Psalms 80

To the director.[455] To the tune "Lilies of the Agreement." One of Asaph's songs of praise.

<1> Shepherd of Israel,[456] listen to us.

You lead your people, Joseph's descendants, like sheep.

You sit on your throne above the Cherub angels.[457]

Let us see you.

<2> Shepherd of Israel, show your greatness

to the tribes of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh.

Come and save your people.

<3> God, accept us again.

Smile down on us and save us!

<4> Lord God All-Powerful,

when will you listen to our prayers?

How long will you be angry with us?

<5> Instead of bread and water,

you gave your people tears.

<6> You made us the target of everyone's hatred.

Our enemies make fun of us.

<7> God All-Powerful, accept us again.

Smile down on us and save us!

<8> When you brought us out of Egypt,

we were like your special vine.

You forced other people to leave this land,

and you planted that vine here.

<9> You prepared the ground for it,

and it sent its roots down deep and spread throughout the land.

<10> It covered the mountains,

and its leaves shaded even the giant cedar trees.

<11> Its branches spread to the Mediterranean Sea,

its shoots to the Euphrates River.

<12> God, why did you pull down the walls that protect your vine?

Now everyone who passes by picks its grapes.

<13> Wild pigs come and walk on it.

Wild animals come and eat the leaves.

<14> God All-Powerful, come back.

Look down from heaven at your vine and protect it.

<15> Look at the vine you planted with your own hands.

Look at the young plant[458] you raised.

<16> Our enemies have cut it down and burned it up.

Show them how angry you are and destroy them.

<17> Reach out and help your chosen one.[459]

Reach out to the people[460] you raised up.

<18> Then we will never leave you.

Let us live, and we will worship you.

<19> Lord God All-Powerful, accept us again.

Smile down on us and save us!