt: thou hast cast out the heathen, and planted it.”
Context
6
Thou makest us a strife unto our neighbours: and our enemies laugh among themselves.
7
Turn us again, O God of hosts, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.
8
Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt: thou hast cast out the heathen, and planted it.
9
Thou preparedst room before it, and didst cause it to take deep root, and it filled the land.
10
The hills were covered with the shadow of it, and the boughs thereof were like the goodly cedars. goodly: Heb. cedars of God
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(8) **Thou hast brought.**—The verb is to be taken as a historic present, “Thou bringest.” It is a verb used both of horticulture (Job 19:10) and, like the word “planted” in the next clause, of breaking up and removing a nomadic encampment, “pulling out the tent-pins, and driving them in.,,
The vine (or vineyard), as an emblem of Israel, is so natural and apt that we do not wonder to find it repeated again and again in the Old Testament, and adopted in the New. Probably Isaiah 5:1-7 was the parent image, unless the Patriarchal benediction on Joseph (Genesis 49:22) suggested that song.
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 80:8 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 80:8
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge