Psalm 80:7 is a plea for God's restoration and favor. Let's break down the meaning of each part:
"Turn us again, God of Armies":
"Turn us again": This phrase expresses a desire for repentance and a return to a right relationship with God. The people recognize they have strayed and are asking God to redirect them, to guide them back to the right path. The implication is that they have turned away from God, and now they are desperately seeking His guidance to turn back.
"God of Armies": This title for God emphasizes His power, sovereignty, and ability to deliver His people. He is the commander of heavenly hosts, capable of overcoming any enemy or obstacle. Calling on God as "God of Armies" highlights the severity of their situation and the need for divine intervention. It is a cry for help from a God who is strong and able to save.
"Cause your face to shine, and we will be saved":
"Cause your face to shine": In the Bible, God's "face shining" represents His favor, blessing, and gracious presence. When God's face shines upon someone, it signifies His approval and protection. The absence of His shining face implies displeasure and distance from God. The Israelites are praying that God would once again be pleased with them and bestow His blessings.
"and we will be saved": This part of the verse is the result and the hope of the prayer. When God shines His face upon them, they believe they will be delivered from their current distress and experience salvation in its fullest sense, including deliverance from enemies, restoration of well-being, and spiritual renewal.
In essence, this verse is a prayer for revival and restoration. It acknowledges the people's waywardness, seeks God's powerful intervention, and expresses faith that His favor will bring salvation. They are asking God to not only change their circumstances but also to change them inwardly, leading them back to Himself.
The verse can be understood to mean:
"O God, the all-powerful commander of heavenly forces, please turn us back to You. Restore us to a right relationship with You, show us Your favor and grace, and we will be delivered from our enemies and our troubles. Your blessing and presence are what we need to be saved."
Psalm 80:7 is a plea for God's restoration and favor. Let's break down the meaning of each part:
"Turn us again, God of Armies":
"Turn us again": This phrase expresses a desire for repentance and a return to a right relationship with God. The people recognize they have strayed and are asking God to redirect them, to guide them back to the right path. The implication is that they have turned away from God, and now they are desperately seeking His guidance to turn back.
"God of Armies": This title for God emphasizes His power, sovereignty, and ability to deliver His people. He is the commander of heavenly hosts, capable of overcoming any enemy or obstacle. Calling on God as "God of Armies" highlights the severity of their situation and the need for divine intervention. It is a cry for help from a God who is strong and able to save.
"Cause your face to shine, and we will be saved":
"Cause your face to shine": In the Bible, God's "face shining" represents His favor, blessing, and gracious presence. When God's face shines upon someone, it signifies His approval and protection. The absence of His shining face implies displeasure and distance from God. The Israelites are praying that God would once again be pleased with them and bestow His blessings.
"and we will be saved": This part of the verse is the result and the hope of the prayer. When God shines His face upon them, they believe they will be delivered from their current distress and experience salvation in its fullest sense, including deliverance from enemies, restoration of well-being, and spiritual renewal.
In essence, this verse is a prayer for revival and restoration. It acknowledges the people's waywardness, seeks God's powerful intervention, and expresses faith that His favor will bring salvation. They are asking God to not only change their circumstances but also to change them inwardly, leading them back to Himself.
The verse can be understood to mean:
"O God, the all-powerful commander of heavenly forces, please turn us back to You. Restore us to a right relationship with You, show us Your favor and grace, and we will be delivered from our enemies and our troubles. Your blessing and presence are what we need to be saved."