A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] at sacred-texts.com
Psalms Chapter 80
Shoshannim--"Lilies" (see on Psa 45:1, title). Eduth--Testimony, referring to the topic as a testimony of God to His people (compare Psa 19:7). This Psalm probably relates to the captivity of the ten tribes, as the former to that of Judah. Its complaint is aggravated by the contrast of former prosperity, and the prayer for relief occurs as a refrain through the Psalm. (Psa. 80:1-19)
Joseph--for Ephraim (Ch1 7:20-29; Psa 78:67; Rev 7:8), for Israel.
Shepherd--(Compare Gen 49:24).
leadest, &c.-- (Psa 77:20).
dwellest . . . cherubim-- (Exo 25:20); the place of God's visible glory, whence He communed with the people (Heb 9:5).
shine forth--appear (Psa 50:2; Psa 94:1).
Before Ephraim, &c.--These tribes marched next the ark (Num 2:18-24). The name of Benjamin may be introduced merely in allusion to that fact, and not because that tribe was identified with Israel in the schism (Kg1 12:16-21; compare also Num 10:24).
Turn us--that is, from captivity.
thy face to shine-- (Num 6:25).
be angry--(Compare Margin.)
bread of tears--still an Eastern figure for affliction.
strife--object or cause of (Isa 9:11). On last clause compare Psa 79:4; Eze 36:4.
brought--or, "plucked up," as by roots, to be replanted.
a vine-- (Psa 78:47). The figure (Isa 16:8) represents the flourishing state of Israel, as predicted (Gen 28:14), and verified (Kg1 4:20-25).
hedges-- (Isa 5:5).
The boar--may represent the ravaging Assyrian and
the wild beast--other heathen.
visit this vine--favorably (Psa 8:4).
And the vineyard--or, "And protect or guard what thy right hand," &c.
the branch--literally, "over the Son of man," preceding this phrase, with "protect" or "watch."
for thyself--a tacit allusion to the plea for help; for
it--the "vine" or
they--the "people" are suffering from Thy displeasure.
thy hand . . . upon--that is, strengthen (Ezr 7:6; Ezr 8:22).
man of . . . hand--may allude to Benjamin (Gen 35:18). The terms in the latter clause correspond with those of Psa 80:15, from "and the branch," &c., literally, and confirm the exposition given above.
We need quickening grace (Psa 71:20; Psa 119:25) to persevere in Thy right worship (Gen 4:26; Rom 10:11).
(Compare Psa 80:3, "O God"; Psa 80:7, "O God of hosts").