Psalms 80:1
Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Psalm 80 is attributed to Asaph, for Shoshannim Eduth ("Lilies of Testimony")—likely a musical or liturgical designation. The references to Joseph, Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh (verses 1-2) suggest a northern focus, possibly composed before or shortly after the Assyrian conquest of the northern kingdom in 722 BCE.
The combination of shepherd and throne imagery was not contradictory in ancient thought. Kings were called shepherds of their people. David was shepherd before becoming king. The LORD as shepherd-king combined tender care with royal authority. Israel needed both: pastoral guidance for daily life and sovereign power to defeat enemies.
The cherubim imagery connected to the ark of the covenant in the tabernacle and temple. Above the mercy seat, between the cherubim, God's presence dwelt (1 Samuel 4:4, 2 Samuel 6:2). Calling on God who "dwellest between the cherubims" invoked His covenant faithfulness and tabernacle-presence—the God who had committed Himself to dwell among His people.
Questions for Reflection
- How do the shepherd and throne-room images work together to present God's character?
- What does it mean to ask God to 'shine forth,' and when might such prayer be appropriate?
- Why might the psalm focus on Joseph (the northern tribes) rather than Judah?
- How does the combination of tender care ('Shepherd') and transcendent majesty ('dwellest between the cherubims') inform your understanding of God?
Analysis & Commentary
Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth. This communal lament opens with urgent appeal, combining shepherd imagery with throne-room majesty. The congregation calls upon God to hear, to lead, and to shine forth in saving power.
"Give ear" (ha'azinah, הַאֲזִינָה) is an imperative from azan, meaning to listen attentively, to incline the ear. This opening plea asks God not merely to hear but to pay attention, to engage with His people's cry. The same word appears in Moses' final song: "Give ear, O ye heavens... hear, O earth" (Deuteronomy 32:1).
"O Shepherd of Israel" (ro'eh Yisra'el, רֹעֵה יִשְׂרָאֵל) invokes God's pastoral role. Unlike Psalm 23's individual "the LORD is my shepherd," this addresses God as shepherd of the entire nation. The title implies care, guidance, provision, and protection for all Israel.
"Thou that leadest Joseph like a flock" (noheg katstzon Yosef, נֹהֵג כַּצֹּאן יוֹסֵף) extends the imagery, specifying leadership of "Joseph"—likely representing the northern tribes (Ephraim and Manasseh were Joseph's sons). The psalm may address northern Israel's distress, perhaps the Assyrian threat or conquest.
"Thou that dwellest between the cherubims" (yoshev hakeruvim, יֹשֵׁב הַכְּרֻבִים) shifts to throne-room imagery. God was enthroned above the mercy seat, flanked by golden cherubim (Exodus 25:22). This title emphasizes sovereignty, holiness, and transcendence—the Shepherd is also the King of glory.
"Shine forth" (hofi'ah, הוֹפִיעָה) asks God to appear in radiant glory, to manifest His presence visibly and powerfully. The verb appears in Deuteronomy 33:2 describing God's appearance at Sinai. The petition asks for a new theophany—God showing Himself in saving power.