1: In verses 1-2, what does Joseph, Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh represent? On what basis does the psalmist pray for God to shine forth and rescue them (v.1)?
2: Verses 3, 7 and 19 are the chorus, what effect does this provide? These three verses all mention “make your face shine upon us”, what is the meaning of this (Numbers 6:24-26)?
3: In verses 8-16, what does the vine represent? Why does God allow the vine to be destroyed (Psalm 81:11-12; John 15:1-5)? What attribute of God does this display? What reminder does this provide for us?
4: What was the attitude of the prayers of the psalmist in his time of distress (v.4-6)? Was there hope? From which verses can this be seen? Where does this hope come from (v.1, 8-9, 14-15)? Do you have hope in distress? What is the reason for your hope?
