Psalms 80:16 - Exposition

It is burned with fire, it is cut down. The flames of war have begun to consume it—it is no longer a vine, but mere fuel (comp. Isaiah 33:12 ), ready to be burned. They perish at the rebuke of thy countenance. Here the metaphor is dropped. The climax has been reached, and the matter is too serious for rhetorical treatment. The nation typified by the vine, the Israel of God, is perishing—perishing "at the rebuke of God's countenance"—because his favour is withdrawn from them. Unless God steps in to save, destruction is certain.