To the chief Musician upon Shoshannimeduth, 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.

PSALMS 80:1KJV
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Psalms 80:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 80:1 mean?

Psalms 80:1 is a prayer calling on God, described as the Shepherd of Israel, to listen and reveal His presence and power to His people. The verse pictures God as the one who leads the people like a flock and who dwells among the cherubim, asking Him to shine forth and help.

The psalm is attributed to Asaph and addressed to the chief musician, with a note about "Shoshannimeduth," likely a musical or liturgical term. The speaker is calling out on behalf of Israel, using images familiar to ancient Israel—God as a shepherd caring for His people, and God’s presence above the cherubim, which refers to the innermost part of the temple where God was believed to dwell. This sets the tone for a plea for God’s attention and intervention.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 80:1

  • שׁוֹשַׁנִּים עֵדוּת (Shoshannimeduth): This phrase is likely a musical or liturgical direction, possibly meaning "lilies of testimony" or a specific melody. Its exact meaning is uncertain, but it signals a special setting for the psalm.
  • רֹעֶה (ro‘eh, Shepherd): This word pictures God as a shepherd, emphasizing His care, guidance, and protection over Israel as a flock. It is a gentle, relational image that highlights God’s ongoing involvement.
  • יוֹשֵׁב (yoshev, dwellest): This word refers to God’s dwelling "between the cherubims," pointing to the mercy seat on the ark in the temple. It underlines the belief that God’s presence was especially real and powerful in the sanctuary.
  • כְּרוּבִים (keruvim, cherubims): These are angelic beings associated with God’s throne in the temple. Mentioning them emphasizes God’s holiness and majesty.

Why Psalms 80:1 matters

  • The verse uses the image of God as a shepherd, which is a comforting and familiar way for ancient Israelites to understand God’s relationship with them, highlighting care and leadership.
  • By mentioning God dwelling between the cherubim, the verse connects the prayer to the temple and the idea of God’s special presence with His people.
  • This opening verse sets up the rest of the psalm as a heartfelt appeal for God to act, making clear that the people feel a need for God’s attention and intervention.

Where else these words appear

“Shoshannimeduth” Hebrew H7802 · used in 2 verses

  • Psalms 60:1 To the chief Musician upon Shushaneduth, Michtam of David, to teach; when he strove with Aramnaharaim and with Aramzobah, when Joab returned, and smote of Edom in the valley of salt twelve thousand. O God, thou hast cast us off, thou hast scattered us, thou hast been displeased; O turn thyself to us again.

“forth” Hebrew H3313 · used in 8 verses

  • Deuteronomy 33:2 And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them.
  • Job 10:3 Is it good unto thee that thou shouldest oppress, that thou shouldest despise the work of thine hands, and shine upon the counsel of the wicked?
  • Job 37:15 Dost thou know when God disposed them, and caused the light of his cloud to shine?

“leadest” Hebrew H5090 · used in 31 verses

  • Genesis 31:18 And he carried away all his cattle, and all his goods which he had gotten, the cattle of his getting, which he had gotten in Padanaram, for to go to Isaac his father in the land of Canaan.
  • 1 Samuel 30:22 Then answered all the wicked men and men of Belial, of those that went with David, and said, Because they went not with us, we will not give them ought of the spoil that we have recovered, save to every man his wife and his children, that they may lead them away, and depart.
  • Psalms 78:52 But made his own people to go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock.

“Asaph” Hebrew H623 · used in 41 verses

  • 2 Kings 18:18 And when they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:1 Concerning the divisions of the porters: Of the Korhites was Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph.
  • Nehemiah 12:46 For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God.