Psalm 80 (79):1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

When things that may be obscure require the help of an interpreter, more evident matters should compel me to act as a reader. Here is a hymn celebrating the arrival of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and His vineyard. The composer of this hymn appears to be Asaph, who, as you know, is the one after whom the synagogue is named, being enlightened and transformed. The psalm is titled for a purpose that is intended for those who will be changed for the better. For Christ, who is the culmination of the law (Rom. 10:4), came with the intention of uplifting humanity. Furthermore, he provides a testimony regarding Asaph himself—a commendable testament of truth.

In a Psalm concerning the Assyrian, the Psalmist earnestly implores God to show compassion toward those held captive by the Assyrians. Yet, at a deeper level, he intercedes for those who, following the Lord's crucifixion, remain in spiritual bondage to the psychological oppressors and their ruler, which refers to Satan. Thus, he presents a heartfelt petition, pleading for the arrival of our Savior and the liberation of all Israel to occur without delay.

Psalm 79 bears the title 'For the Assyrian' because it indicates how one aids the foe, acting in a way that benefits the 'Assyrian,' which symbolizes futility. By detaching from your own restraints, you inadvertently assist him in evading retribution for your own fall and demise. Conversely, should you find yourself ensnared by his chains, he will, in betrayal, present you as a transgressor to the authorities, acting as your accuser.

This Psalm anticipates a transformation in certain conditions, as indicated by the term change; this is further clarified by the word seeing. The grace of the Holy Spirit predicts the subjugation and enslavement of the Jewish people in Babylon. The Psalm is presented as a prayer, seemingly uttered by the Jews themselves to the Almighty. The prophetic grace instructs them on the expressions they should use to seek God's mercy and persuade Him to forgive, while also foretelling the eventual salvation of all humanity through the Lord Christ.

This psalm begins with the phrase "to the end," not only due to its prophetic content, as noted multiple times, but also in reference to the conclusion of the Jewish people's prosperity. It foretells their impending siege and captivity by the Babylonians, who, as Theodoret suggests, symbolize the culmination and conclusion of their previous affluence. The term "of change," found throughout the Psalms, consistently points to a transformation or alteration in circumstances. Additionally, the psalm's superscription describes it as "A vision," indicating that it reveals or predicts future tribulations, possibly with the intention of prompting greater wisdom among the Jews through awareness of these events. We have previously discussed the figure of Asaph.

The prophet refers to those who undergo renewal through the act of repentance. He appropriately concludes with the phrase ‘in the end’ because repentance serves as our ultimate steadfastness; additionally, it was announced at the culmination of the ages with the arrival of Christ. As a testament to this, Asaph crafted this psalm, illustrating the sufferings endured by the Jewish people due to their numerous transgressions.

INSPIRATION and CONTENT. In the conclusion, regarding those who undergo transformation, a testimony given to Asaph. The heading indicates that this psalm communicates a testimony performed by Asaph, through which the Holy Spirit bears witness to the past enslavement of the Israelites and their subsequent liberation. The Greek version includes the phrase ‘of the Assyrians’ since the captivity referenced in this psalm initially occurred under the Assyrian ruler Salmanassar, who captured the ten tribes of Israel and led them into Assyria, as noted in 1 Samuel 17.

There are various interpretations regarding the authorship and context of this psalm. Some scholars attribute it to the era of David, while others link it to the conflict faced by Jehoshaphat against the Ammonites and Moabites, as referenced in 2 Samuel 20 and following. Still others view it as a lament of the Babylonian exiles, and many interpreters, both ancient and contemporary, Catholic and Protestant, connect it to the Maccabean revolts. The Septuagint adds "about the Assyrian" to the title, suggesting that they may have associated this psalm with the tribulations caused by the Assyrians.

Ultimately, this represents the realization of prophecy, particularly regarding Christ the Lord, as conveyed in this psalm, which was inspired by the Holy Spirit and penned by David. It highlights the transformation of the Jewish people, who have shifted from a state of righteousness to the fallen state of repentance against God, as well as others who have moved from wickedness to faith, and from sin to a life of piety—especially those faithful whom He refers to as His sheep, who have turned away from the path of sin to follow their Good Shepherd, Christ, the true God.