Psalm 80 1

Psalm 80:1 kjv

Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.

Psalm 80:1 nkjv

To the Chief Musician. Set to "The Lilies." A Testimony of Asaph. A Psalm. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, You who lead Joseph like a flock; You who dwell between the cherubim, shine forth!

Psalm 80:1 niv

For the director of music. To the tune of "The Lilies of the Covenant." Of Asaph. A psalm. Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth

Psalm 80:1 esv

Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth.

Psalm 80:1 nlt

Please listen, O Shepherd of Israel,
you who lead Joseph's descendants like a flock.
O God, enthroned above the cherubim,
display your radiant glory

Psalm 80 verses

Psalm 80 1 Meaning

Psalm 80:1 is an urgent and profound prayer addressing God with multiple divine attributes: as the nurturing "Shepherd of Israel" and the guiding "Leader of Joseph," invoking His faithful past care. The plea culminates by calling upon God, who is "enthroned upon the cherubim" in ultimate majesty, to "shine forth," seeking a visible and powerful manifestation of His saving presence amidst their deep distress.

Psalm 80 1 Context

Psalm 80:1 opens a poignant communal lament, immediately setting a tone of deep distress and urgent appeal to God for national restoration. The psalmist, likely representing the collective voice of Israel, seeks divine intervention after a period of significant suffering, possibly exile or a major military defeat. The entire psalm reiterates a cry for God to "restore us" (vv. 3, 7, 19), using the potent imagery of Israel as a "vine" brought out of Egypt but now desolated and overrun (vv. 8-16). The plea in verse 1 anticipates the longing for God's face to shine upon them again, bringing salvation from their calamitous state.

Historically, the specific mention of "Joseph" in verse 1 (referring to the tribes of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin in verse 2) strongly suggests the context of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This psalm likely emerged during or after the Assyrian invasions, perhaps after the fall of Samaria in 722 BCE, or reflects a united plea from both Judah and the scattered tribes of the North in a later period of distress. The people feel abandoned and oppressed, calling upon God based on His historical role as their divine shepherd and protector during the Exodus and settlement in the Promised Land.

Psalm 80 1 Word analysis

• Give ear (Hebrew: הַאֲזִינָה, ha'azina): An imperative verb, conveying an earnest and urgent plea for God to listen closely and pay attention to their cry. It implies that the supplicants feel unheard or that God seems distant from their suffering, urging Him to turn His divine attention towards them and respond actively to their prayer.

• O Shepherd of Israel (Hebrew: רֹעֵה יִשְׂרָאֵל, ro'eh Yisrael): A deeply intimate and significant title for God, drawing on familiar pastoral imagery. It highlights God's role as the compassionate protector, provider, and guide for His people. This appellation emphasizes a covenantal relationship, reminding God of His historical care and commitment to "Israel," His chosen flock, contrasting with any perceived current abandonment.

• you who lead Joseph like a flock (Hebrew: נֹהֵג כַּצֹּאן יוֹסֵף, noheg ka'tztzon Yosef): The verb noheg means to drive, guide, or lead carefully. The specific inclusion of "Joseph" refers to the descendants of Ephraim and Manasseh, pivotal Northern tribes, along with Benjamin (mentioned in v. 2). This phrase acknowledges God's faithful past guidance of these specific tribes, particularly during their wanderings and settlement. It evokes God's comprehensive and attentive care for all segments of His people, like a shepherd diligently leading every part of his flock, and is a potent reminder to God of His unchanging character.

• you who are enthroned upon the cherubim (Hebrew: יֹשֵׁב הַכְּרֻבִים, yoshev ha-keruvim): This powerful descriptor asserts God's supreme transcendence and universal sovereignty. It directly alludes to the Ark of the Covenant, where God's presence was symbolized by His dwelling "between the cherubim" (on the mercy seat) in the Holy of Holies. This title emphasizes God's majesty, heavenly authority, and omnipotent power, implying that the One being addressed is able to effect mighty deliverance from His divine throne. The keruvim are angelic beings associated with guarding sacred spaces and bearing God's throne or chariot, symbolizing His glorious and fearsome presence.

• shine forth (Hebrew: הוֹפִיעָה, hofia): Another imperative, this verb means to appear, to cause light to break forth, or to manifest oneself gloriously and visibly. It is a plea for God to end His perceived hiddenness or silence and to actively intervene. This "shining forth" is not just illumination but an epiphanic demonstration of God's power, glory, and justice, bringing salvation, light, and restoration to His people who are currently in darkness and distress.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel": This opening plea is an immediate and intimate address to God. It blends urgent entreaty with an invocation of God's most comforting and nurturing identity, seeking a responsive connection between the suffering people and their compassionate Divine Guardian.
  • "you who lead Joseph like a flock": This phrase amplifies the "Shepherd" role by recalling a specific historical demonstration of God's meticulous leadership. By referencing "Joseph," it broadens the prayer to encompass all of Israel, serving as a powerful remembrance of God's consistent care for His entire covenant community, thus grounding the plea in His established faithfulness.
  • "you who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth": This combines God's ultimate majestic sovereignty with an urgent call for visible divine action. It links the all-powerful, heavenly Ruler (enthroned above all creation) with the desperate need for a glorious and manifest intervention, asserting that only God, from His throne of glory, possesses the power to dispel the darkness and bring salvation.

Psalm 80 1 Bonus section

• Psalm 80 is often identified as an "Asaphic Psalm," indicating it was associated with the musical guild of Asaph, known for communal laments and historical reflections in worship. This association underscores its liturgical significance for collective lament and prayer.
• The progression of titles for God in Psalm 80:1-2 moves from the specific care for Israel ("Shepherd," "Leader of Joseph") to the universal sovereign ("enthroned upon the cherubim") and then to the military Commander ("stir up Your might"). This demonstrates a holistic view of God as both intimately caring for His people and powerfully reigning over all.
• The desire for God to "shine forth" connects with various Old Testament accounts of God's manifest glory, such as at Sinai, in the wilderness tabernacle, or during prophetic visions. It is a request for a theophany, a visible demonstration of God's active presence and power on behalf of His distressed people.

Psalm 80 1 Commentary

Psalm 80:1 encapsulates the core request of a deeply afflicted people, revealing their understanding of God's multi-faceted nature. It is not a questioning of God's existence or power, but an fervent appeal to His character as revealed in their history. The initial invocation of "Shepherd of Israel" grounds the prayer in God's covenantal faithfulness and compassionate care, acknowledging His consistent guidance. The reference to leading "Joseph" particularly broadens the scope of this historical faithfulness to encompass both northern and southern tribes, reminding God of His holistic relationship with all of Jacob's descendants. The climax of the plea, "you who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth," transitions from intimate covenant language to an acknowledgement of God's transcendent, sovereign majesty. It appeals to His ultimate power, seated in glory above the Ark, to make His presence visibly and powerfully known. This shining forth is desired to dispel the darkness of their affliction and bring about their longed-for salvation and restoration, reflecting a profound trust in God's capacity for deliverance.