Psalms 80:1
Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.
The verse calls on God as the Shepherd of Israel who leads Joseph like a flock and dwells between the cherubim, asking Him to listen and to shine forth in saving power. Dwelling between the cherubim is the revealing of God's glory, the presence later called the Shekinah that abode in the holy of holies at the center of Israel's worship. He is presented as enthroned above the cherubim and leading Israel, whose rule extends over the affairs of the earth and guides human events amid the conflict and turmoil of nations.
The enthroned One between the cherubim is Christ, the risen King and Lord of hosts guarding His people amid the strife of nations. He holds the destiny of nations and the concerns of His church in His hands, measures each trial, and keeps His people safe as worldly powers are overthrown. The verse pleads for Him to stir up His strength and come and save, to turn His people again and cause His face to shine so they shall be saved. That pleading is made in behalf of Judah and for the honor of their Supreme Ruler.
The prayer was offered in the temple with strong faith for help from heaven when the honor of Jehovah was at stake, so that the nations of earth may know that the God of the Hebrews still lives and reigns and alone can bring deliverance. The plea is in harmony with the mind of God, asking the Lord to maintain the cause of His people Israel at all times as the matter shall require, so that all the people of the earth may know that the Lord is God and that there is none else. There is assurance of favor when in times of war or of oppression by an enemy the chief men of Israel enter the house of prayer and plead for deliverance.