Psalms 80:1

1. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel “The previous psalm closed with ‘ We thy people and sheep of thy pasture;’ and this begins with a cry to the ‘ Shepherd of Israel.’” Delitzsch.

Between the cherubim The word “between” is not in the original, but is inserted on the authority of Exodus 25:22; Numbers 7:89. But in Ezekiel 1:4-26; Ezekiel 10:1, the “cherubim” are represented as under the throne of God. So, also, in 2 Samuel 22:11; Psalms 18:10. The explanation seems to be, that as the “cherubim” or “living creatures” are symbolic beings not messengers, as angels, but emblems of God’s living agency, his knowledge, patience, strength, and swiftness in executing his purposes so when Deity is represented as sitting on his throne, (as Revelation 4:6,) or abiding in a local place, giving oracles, (as in the Hebrew tabernacle, Exodus 25:22,) the “cherubim” stand “round about” him. But when he executes his judgments, the “cherubim” are represented as his “chariot” under the throne, moving “straight forward,” “running and returning as the appearance of a flash of lightning.” Ezekiel 1:14. See notes on Psalms 18:10; Psalms 68:17. Compare Psalm 67:17; Deuteronomy 33:2; Daniel 7:9. This latter sense may suit the text better. Delitzsch renders it, “Thou who sittest enthroned above the ‘cherubim,’ oh appear!”