Psalms 80:4

Authorized King James Version

O LORD God of hosts, how long wilt thou be angry against the prayer of thy people?

Word-by-Word Analysis

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

O LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהִ֣ים

H430

God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

צְבָא֑וֹת

H6635

of hosts

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

מָתַ֥י

H4970

properly, extent (of time); but used only adverbially (especially with other particle prefixes), when (either relative or interrogative)

עָ֝שַׁ֗נְתָּ

H6225

how long wilt thou be angry

to smoke, whether literal or figurative

בִּתְפִלַּ֥ת

H8605

against the prayer

intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn

עַמֶּֽךָ׃

H5971

of thy people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?