Charles Ellicott Commentary Psalms 80

The reference to the shepherd, so characteristic of the Asaphic psalms, is, no doubt, chosen here especially in recollection of Genesis 48:15; Genesis 49:24. “Shepherd” and “Rock” were Jacob’s special names for God, just as “Fear” was Isaac’s, and “Mighty” was Abraham’s; but in the blessing of Joseph, the patriarch seems to have made a particularly solemn pronunciation of it. It is, therefore, very doubtful whether we must press the selection of Joseph here as a distinct and intended reference to the northern tribes or kingdom, in distinction to Judah or the southern kingdom.

Dwellest. — Rather, sittest (enthroned). (Compare Psalms 99:1.) That this is not a merely poetical idea drawn from clouds (as possibly in Psalms 18:10), but is derived from the throne, upheld by the wings of the sculptured cherubim in the Temple, is proved by Exodus 25:22. (Compare Numbers 7:89. Compare also chariot of the cherubim, 1 Chronicles 28:18; Isaiah 37:16; Ezekiel 1:26.)

Before Ephraim ... —The tribes named from Joseph’s sons and his uterine brother naturally range together; they encamped side by side on the west of the Tabernacle, and when the ark moved forward they took their places immediately behind it to head the procession. The preposition “before” would alone show that this ancient arrangement, and no recent political event, determines the manner in which the poet introduces the tribes. It is used of a funeral procession (2 Samuel 3:31; Job 21:33).

Turn us again — that is, “restore us,” not necessarily with reference to the Captivity, but generally, restore us to our pristine prosperity.

Cause thy face to shine. — The desert encampment and march is still in the poet’s thought. As in Psalms 67:1 (see Note) we have here a reminiscence of the priestly benediction.

Saved. — Or, helped. This verse constitutes the refrain.

How long wilt thou be angry? —Literally, until when have you fumed? This is a construction rich in meaning, combining two clauses: You have been angry for a long time; how long will you continue to be angry? (Compare to Psalms 13:2, Note, and Exodus 10:3.)

Others say the preterite here has the sense of a future perfect, which amounts to the same thing: “How long will you have fumed?” (See Müller’s Syntax, § i. 3, remark (a), Professor Robertson’s translation.).

Against the prayer. —Literally, in, i.e., during the prayer. The smoke of the Divine anger is, perhaps, conceived of as a cloud through which the prayer (often symbolized by ascending incense) cannot penetrate.

Bread of tears. —See Psalm 42:3.

In great measure. —Heb., shalîsh, i.e., a third part. (Compare to Isaiah 40:12, Margin.) Probably meaning a third part of an ephah. (Isaiah 5:10, Septuagint) But here evidently used in a general way, as we say “a peck of troubles.”