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Psalm 80:1-2
New Catholic Bible
Psalm 80:1-2
New Catholic Bible
Psalm 80[a]
Prayer for the Persecuted People
1 For the director.[b] According to “Lilies.” Eduth. A psalm of Asaph.
2 [c]Listen to us, O shepherd of Israel,[d]
you who lead Joseph like a flock.
As you sit enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth
Footnotes
- Psalm 80:1 At the time of this psalmist, the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah have disappeared in turn (721 and 587 B.C.). For the time being, Israel will be nothing but a scattered flock, a ruined vineyard. Whence can restoration come if not from God?
This psalm is well adapted to our prayer during Advent: so deep is our wretchedness that we await the coming of God; he alone can turn us to himself by his presence and lead us to conversion. - Psalm 80:1 For the director: these words are thought to be a musical or liturgical notation. According to “Lilies.” Eduth: nothing is known about this phrase. Asaph: see notes on Pss 73–89.
- Psalm 80:2 God is the Shepherd of Israel (see Isa 40:11; Jer 31:10; Ezek 34:31), and Jesus will call himself the Good Shepherd (see Jn 10). This image evokes profound links between Israel and God—affectionate solicitude on one side and confident belonging on the other. Hence, those who are in distress do not address an unknown and distant God.
- Psalm 80:2 Shepherd of Israel: see Pss 74:1; 77:21; 78:52, 71f; 79:13. Joseph: see note on Ps 77:16. Cherubim: see note on Ps 18:11.
