Psalm 80 (79):11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This necessitates the role of the interpreter, as merely being a reader and a worshipper is insufficient: assist me with focus, for the reference to this vine in the psalm often envelops the inattentive in obscurity. However, the initial nation of Israel was indeed this vine. The Israelites once reigned from the sea to the river. To the sea; Numbers 34:5 indicates that the ocean was nearby. And to the Jordan River, where a part of the Israelites dwelled on the western side, while the entire nation lived within the river’s banks. Thus, to the sea and to the river represents the kingdom of Judah and the kingdom of Israel, though not extending from sea to sea or from river to the ends of the earth; this speaks of the future fulfillment of the vineyard, as prophesied in this passage.

The cedars of God are adorned with grapevine branches that have been brought from Egypt. As the Psalms convey, "The mountains are covered with his shadow, and his branches are the cedars of God." Alongside various depictions of Christ, it is proclaimed that our Lord is identified as the vine; He states, “I am the vine; you are the branches” (cf. John 15:5). This signifies that all who were previously unfruitful and deserving of judgment, upon finding refuge in Christ and being clothed in Him, transform their once barren existence through His grace, becoming the cedars of God. Thus, the cedars of God are nurtured by the bountiful branches that entwine them, while the cedars of Lebanon are humbled by the Lord.

The mountains are veiled in His shadow. The ‘shade’ of the vineyard represents the ministry of the Law, as it encompasses the ‘shadow ... of good things to come’ (Heb. 10:1). When referring to ‘mountains,’ it signifies the mounts of Silom and Zion, where the tabernacle was established. Thus, the Psalmist's intention centers on the fulfillment of these events in the two mountains as outlined by the Law, reflecting the anticipated blessings. The branches thereof symbolize God's cedars. The ‘cedars’ represent the celestial authorities, while the “branches” of the vine denote the prophets, who were elevated from among the people and found rest among the heavenly and wise Powers.

In referring to the people as grapes, the Prophet continues to unfold the metaphor; he likens the mountains to the strongholds of neighboring nations and the hay covering these mountains to the dominion of Israel that extends over them. The cedars of God symbolize the esteemed leaders of the people who have received their authority from the Almighty, while the branches enveloping the cedars represent the kingdom of Israel, which has attained greater glory than those leaders. This was indeed fulfilled during the reigns of the blessed David and Solomon. The formidable David collected tribute not only from the Philistines, Edomites, Ammonites, and Moabites but also from the Syrians. Moreover, the queen of Sheba came to Solomon, and as a result, his fame spread across the lands.

The mountains represent the nations surrounding Jerusalem, as noted by Theodoret, while the shade of Israel’s grapevine symbolizes the dominion and sovereignty of Israel that extended over the lands. The cedars signify the prominent leaders of these nations who enjoyed significant advantages, and the branches of Israel’s grapevine denote the rulers of Judah, who were established over these nations. These leaders are referred to as the cedars of God, acknowledging that their elevation was divinely ordained. Historical accounts reveal that during the reigns of David and Solomon, a number of nations were conquered and paid tribute to the Israelites.

The righteous individuals of God are likened to mountains, reflecting the elevation and sanctity of their existence; they are also referred to as cedars. “The righteous man shall flourish like a fig tree, and like a cedar in Lebanon he shall multiply.” They were sheltered by the shadow of the Jewish vine, which represents the law; as Paul remarks, “the law having the shadow of future benefits, and not the very image of things.” The branches symbolize prophetic messages that, being enhanced by the virtues of those who labor, reveal their fruit as farmers nurture their trees. Thus, the law encompassed the righteous—not to conceal them, but to shield them from the chill of unbelief and the fire of every other sin.

Through the metaphor of grapes, the Prophet conveys God's unique favor towards the Israelites in their deliverance from Egypt, aiming for their faithful service and worship in return. This grace is rooted in the covenant established with Abraham four centuries prior to their exodus. The Prophet argues that it is unworthy of God to allow the grapes, which He Himself cultivated with care, to be abandoned to wild animals for destruction, especially given that the covenant was not recent or temporary; rather, God embraced Abraham's descendants with a commitment meant to last eternally. Hence, by referring to the grapes, the Prophet emphasizes the deep value of this people to God, who cherishes them not only as His inheritance but also as distinct treasures bestowed with special honor.

Ultimately, this serves as the realization of prophecy regarding Christ the Lord, as expressed in this psalm, which the Holy Spirit inspired David to compose. It reflects the transformation of the Jewish people from a state of righteousness to a fallen condition of repentance before God, alongside others who have moved from wickedness to faith and from sin to the path of holiness, particularly those who, like straying sheep, have turned from their sinful ways to follow their true Shepherd, Christ, the living God.