The theme is quite similar to that of the previous psalm, but the scene shifts to the northern kingdom, where the axe struck first. Samaria was conquered in 721 B.C. and populated with a diverse group of idol-worshipping immigrants—so many weeds in God’s garden. What has he done in his vineyard? Clearly, there’s no mention of the wild grapes this chosen vine produced (Is 5:1-7). The psalmist dares to ask ‘why’? The prophet Amos could give the answer: about thirty years earlier, he had condemned the luxury and oppression of the ruling classes (Am 6:4-7). But we should sympathize with the psalmist, who has learned that dwelling on past sins is a pointless exercise.
The shining face of God is remembered in John 14:9 and Hebrews 1:3, as well as during the transfiguration in the Gospels (cf. Mt 17:2; cf. 2 Cor 4:6). God’s gaze saves, even in our present time.