Psalms 140:7

KJV

O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.

KJV (with Strong's)

O GOD {H3069} the Lord {H136}, the strength {H5797} of my salvation {H3444}, thou hast covered {H5526} my head {H7218} in the day {H3117} of battle {H5402}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI, Adonai, my saving strength, my helmet shielding my head in battle,

Berean Standard Bible

O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You shield my head in the day of battle.

American Standard Version

O Jehovah the Lord, the strength of my salvation, Thou hast covered my head in the day of battle.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 140:7 is a powerful declaration of unwavering trust and confident reliance on God amidst intense conflict. The psalmist, David, proclaims God as the ultimate source of his deliverance and the impenetrable shield that has protected him in moments of grave danger. This verse serves as a profound affirmation of divine sovereignty and active intervention, highlighting God's faithfulness as the supreme protector in the face of all adversity and a testament to His ever-present strength.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 140 is a fervent lament, a desperate prayer from David pleading for deliverance from malicious and violent enemies. The preceding verses vividly describe the adversaries' cunning and venomous nature, likening them to serpents and portraying their plots as snares and traps laid along his path, aiming to trip him up ([Psalm 140:1-5](/psalms/140-1-5 "Psalm 140:1-5 - David's Prayer for Deliverance from Wicked Men")). Verse 7 marks a significant pivot from the detailed description of distress and petition to a confident declaration of faith and past experience of God's protection. It stands as a testament to David's unwavering trust, even when surrounded by imminent threats, a common feature in his psalms which often oscillate between desperate cries for help and confident affirmations of God's power and faithfulness. This shift provides a moment of theological grounding and hope within the psalm's overall plea.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's life was characterized by continuous "battles," ranging from the relentless pursuit by King Saul to numerous conflicts with foreign nations and internal rebellions. The phrase "day of battle" was not merely a metaphor but a literal and ever-present reality for him, reflecting a life constantly under threat. In ancient warfare, "covering the head" was crucial, as a helmet or shield provided essential protection for the most vital part of the body. This imagery resonates deeply with the cultural understanding of physical combat and the necessity of robust defense. The psalmist's reliance on God reflects the broader theological conviction in Israel that their true strength and ultimate defense lay not in their own military might or weaponry, but in the Lord God of Hosts, as articulated in passages like [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord") which states, "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God."
* **Key Themes:** The central theme underscored by [Psalm 140:7](/psalms/140-7 "Psalm 140:7 - God as the Strength of Salvation") is God's absolute control and active role as a shield and guardian. David's declaration that God "covered my head in the day of battle" vividly portrays God's personal, comprehensive, and immediate defense against all harm. This image speaks to the profound security found only in Him, emphasizing that God's protection is not passive but an active intervention in the midst of danger, a consistent theme throughout the book of Psalms, as seen in [Psalm 91](/psalms/91 "Psalm 91 - Abiding in the Shadow of the Almighty"). David identifies God as "the strength of my salvation," underscoring that deliverance and victory are not products of human might or strategy, but flow solely from divine power. This highlights a complete and radical reliance on God's saving grace and intervention, asserting that true rescue (yᵉshûwʻâh) originates from His inherent strength (`ʻôz`). This theological truth is foundational to the biblical understanding of salvation, which is always God-initiated and God-accomplished, a concept echoed in [Jonah 2:9](/jonah/2-9 "Jonah 2:9 - Salvation is of the LORD"). Despite the immediate and severe threats described in the psalm, David's address to God is one of confident affirmation. He does not merely plead for protection; he declares that God *has* already covered his head, reflecting a deep-seated faith in God's ever-present help, even before the battle is fully won. This echoes the sentiment found in other psalms, such as [Psalm 27:1](/psalms/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is my Light and Salvation"), "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **strength (Hebrew, _ʻôz'_):** H5797, signifying power, might, security, and even majesty. When applied to God as the "strength of my salvation," it means that His very essence is the source of deliverance, making salvation not just an act but a manifestation of His omnipotence. This is an inherent, unyielding divine power that guarantees rescue, a quality of God's character that is both majestic and actively engaged.
* **salvation (Hebrew, _yᵉshûwʻâh'_):** H3444, meaning deliverance, aid, victory, or welfare. It's a feminine passive participle, suggesting something that is saved or brought about by another. Here, it refers to the active deliverance provided by God. It encompasses not just rescue from immediate danger but also a broader sense of well-being, prosperity, and wholeness that comes from divine intervention, reflecting a comprehensive divine work.
* **covered (Hebrew, _çâkak'_):** H5526, a primitive root meaning to entwine as a screen, to fence in, cover over, or protect. This verb vividly portrays God's active, personal, and comprehensive defense. It implies a complete enveloping or shielding, like a protective barrier, signifying God's intimate and effective safeguarding. The image suggests a deliberate and thorough act of protection, as if God Himself is forming a defensive screen around the psalmist.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O GOD the Lord":** This dual address, combining YHWH (H3069, God's covenant name, often rendered "LORD" in all caps) and Adonai (H136, meaning "Lord" or "Master"), is a profound invocation. It appeals to God as both the personal, covenant-keeping God who is intimately involved with His people, and the supreme, sovereign ruler over all creation. This sets a tone of both intimacy and reverence, acknowledging His unparalleled authority and faithfulness, emphasizing that the one being addressed is both powerful and personally committed.
* **"the strength of my salvation":** This phrase identifies God as the very source and essence of deliverance. It's not merely that God *provides* salvation, but that He *is* the strength that brings it forth. The psalmist recognizes that his ability to be saved, to endure, and to triumph comes solely from God's inherent power and might, expressing absolute dependence. This declaration attributes all credit for past and future deliverance directly to God's omnipotence.
* **"thou hast covered my head":** This is a powerful image of direct, personal divine protection. "Covered" implies an active, protective shield, like a helmet or a hand. The "head" (H7218) is the most vulnerable and vital part of the body in battle. This signifies God's comprehensive and intimate safeguarding of the psalmist from mortal danger, implying a past act of deliverance or a confident assurance of future protection based on God's character and consistent faithfulness. It speaks to a personal, immediate intervention.
* **"in the day of battle":** This specifies the context of God's protection. It is not in times of peace or ease, but precisely when danger is most acute and conflict is raging. This emphasizes God's faithfulness and presence during the most terrifying and life-threatening moments, affirming His reliability as a defender in real-world adversity (H3117, H5402). It highlights that God's protection is most evident and crucial when human strength fails and threats are most severe.

