Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 80:1

"Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, Thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; Thou that sittest [above] the cherubim, shine forth." — Psalms 80:1 (ASV)

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 at (Psalms 5:1). O Shepherd of Israel. See the notes at (Psalms 23:1).

You who lead Joseph like a flock — Joseph, the father of Ephraim and Manasseh. See the notes at (Psalms 78:67). The name Joseph seems here to be used poetically to represent the whole people of Israel, for he was a man so prominent in their history. Moreover, Egypt is mentioned as the country from which the vine had been transplanted—a country where Joseph had acted such an important part, and in connection with which his name would be so naturally associated. The meaning is that God led the tribes of the Hebrew people as a shepherd leads or conducts his flock.

You who dwell between the cherubims — See the notes at (Psalms 18:10). The allusion here is to God as dwelling, by a visible symbol—the Shechinah—on the mercy-seat, between the cherubims (Exodus 25:18, Exodus 25:22; Exodus 37:7; 1 Samuel 4:4; 1 Kings 6:25). See the notes at (Isaiah 37:16); and notes at (Hebrews 9:5). Shine, forth. Manifest yourself. Let light come from your presence in the midst of our darkness and calamity.