Charles Ellicott 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)

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.)