#### Literary Devices
The psalmist employs several potent literary devices to convey his profound trust in God. **Metaphor** is central, particularly in "strength of my salvation," where God is not just strong *for* salvation, but is its very essence and power, the dynamic force that brings deliverance. The phrase "covered my head" functions as a vivid **metaphorical image** of a helmet or shield provided by God, evoking the tangible reality of ancient warfare and making God's protection concrete and immediate. While it could be seen as a form of **synecdoche** (part for the whole, the head representing the entire person), its primary force is the vivid imagery of divine defense. The direct address "O GOD the Lord" is an **apostrophe**, a direct and fervent appeal to God, emphasizing the personal and intimate nature of the psalmist's relationship with his divine protector. The psalm's structure, moving from lament to confident declaration, showcases **contrast** between human vulnerability and divine power, underscoring the transformative nature of faith and the psalmist's shift from pleading to praising.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 140:7 stands as a powerful declaration of God's active and personal involvement in the lives of His people, especially amidst trials. It underscores the biblical truth that true security and deliverance are found not in human strength, military prowess, or cunning strategies, but solely in the sovereign power and protective hand of the Almighty. This verse encapsulates a foundational theological principle: God is not a distant deity, but an ever-present refuge who actively shields His beloved from the onslaughts of evil, whether physical or spiritual. It speaks to His unwavering faithfulness and His character as the ultimate deliverer, reinforcing the idea that His strength is made perfect in our weakness, and that He is truly a fortress for those who trust in Him.

