Psalms 80:12-13
Why then have you broken down its walls, so that all who pass along the way pluck its fruit? The boar from the forest ravages it, and all that move in the field feed on it.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This isn't just about a broken fence; the "hedges" represent God's direct protection that was withdrawn. When that divine shield is gone, even ordinary travelers, not just fierce enemies, can easily plunder and destroy what God once fiercely guarded.
The psalmist has just reminded God of how he lovingly brought Israel out of Egypt, planted them, and protected them like a flourishing vine, extending to the borders of the land. Now, in a heart-wrenching question, he laments their present desolate state, asking why God has seemingly removed his protective barriers, leaving the nation vulnerable to any passerby who wishes to plunder its fruit. This sets the stage for the following verses, which will describe the wild animals (representing enemies) that now ravage the devastated land.
Imagine a prized vineyard, its branches heavy with ripe fruit, but with its protective walls crumbled. What happens next is predictable, and heartbreaking.
The Psalmist uses a powerful image here: Israel as a vine that God Himself planted and tended. In its prime, this vine was protected by 'hedges' or 'walls' – signifying God's direct safeguarding and presence.
God's Protective Presence
When God's protection was in place, the vine (Israel) was secure. Enemies couldn't easily breach its defenses. Think of it like a divine 'wall of fire' surrounding the people (Zechariah 2:5).
The Consequences of Withdrawal
But the Psalmist asks, 'Why have you broken down its walls?' This isn't just a damaged fence; it's a sign that God's protective presence has been withdrawn. Without that divine enclosure, the vine becomes exposed and vulnerable.
Plundered and Despoiled
The result? 'All who pass along the way pluck its fruit.' Anyone and everyone can now freely take what belongs to the vine. This represents the plunder and devastation Israel suffered when they were left vulnerable to their enemies. It's a lament over loss, a cry of anguish when the safety net of God's presence is gone.
This isn't just a sad observation; it's a direct question to God. What does it mean to 'expostulate' with the Almighty?
The Psalmist's question, 'Why then have you broken down its walls?' is more than just a curious inquiry. It's a form of 'expostulation' – a passionate, even urgent, appeal to God.
Rooted in Past Grace
This plea is powerful because it's grounded in memory. The verses leading up to this (Psalms 80:8-11) recall God's incredible faithfulness: bringing Israel out of Egypt, casting out nations, planting them securely, and allowing them to flourish across the land. The vine was a symbol of God's sovereign grace and meticulous care.
This psalm laments the devastation of Judah and Jerusalem, comparing the nation to a neglected vineyard whose protective walls have been torn down, leaving it vulnerable to plunder by its enemies after a long history of God's favor and protection.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God miraculously delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, establishing them as His chosen people and a nation set apart.
c. 1446 - 1406 BC
Conquest of Canaan
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites conquer and settle the Promised Land, driving out the existing inhabitants as God had commanded.
c. 1000 BC
United Monarchy Flourishes
Under Kings David and Solomon, Israel enjoys a period of peace, prosperity, and territorial expansion, reaching its greatest extent.
931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following Solomon's death, the united kingdom splits into two: the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah.
722 BC
This passage describes God's vineyard (Israel) and how He protected it, making it a strong parallel to the 'hedges' mentioned in Psalm 80 that were broken down.
Jeremiah 12:10Here, the prophets also use the imagery of a vineyard being destroyed by shepherds (leaders) and wild animals, directly reflecting the lament of Psalm 80 about the land being ravaged.
Ezekiel 17:10This passage in Ezekiel continues the vine metaphor, detailing how a great eagle (a powerful enemy) plucked its branches, aligning with the idea of the vineyard's fruit being taken by passersby due to lack of protection.
Psalm 89:40This verse shares almost identical language about broken 'hedges' and plunder, offering a thematic echo of Psalm 80's lament over a devastated people or nation.
clarkePsalms 80:12: "Why hast thou then broken down her hedges, so that all they which pass by the way do pluck her?"
Why hast thou broken down - 7. When a vineyard is planted, it is properly fenced to preserve it from being trodden down, or otherwise injured by beasts, and to protect the fruit from being taken by the unprincipled passenger. So God protected Jerusalem and his temple by his own almighty arm; and none of their enemies could molest them as long as they had that protection. As it was now…
gillPsalms 80:12: "Why hast thou then broken down her hedges, so that all they which pass by the way do pluck her?"
Why hast thou then broken down her hedges,.... After having done all this for her; which signifies the Lord's removing his presence, power, and protection, from Israel; which were the hedge he set about them, and by which they were secured and defended from their enemies; but these being gone, they became an easy prey to them; see Job 1:10 , the hedge about the church and people of Go…
This isn't just about a broken fence; the "hedges" represent God's direct protection that was withdrawn. When that divine shield is gone, even ordinary travelers, not just fierce enemies, can easily plunder and destroy what God once fiercely guarded.
The psalmist has just reminded God of how he lovingly brought Israel out of Egypt, planted them, and protected them like a flourishing vine, extending to the borders of the land. Now, in a heart-wrenching question, he laments their present desolate state, asking why God has seemingly removed his protective barriers, leaving the nation vulnerable to any passerby who wishes to plunder its fruit. This sets the stage for the following verses, which will describe the wild animals (representing enemies) that now ravage the devastated land.
The psalmist has just reminded God of how he lovingly brought Israel out of Egypt, planted them, and protected them like a flourishing vine, extending to the borders of the land. Now, in a heart-wrenching question, he laments their present desolate state, asking why God has seemingly removed his protective barriers, leaving the nation vulnerable to any passerby who wishes to plunder its fruit. This sets the stage for the following verses, which will describe the wild animals (representing enemies) that now ravage the devastated land.
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The Inconsistency of Abandonment
Therefore, the current state of devastation seems utterly inconsistent with God's character and past actions. It's like asking, 'After all you've done, how can this be happening?' The Psalmist isn't questioning God's power, but challenging the apparent abandonment in light of His prior commitments.
A Call to Remember and Restore
This expostulation is a plea for God to remember His promises and His people. It's an invitation for God to act according to His own established character – the God who plants and protects, not the God who demolishes and leaves exposed.
Fall of Samaria
The Assyrian Empire conquers the Northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting many of its people and scattering them among conquered territories.
586 BC— this verse
Fall of Jerusalem
The Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar conquers the Southern Kingdom of Judah, destroys Jerusalem and the Temple, and exiles many of the remaining people.
539 BC
Cyrus the Great's Decree
The Persian Empire, under Cyrus, conquers Babylon and issues a decree allowing exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands.
"Why then have you broken down its walls, so that all who pass along the way pluck its fruit? The boar from the forest ravages it, and all that move in the field feed on it." — This isn't just about a broken fence; the "hedges" represent God's direct protection that was withdrawn. When that divine shield is gone, even ordinary travelers, not just fierce enemies, can easily…
