1 Winged angels (Heb “cherubs”). Cherubs, as depicted in the OT, possess both human and animal (lion, ox, and eagle) characteristics (see Ezek 1:10; 10:14, 21; 41:18). They are pictured as winged creatures (Exod 25:20; 37:9; 1 Kgs 6:24–27; Ezek 10:8, 19) and serve as the very throne of God when the ark of the covenant is in view (Ps 99:1; see Num 7:89; 1 Sam 4:4; 2 Sam 6:2; 2 Kgs 19:15). The picture of the Lord seated on the cherubs suggests they might be used by him as a vehicle, a function they carry out in Ezek 1:22–28 (the “living creatures” mentioned here are identified as cherubs in Ezek 10:20). In Ps 18:10 the image of a cherub serves to personify the wind.
2 Heb “shine forth.” Reveal your splendor. The psalmist may allude to Deut 33:2, where God “shines forth” from Sinai and comes to superintend Moses’ blessing of the tribes.
3 Heb “stir up”; “arouse.”
4 Heb “come for our deliverance.”

In other versions

Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,

you who lead Joseph like a flock.

You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth.

Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh,

stir up your might

and come to save us!

Hear us, Shepherd of Israel,

you who lead Joseph like a flock.

You who sit enthroned between the cherubim,

shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh.

Awaken your might;

come and save us.

Listen, Shepherd of Israel,

who leads Joseph like a flock;

you who sit enthroned between the cherubim,

shine on Ephraim,

Benjamin, and Manasseh.

Rally your power and come to save us.

Please listen, O Shepherd of Israel,

you who lead Joseph’s descendants like a flock.

O God, enthroned above the cherubim,

display your radiant glory

to Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh.

Show us your mighty power.

Come to rescue us!

Give ear, O shepherd of Israel,

who leads Joseph like a flock.

Shine forth, you who sits enthroned above the cherubim.

Before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh,

stir up your power

and come for our salvation.

Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel,

Thou that leadest Joseph like a flock;

Thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.

Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh

Stir up thy strength,

And come and save us.

Public Domain