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
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").