What does "the son of man" signify in Psalm 80:17? Setting the Scene in Psalm 80 • Asaph’s psalm is a national lament, pleading for God to “restore us” (v. 3, 7, 19). • The crisis: the northern tribes (Ephraim, Benjamin, Manasseh) and later all Israel are suffering God’s discipline. • The hinge of hope appears in v. 17: “Let Your hand be upon the man at Your right hand, upon the son of man You have raised up for Yourself.” (Psalm 80:17) Who Is “the Man at Your Right Hand”? • In Old Testament language, God’s “right hand” symbolizes favor, authority, and power (Psalm 110:1; Isaiah 41:10). • The “man” occupying that honored place must be: – Chosen by God, not self-appointed. – Endowed with divine authority to rescue God’s people. • The immediate hearers would think of the Davidic king, for God had promised David an enduring throne (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Unpacking “the Son of Man” • Hebrew: ben-adam—“son of Adam,” i.e., a true human, yet uniquely appointed. • Usage in the OT: often stresses human frailty (Psalm 8:4), but here it highlights a human deliverer raised by God’s power. • By pairing “man at Your right hand” with “son of man,” the psalmist underlines both exaltation and genuine humanity. Messianic Trajectory • Psalm 80 anticipates a singular King who will embody Israel’s destiny. • Other prophetic echoes: – Isaiah 11:1-5—“A shoot will spring up from the stump of Jesse.” – Jeremiah 23:5—“I will raise up for David a righteous Branch.” • The New Testament identifies Jesus as that promised “Son of Man”: – Mark 14:62—Jesus before the Sanhedrin: “You will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power.” – Acts 7:56—Stephen sees “the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” • Jesus perfectly fulfills Psalm 80:17: truly human, yet exalted to God’s right hand to secure redemption (Hebrews 1:3; 10:12-13). Why the Title Matters • Assurance of God-given leadership: Israel’s hope rests on someone God Himself “raised up.” • Vindication of God’s covenant: the Davidic promise stands, even in national collapse. • Foreshadowing of incarnation: ultimate deliverance comes through a man—yet one endowed with divine authority—Jesus Christ. Key Takeaways for Today • God’s answer to deep national and personal brokenness is a divinely appointed, fully human King. • Christ, the exalted Son of Man, continues to intercede “at the right hand of God” (Romans 8:34). • Because He reigns, believers can echo Psalm 80’s plea with confidence: restoration is guaranteed under the hand of the Son of Man. |
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