Psalms 80

Shepherd of Israel

Shepherd of Israel — the one who leads and protects God's flock

Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth. Psalms 80:1

The Shepherd of Israel who dwells between the cherubim above the ark is Jehovah. Jesus declared Himself the Good Shepherd.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in John 10:11 — I am the good shepherd.
• the same title in Genesis 49:24 — From thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel.
• alludes to Exodus 25:22 — I will commune with thee from between the two cherubims.

True Vine

Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt: thou hast cast out the heathen, and planted it. Psalms 80:8

Israel is the vine brought out of Egypt. Jesus, who was also called out of Egypt, said He is the true vine that Israel was meant to be.

• alluded to by John 15:1 — I am the true vine.
• alluded to by Matthew 2:15 — Out of Egypt have I called my son.

Branch

Branch — the shoot that springs up from the royal line

And the vineyard which thy right hand hath planted, and the branch that thou madest strong for thyself. Psalms 80:15

The branch God made strong for Himself is parallel to the son of man in verse 17. The prophets use the Branch as a name of the Messiah.

• the same title in Jeremiah 23:5 — I will raise unto David a righteous Branch.
• the same title in Zechariah 3:8 — My servant the BRANCH.

Son of Man

Son of Man — Son of Man of Holiness (the Father)

Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand, upon the son of man whom thou madest strong for thyself. Psalms 80:17

The man at God's right hand, the son of man God made strong, points to Jesus, who called Himself the Son of Man and was seen standing at God's right hand. In Latter-day Saint teaching, Man of Holiness is the Father's name.

How we know: the verse itself names Him

• fulfilled by Acts 7:56 — I see ... the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
• the same title in Mark 14:62 — Ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power.
• interpreted by Moses 6:57 — His Only Begotten is called the Son of Man.

LORD God of Hosts

LORD of Hosts — Jehovah, commander of heaven's armies

Turn us again, O LORD God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved. Psalms 80:19

The refrain (also verses 3 and 7) asks Jehovah, the LORD God of hosts, to shine His face so Israel will be saved. Salvation comes from Him.

How we know: Jehovah is the premortal Christ (Abraham 1:16; D&C 110:3–4)

• alludes to Numbers 6:25 — The LORD make his face shine upon thee.