What does "come and save us" reveal about God's role as a shepherd? Setting the Scene in Psalm 80 “ ‘Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, who leads Joseph like a flock; enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth. Before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, awaken Your might; come and save us!’ ” (Psalm 80:1-2) Why the Psalm Matters • Written by Asaph during a time of national distress • Begins by calling God “Shepherd,” then immediately pleads, “come and save us” • Links His shepherding care with decisive rescue The Shepherd Image in Verse 1 • “Shepherd of Israel” portrays constant guidance and protective oversight (cf. Genesis 48:15; Isaiah 40:11) • “Leads Joseph like a flock” underscores intimate, personal direction of each tribe • “Enthroned between the cherubim” reminds us that the Shepherd is also King—able to act with sovereign power Come and Save Us—The Heart of the Plea • “Awaken Your might” signals that the flock feels exposed and helpless • “Come and save us” is a direct request for the Shepherd to move toward the sheep, place Himself between them and danger, and deliver them from imminent harm • The phrase unites presence (“come”) and deliverance (“save”)—both essential facets of shepherding What This Reveals about God as Shepherd • Vigilant Protector – A shepherd never ignores a cry; he rushes in (1 Samuel 17:34-35) • Willing Rescuer – He is not distant; He steps into the valley Himself (Psalm 23:4) • Powerful Deliverer – His might is sufficient for whole tribes, nations, or an individual lamb (Isaiah 59:1) • Covenant Keeper – Rescue flows from faithfulness to the promises made to the patriarchs (Genesis 17:7; Exodus 2:24-25) • Restorer of the Flock – Salvation here isn’t merely survival; it is restoration to favor—“Restore us, O God; let Your face shine, that we may be saved” (Psalm 80:3) Old Testament Parallels • Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-16—God searches for and rescues scattered sheep • Isaiah 40:10-11—His arm rules in strength while He gathers lambs in His arms • Micah 2:12-13—He leads His remnant out, breaking open their path New Testament Echoes of the Saving Shepherd • John 10:11—“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” • Luke 15:4-7—The shepherd goes after the one lost sheep until he finds it • 1 Peter 2:25—Believers have “returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls” Living in the Assurance of His Shepherding Today • Confidence: Every cry of “come and save us” still reaches a living Shepherd who listens and acts • Dependence: Rescue is not self-help; it is divine intervention that shepherds us through sin, danger, and death • Gratitude: Salvation purchased by the Good Shepherd’s own sacrifice inspires worship and obedience • Hope: The same Shepherd will gather His flock forever in a restored creation (Revelation 7:17) “ ‘For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. He will lead them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’ ” (Revelation 7:17) |
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