Psalm 80

For the music director. A psalm of Asaph. To the tune “Lilies of the Covenant.”

1Please hear us, Shepherd of Israel, you who lead the descendants of Joseph like a flock. You who sit on your throne above the cherubim, shine out

2in the presence of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh. Gather together your power and come to save us!

3God, please restore us! Let your face shine on us so we can be saved.

4Lord God Almighty, how long will you be angry with the prayers of your people?

5You fed them with the bread of tears, and gave them a full bowl1 of tears to drink.

6You turn us into victims our neighbors fight over; our enemies mock us.

7God Almighty, please restore us! Let your face shine on us so we can be saved!

8You carried us out of Egypt like a vine. You drove out the heathen nations, and then you planted the vine.

9You prepared the ground for the vine. It took root and filled the land.

10The mountains were covered by its shade; its branches covered the great cedars.

11It sent its branches as far west as the Mediterranean Sea, and its shoots as far east as the Euphrates River.

12So why have you broken down the walls that protect it2 so that everyone who passes by can steal its fruit?

13Wild pigs from the forest eat it, wild animals feed on it.

14God Almighty, please return to us! Look down from heaven and see what's happening to us! Come and care for this vine

15that you planted yourself, this son that you brought up yourself.

16We, your vine, have been chopped down and burned. May those who did this3 die when you glare at them.

17Protect the man who stands beside you; strengthen the son you have chosen.

18Then we will not turn away from you. Revive us so we can pray to you.4

19Lord God Almighty, please restore us! Let your face shine on us so we can be saved.