Book of Psalms - Chapter 80 - Verse 5

Psalm 80:5 describes a powerful image of divine retribution and punishment. The verse speaks of God feeding his people with the bread of tears and giving them tears to drink in great measure. This evocative language conveys the idea that God is punishing his people by giving them sorrow and suffering to consume and endure. The bread of tears represents the sorrow and distress that God inflicts upon his people, while the tears to drink symbolize the overwhelming grief and suffering that they must endure. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and sin, as well as the justice and sovereignty of God. It highlights the idea that God's wrath can manifest in various forms, including the emotional and spiritual anguish that comes from turning away from Him. Ultimately, this verse serves as a poignant warning of the repercussions of straying from God's will and the importance of remaining faithful and obedient.

The verse "Thou feedest them with the bread of tears; and givest them tears to drink in great measure" (Psalm 80:5) speaks to the deep sorrow and suffering experienced by the people of Israel. The term "bread of tears" symbolizes the hardship and pain that God's people have endured. It highlights a sense of bitterness and anguish that accompanies their daily existence. Similarly, the phrase "tears to drink in great measure" emphasizes the abundance of suffering that the Israelites have faced, suggesting an overwhelming flood of tears and sorrow. The theological interpretation of this verse points to the idea that even in times of despair and suffering, God is present and provides for His people, albeit in ways that are difficult for them to understand or accept at the time. Through these trials, God is shaping and molding His people, ultimately drawing them closer to Him and deepening their faith.