Bible Strands
Psalms 80:1
For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Lilies of the Covenant.” A Psalm of Asaph. Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, who leads Joseph like a flock; You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The psalmist Asaph addresses God directly, calling Him Shepherd of Israel and leader of Joseph. The context places the tribes of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh before God, indicating their position as witnesses rather than the addressees of the plea.
The words — The Hebrew רֹ֘עֵ֤ה (ro.'Eh) means "O shepherd," and יִשְׂרָאֵ֨ל (Yis.ra.'El) identifies the people as Israel. The verb נֹהֵ֣ג (no.Heg) describes driving or leading like a flock, while יֹשֵׁ֖ב (yo.Shev) denotes sitting enthroned between the cherubim.
The thread — The shepherd-flock motif reappears in Psalms 77:20 regarding the Exodus leadership. The command to "shine forth" parallels the divine radiance described in Psalms 50:2 and Revelation 21:23.
Why it lands — The text explicitly commands God to listen and shine forth, establishing His role as the active guide and enthroned sovereign. It requires the reader to acknowledge divine leadership as the sole basis for deliverance.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim–Eduth, A Psalm of Asaph. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.
Cross-references
- Revelation 21:23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its lamp.
- Psalms 50:2 From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.
- Psalms 77:20 You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
- Psalms 99:1 The LORD reigns; let the nations tremble! He is enthroned above the cherubim; let the earth quake!
- Isaiah 63:11 Then His people remembered the days of old, the days of Moses. Where is He who brought them through the sea with the shepherds of His flock? Where is the One who set His Holy Spirit among them,
- 1 Peter 2:25 For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
- 1 Samuel 4:4 So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the LORD of Hosts, who sits enthroned between the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.
- 2 Samuel 6:2 And he and all his troops set out for Baale of Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the Name—the name of the LORD of Hosts, who is enthroned between the cherubim that are on it.
- Psalms 80:7 Restore us, O God of Hosts, and cause Your face to shine upon us, that we may be saved.
- Ezekiel 34:23 I will appoint over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them. He will feed them and be their shepherd.