* [2 Samuel 22:3](/2_samuel/22-3 "2 Samuel 22:3 - God as My Rock and Shield")
* [Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The Lord is my Rock and my Fortress")
* [Proverbs 18:10](/proverbs/18-10 "Proverbs 18:10 - The Name of the Lord is a Strong Tower")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In the face of life's inevitable "battles"—whether they manifest as spiritual warfare, emotional turmoil, physical illness, relational conflict, or societal pressures—Psalms 140:7 offers profound comfort and a clear directive for the believer. It calls us to shift our gaze from the magnitude of our problems to the immensity of God's power. To declare, "O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle," is to actively remember and affirm God's past faithfulness and to confidently anticipate His future protection. This verse encourages us to cultivate a radical dependence on God, acknowledging that our true security lies not in our own abilities or resources, but in His unfailing might and providential care. It invites us to pray with a deep-seated assurance, knowing that the One who covers our head is infinitely capable and eternally faithful, providing a peace that transcends all understanding even in the midst of chaos.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "battles" are you currently facing, and how does the imagery of God "covering your head" speak to your specific situation?**
* **In what ways have you experienced God as "the strength of your salvation" in the past, and how can remembering those instances bolster your faith today?**
* **How might a deeper trust in God's protective power change your approach to fear and anxiety in daily life, allowing you to rest in His unfailing care?**

### FAQ
**Is "O GOD the Lord" a common way to address God in the Psalms?**

Answer: Yes, the phrase "O GOD the Lord" (Hebrew: _Adonai YHWH_ or _YHWH Adonai_) is a significant and recurring form of address in the Psalms and other Old Testament books. The combination of _YHWH_ (God's covenant name, often translated "LORD" in all caps in KJV) and _Adonai_ (meaning "Lord" or "Master") emphasizes both God's personal, covenantal relationship with His people and His supreme, sovereign authority over all creation. This dual address highlights His faithfulness as the God who keeps His promises, and His absolute power as the Master of the universe. It's a profound declaration of both intimacy and reverence, acknowledging His unparalleled position as the one true God who is both near and utterly transcendent. This form of address is particularly poignant in psalms of lament or petition, as it grounds the plea in God's character as both capable and caring, such as in [Psalm 71:5](/psalms/71-5 "Psalm 71:5 - God as my Hope and Trust"), where the psalmist declares, "For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth."

**What does "covered my head in the day of battle" mean practically for believers today?**

Answer: While the original context of "covered my head in the day of battle" refers to literal physical protection in warfare, its practical meaning for believers today extends to all forms of spiritual, emotional, and circumstantial conflict. It signifies God's comprehensive and personal protection from harm, whether from spiritual attacks (as described in [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces")), the schemes of human adversaries, the anxieties of life, or moments of deep distress. This imagery assures us that God acts as our ultimate shield and defense, safeguarding our minds, our peace, and our very being from the "blows" of life. It encourages us to trust that in every challenge, God is actively present, providing strength, wisdom, and deliverance, just as He promises to be our [refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength"). It means we can face adversity with courage, knowing that our ultimate security rests in His capable and loving hands, and that He will never leave us nor forsake us ([Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "Hebrews 13:5 - God Will Never Leave You")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 140:7, with its declaration of God as "the strength of my salvation" and the One who "covered my head in the day of battle," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's saving strength, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and provides deliverance not just from earthly foes but from sin and death itself ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Just as the psalmist looked to God for protection in physical battle, believers now look to Christ, who has triumphed over the spiritual forces of evil on the cross, disarming principalities and powers and making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He is our true "helmet of salvation" ([Ephesians 6:17](/ephesians/6-17 "Ephesians 6:17 - The Helmet of Salvation")), protecting our minds and thoughts from the enemy's assaults and securing our hope in His finished work. In Him, we are more than conquerors, for He has already fought and won the decisive battle against sin, death, and the devil ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors Through Christ")). Therefore, when we face the "day of battle" in our lives, we do so with the assurance that Christ, our resurrected Lord, has already covered us with His victorious righteousness and promises His abiding presence and ultimate deliverance, even to the end of the age ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - The Great Commission and Jesus' Presence")). He is our impenetrable shield and our eternal salvation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 62:7

In God [is] my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, [and] my refuge, [is] in God.

Psalms 89:26

He shall cry unto me, Thou [art] my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.

Psalms 18:1

¶ To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David, the servant of the LORD, who spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day [that] the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said, I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.

Psalms 18:2

The LORD [is] my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, [and] my high tower.

Psalms 62:2

He only [is] my rock and my salvation; [he is] my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.

Deuteronomy 33:27

The eternal God [is thy] refuge, and underneath [are] the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy [them].

Deuteronomy 33:29

Happy [art] thou, O Israel: who [is] like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who [is] the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places.