Psalms 80:1

"Psalms."

Key Reflection

To the tune of “The Lilies of the Covenant.” A Psalm by Asaph. This opening line provides crucial information for the ancient audience, specifying both the musical accompaniment ("to the tune of ‘The Lilies of the Covenant’") and identifying the author as Asaph, a renowned prophet and musician who served in King David's time. Asaph composed this psalm to invoke divine guidance and protection for Israel, reflecting the tradition of using music and poetry to convey spiritual messages and express communal concerns.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Give ear -Incline the ear; as if the ear of God was then turned away, or as if he was inattentive to what was occurring. See the notes atPsalms 5:1. O Shepherd of Israel. See the notes atPsalms 23:1. Thou that leadest Joseph like a flock -Joseph, the father of Ephraim and Manasseh. See the notes atPsalms 78:67. The name Joseph seems here to be used poetically to represent the whole people of Israel, as he was a man so prominent in their history, and especially as Egypt is mentioned as the country from which the vine had been transplanted - a country where Joseph had acted so important a part, and in connection with which his name would be so naturally associated.

Related Verses

More from Psalms 80

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Go deeper with Bible.talk - your AI Bible study companion