Psalms 80:1
Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.
Study Note
Study Note
'Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock! You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth' — the national lament Psalm 80 opens with a dual address to YHWH as both pastoral shepherd and enthroned cosmic king, drawing on the Ark of the Covenant's cherub-throne imagery. The name 'Shepherd of Israel' draws on the imagery of Numbers 27:17 (Moses's prayer that Israel not be 'sheep without a shepherd'), Ezekiel 34, and anticipates Jesus's self-description as the 'Good Shepherd' (John 10:11, 14). The three-part refrain of the psalm — 'Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved' (verses 3, 7, 19) — uses the Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:25 as a liturgical structure for petitioning renewed divine favor. The psalm's lament over a devastated vineyard (verses 8–13) draws on the Exodus vine-planting traditions and anticipates Isaiah 5's vineyard allegory.
Other Translations
Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, Thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; Thou that sittest above the cherubim, shine forth.
To the Overseer. --`On the Lilies.' A testimony of Asaph. --A Psalm. Shepherd of Israel, give ear, Leading Joseph as a flock, Inhabiting the cherubs--shine forth,
Give ear, O Keeper of Israel, guiding Joseph like a flock; you who have your seat on the winged ones, let your glory be seen.
Cross References
And the cherubims shall stretch forth their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces …
And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between …
And he said, The Lord came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount …
So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the Lord …
And David arose, and went with all the people that were with him from Baale of Judah, to bring up …
And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord, and said, O Lord God of Israel, which dwellest between the cherubims, thou art …
Is it good unto thee that thou shouldest oppress, that thou shouldest despise the work of thine hands, and shine …
Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.