Look at two important words in Psalm 80. One is Return (v.14), the other is Revive (v.18).
God had departed from His people. He had planted this vine, the nation of Israel, in the land of Canaan. The vine took root and begin to bear fruit. But the people of Israel began to sin against the Lord. Instead of being distinctively separate, they began to imitate the other nations and visit their altars and participate in their sacrifices. So God said, “If that’s the way you want it, you can have it.” God left His people. The world Ichabod means “The glory has departed.” (1 Sam.4:21).
Jesus said, “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee” (Heb.13:5). God will never take away His presence, but He will take away His power and His blessing. God will never leave you, but there are times when He may need to withhold His power and blessing because of sin in your life. If you are in need of God’s restoration, He hears the prayers of revival.
Versus 18 and 19 are a prayer for revival.
