(3) Turn us again--i.e., "restore us," not necessarily with reference to the Captivity, but generally, restore us to our pristine prosperity.
Cause thy face to shine.--The desert encampment and march is still in the poet's thought. As in Psalm 67:1 (see Note) we have here a reminiscence of the priestly benediction.
Saved.--Or, helped. This verse constitutes the refrain.
Verse 3. - Turn us again, O God; or, restore us - "bring us back" - i.e. bring those of us who are in exile (2 Kings 15:29) back to our country. And cause thy face to shine (comp. Numbers 6:25; Psalm 31:16; Psalm 67:1). The metaphor scarcely needs explanation. And we shall be saved. If thou lookest upon us with favour, our salvation is assured.
80:1-7 He that dwelleth upon the mercy-seat, is the good Shepherd of his people. But we can neither expect the comfort of his love, nor the protection of his arm, unless we partake of his converting grace. If he is really angry at the prayers of his people, it is because, although they pray, their ends are not right, or there is some secret sin indulged in them, or he will try their patience and perseverance in prayer. When God is displeased with his people, we must expect to see them in tears, and their enemies in triumph. There is no salvation but from God's favour; there is no conversion to God but by his own grace.
Turn us again, O God,.... From our captivity, as the Targum, into our own land; or return us backsliding sinners to thyself by repentance; turn us, and we shall be turned; for the prayer shows it was not in their power, but must be effected by the grace of God; or restore our souls, which have been wandering, and them to their former flourishing and comfortable condition:
and cause thy face to shine; grant thy gracious presence, lift up the light of thy countenance; favour with the manifestations of thyself, the enjoyment of thee, and communion with thee through Christ; indulge us with the discoveries of thy love, the joys of salvation, the comforts of the Spirit, and larger measures of grace:
and we shall be saved; be in a very happy and comfortable condition; see Psalm 4:6.
Cause thy face to shine.--The desert encampment and march is still in the poet's thought. As in Psalm 67:1 (see Note) we have here a reminiscence of the priestly benediction.
Saved.--Or, helped. This verse constitutes the refrain.
and cause thy face to shine; grant thy gracious presence, lift up the light of thy countenance; favour with the manifestations of thyself, the enjoyment of thee, and communion with thee through Christ; indulge us with the discoveries of thy love, the joys of salvation, the comforts of the Spirit, and larger measures of grace:
and we shall be saved; be in a very happy and comfortable condition; see Psalm 4:6.