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Day 180

Psalm 80:1a "Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel..."

Day 180 – Psalm 80

“Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel…” Psalm 80:1a

SUPERSCRIPTION: To the Chief Musician. Set to “The Lilies.”

A Testimony of Asaph. A Psalm.

More details are found in this superscription. Usual information may be found, but nothing special or spectacular.

1. To the Chief Musician

A standard feature.

2. Set to “The Lilies.” A Testimony of Asaph. A Psalm

a) In Hebrew the words are Shoshannim Eduth.
b) The translators (NKJV) have chosen to separate the words:-
i) Shoshannim- The Lilies
ii) Eduth- Testimony
iii) Full certainty as to the meaning and significance of these words is almost impossible to determine.

A NEW TITLE FOR GOD

Asaph once again penned another psalm. He addressed God using three different titles:-

“Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,
You who lead Joseph like a flock;
You who dwell between the cherubim, shine forth!”
Psalm 80:1

1. “O Shepherd of Israel”

a) King David also pleaded with God to shepherd His people (Psalm 28:9).
b) God as Shepherd was a theme David held dear to his heart (Psalm 23).

2. “You who lead Joseph like a flock”

a) God’s role as Shepherd was acknowledged.
b) “Joseph” was used to represent the nation of Israel.

3. “You who dwell between the cherubim”

a) This is an obvious reference to the Ark of the Covenant.
b) A cry to God to “shine forth” would be a plea to manifest active shepherding.