Psalms 80:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 80:6
6 Thou makest us a strife unto our neighbours: and our enemies laugh among themselves.
Chapter Context
Psalms 80 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, prayer, wisdom. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-19: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 80:6
6 Thou makest us a strife unto our neighbours: and our enemies laugh among themselves.
Analysis
Thou makest us a strife unto our neighbours: and our enemies laugh among themselves. This verse describes Israel's international humiliation. "Thou makest us a strife" (tesimenu madon lishkeneinu, תְּשִׂימֵנוּ מָדוֹן לִשְׁכֵנֵינוּ) indicates God has positioned Israel as object of contention—neighboring nations dispute over and mock them. Madon (מָדוֹן) means strife, contention, object of quarreling. Israel has become what nations argue about, likely mocking their weakness and debating territorial claims over conquered land.
"Our enemies laugh among themselves" (ve'oyvenu yil'agu lamo, וְאֹיְבֵינוּ יִלְעֲגוּ־לָמוֹ) uses la'ag (לָעַג), meaning to mock, deride, scorn. The phrase "among themselves" suggests private mockery—enemies don't even bother confronting Israel directly but ridicule them in internal discussions. This compounds humiliation: Israel isn't even worthy of direct engagement, only behind-the-back derision. This echoes Psalm 79:4 and anticipates ongoing biblical theme of God's people as objects of international mockery during judgment periods.
The verse's theology is stark: God Himself has made Israel contemptible. This isn't external attack against God's will but divine positioning of Israel for humiliation as covenant discipline. Yet the lament's continuation demonstrates that even God-ordained judgment invites prayer for restoration. The psalmist doesn't resign to permanent disgrace but appeals for renewed blessing that will silence mockery by demonstrating renewed divine favor.
Historical Context
This description fits multiple historical contexts when Israel faced international derision: the Assyrian conquest of Northern Kingdom (722 BC), Babylonian exile of Judah (586 BC), or periods of Aramean or Philistine oppression during the judges and monarchy. Surrounding nations—Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre, Egypt—regularly mocked Israel during weak periods. The prophets frequently addressed this theme (Ezekiel 36:3-7; Zephaniah 2:8-10), promising eventual vindication when God would restore Israel's honor and judge the mockers.
Reflection
- How should believers respond when their faith makes them objects of public ridicule and mockery?
- What is the relationship between accepting God's discipline (acknowledging He has made us objects of scorn) and praying for restoration?
- How can Christians maintain witness and dignity when cultural contempt makes them strife and laughter to surrounding society?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Psalms 79:4