Psalms 80:7

Authorized King James Version

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Turn us again, O God of hosts, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.

Original Language Analysis

אֱלֹהִ֣ים O God H430
אֱלֹהִ֣ים O God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 1 of 6
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
צְבָא֣וֹת of hosts H6635
צְבָא֣וֹת of hosts
Strong's: H6635
Word #: 2 of 6
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
הֲשִׁיבֵ֑נוּ Turn us again H7725
הֲשִׁיבֵ֑נוּ Turn us again
Strong's: H7725
Word #: 3 of 6
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
וְהָאֵ֥ר to shine H215
וְהָאֵ֥ר to shine
Strong's: H215
Word #: 4 of 6
to be (causative, make) luminous (literally and metaphorically)
פָּ֝נֶ֗יךָ and cause thy face H6440
פָּ֝נֶ֗יךָ and cause thy face
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 5 of 6
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וְנִוָּשֵֽׁעָה׃ and we shall be saved H3467
וְנִוָּשֵֽׁעָה׃ and we shall be saved
Strong's: H3467
Word #: 6 of 6
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

Analysis & Commentary

The refrain intensifies: "Turn us again, O God of hosts, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved" (Hebrew Elohim Tseva-ot hashivenu v-ha'er paneycha v-nivvasha). This adds "of hosts" (Hebrew Tseva-ot)—commander of heavenly armies. The escalation from "God" (v.3) to "God of hosts" (v.7) to "LORD God of hosts" (v.19) intensifies the appeal. Military language invokes divine power against enemies. Salvation requires divine intervention.

Historical Context

The title "LORD of hosts" emphasizes God's supreme command over heavenly armies (1 Samuel 17:45, Isaiah 6:3). When Israel faced overwhelming military threats, this title reminded them that heaven's armies surpass earthly powers. Elisha's servant saw this (2 Kings 6:17). Revelation depicts Christ leading heaven's armies (19:14). The title assures believers that God's resources exceed visible circumstances.

Questions for Reflection