Log inSign up

Psalm 80 · a question people ask

The title says "A Psalm by Asaph" (80:1). Who is Asaph, and what is "The Lilies of the Covenant"?

In the text

The title doesn't say. It reads, "For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “The Lilies of the Covenant.” A Psalm by Asaph." (80:1). The chapter on Psalm 50 sets out what 1 Chronicles says of a man named Asaph, and why these notes don't claim he is the one the titles name; Psalm 80 adds nothing to that. It is one of the eleven psalms in a row whose titles name Asaph, Psalms 73 to 83 (for example Psalm 73:1 and 83:1). The title names a tune and doesn't explain it, and these notes don't explain it either. Psalm 60's title has close words: "To the tune of “The Lily of the Covenant.”" (Psalm 60:1). The title gives no date and no occasion, and these notes found no New Testament verse that quotes Psalm 80.

The verses

“For the Chief Musician. To the tune of “The Lilies of the Covenant.” A Psalm by Asaph. Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock, you who sit above the cherubim, shine out.”
Psalm 80:1 · World English Bible
“A Psalm by Asaph. The Mighty One, God, the LORD, speaks, and calls the earth from sunrise to sunset.”
Psalm 50:1 · World English Bible
“A Psalm by Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.”
Psalm 73:1 · World English Bible
“A song. A Psalm by Asaph. God, don’t keep silent. Don’t keep silent, and don’t be still, God.”
Psalm 83:1 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Psalm 80

Psalm 80: Turn us again

The WEB's branch in 80:15 is ben, son, and "the branch that you made strong for yourself" (80:15) and "the son of man whom you made strong for yourself" (80:17) end with the same Hebrew verb and for yourself. And each time the line "Turn us again" comes, the name grows: God, God of Armies, LORD God of Armies.

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free weekPsalm 80 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Psalm 80

All questions about Psalms →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions