Psalms 80 · Grade 4
The Shepherd and the Vine
Read and Think
The title of Psalm 80 calls it a Psalm by Asaph, set to the tune The Lilies of the Covenant. It prays to God as the Shepherd of Israel, you who sit above the cherubim, shine out. The refrain grows stronger each time, from God to God of Armies to Yahweh God of Armies: Turn us again. Cause your face to shine, and we will be saved.
The people feel God's anger against their prayers. You have fed them with the bread of tears. Then Asaph tells Israel's story as a vine. God brought it out of Egypt, cleared the ground and planted it. It took deep root, its shadow covered mountains, and its branches reached the sea and the River.
Now its walls are broken down. The boar ravages it, and it is burned with fire. Asaph begs God to visit this vine and to strengthen the man at his right hand. He promises, So we will not turn away from you. Revive us, and we will call on your name. In the New Testament, Jesus used the picture of a vine for himself (John 15:1).
Show What You Know
How does the refrain grow stronger?
What does the bread of tears describe?
How far did the vine's branches reach?
What will the people do if God revives them?
Word Bank Fill-In
Use the word bank to fill in each blank.
- It prays to God as the of Israel, you who sit above the cherubim, shine out.
- The refrain grows stronger each time, from to God of Armies to Yahweh God of Armies: Turn us again.
- Cause your to shine, and we will be saved.
- God brought it out of , cleared the ground and planted it.
- Asaph begs God to visit this and to strengthen the man at his right hand.
Think About It
What does it mean to ask God to cause his face to shine on us?
How can God revive a person or a church that feels broken?
Memory Verse
“Turn us again, God of Armies. Cause your face to shine, and we will be saved.”
Psalms 80:7 (WEB)
Copy It
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for shining your face on us. Help me . Amen.
Take It Home
For families: talk about these together.
- Why is Israel pictured as a vine?
- The people asked God to watch over the vine He planted. How do you need God to tend your life?
Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.