The Daily Office for February 6, 2012
Scriptures
Psalm 80
Genesis 25:19-34
Hebrews 13:1-16
John 7:37-52
Reading (Psalm 80)
Reflection
Psalm 80 is a prayer for the national restoration of Israel. The author is Asaph who may either be a contemporary of David, in which case he is speaking prophetically, or more probably he is one of Asaph’s descendants. If this is the case, it appears that this psalm was written after the deportation of the northern tribes to Assyria by an Asaphite of the southern kingdom.
Starting in verse three we see the first of three similar refrains: "Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved!" In verse seven the refrain occurs for the second time, but with the variation "O God of hosts," instead of "O God." The more we approach the Lord in prayer, the more we are impressed and awed by the greatness of His person. In verse 14 the refrain is modifed again as the psalmist calls upon God, asking Him to not close His eyes to Israel’s plight, but to look down from heaven and have regard for the vine of Israel. He expounds on this in verses 15 and 16 by describing the vineyard God had planted in the Promised Land as burned with fire and cut down by the cruel ax of plunderous invaders.
The psalm closes with a third refrain, one in which there is yet another advance in the psalmist’s relationship with God. First, there was "Restore us, O God," then "Restore us, O God of hosts," and now, in the most perfect form, "Restore us, O LORD God of hosts!" where the inexpressible name of Jehovah, the great “I AM” Exodus 3:14 is introduced. As the psalmist’s prayer progressed, so did his faith and increasing sensitivity to his personal relationship with God. Thus, he can confidently conclude his prayer, "Let your face shine, that we may be saved!" As we approach God daily with our praises and petitions our relationship with Him will grow and we will experience more and more His divine majesty and glory.
Collect for the Day
Almighty God, who alone can bring order to the unruly wills and passions of sinful humanity: give your people grace so to love what you command and to desire what you promise, that, among the many changes of this world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.