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Psalm 80:2-4
New Catholic Bible
Psalm 80:2-4
New Catholic Bible
2 [a]Listen to us, O shepherd of Israel,[b]
you who lead Joseph like a flock.
As you sit enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth
3 over Ephraim,[c] Benjamin, and Manasseh.
Stir up your power
and come to save us.
4 Restore us, O Lord of hosts;
let your face shine[d] upon us,
and we will be saved.
Footnotes
- 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.
- Psalm 80:3 Ephraim and Manasseh were the two principal tribes of the northern kingdom, with which Benjamin was at times associated (see Num 2:18f). It was also in front of these three tribes that the Ark of the Covenant advanced during the sojourn from Sinai to the Promised Land (see Num 10:21-24).
- Psalm 80:4 Let your face shine: see notes on Pss 4:7; 13:2.
