Psalms 28:7

KJV

The LORD [is] my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} is my strength {H5797} and my shield {H4043}; my heart {H3820} trusted {H982} in him, and I am helped {H5826}: therefore my heart {H3820} greatly rejoiceth {H5937}; and with my song {H7892} will I praise {H3034} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI is my strength and shield; in him my heart trusted, and I have been helped. Therefore my heart is filled with joy, and I will sing praises to him.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart rejoices, and I give thanks to Him with my song.

American Standard Version

Jehovah is my strength and my shield; My heart hath trusted in him, and I am helped: Therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; And with my song will I praise him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 28:7 stands as a powerful declaration of King David's profound trust in the LORD, celebrating divine intervention and the transformative power of faith. It encapsulates a spiritual journey from absolute dependence on God as his source of strength and protection, through the experience of His tangible help, culminating in an outpouring of exuberant joy and heartfelt praise expressed through song. This verse beautifully illustrates the secure confidence that blossoms into worship when God proves faithful to His trusting servant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The preceding verses of [Psalm 28](/psalms/28 "Psalm 28 - A Prayer for Deliverance and Praise") establish a desperate plea from David to the LORD, crying out for deliverance from wicked adversaries and expressing a fervent desire for divine justice against those who act treacherously ([Psalms 28:1-5](/psalms/28-1 "Psalm 28:1-5 - David's Plea for Justice")). This lament is marked by a deep sense of vulnerability and a fear of being "drawn away with the workers of iniquity." [Verse 6](/psalms/28-6 "Psalm 28:6 - The LORD Has Heard") then marks a dramatic shift, a pivotal turning point where David's tone transforms from urgent supplication to confident affirmation, declaring that the LORD has indeed heard his voice and his pleas. Consequently, [verse 7](/psalms/28-7 "Psalm 28:7 - The LORD is My Strength and Shield") emerges as the natural and powerful overflow of this answered prayer, serving as a testimony of God's faithfulness and a spontaneous eruption of praise. It perfectly encapsulates a recurring spiritual progression within the Psalter: from distress and earnest prayer to confident trust, and finally, to exuberant thanksgiving and worship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** As a king and warrior, David's life was frequently marked by intense conflict and betrayal, necessitating constant reliance on divine protection. The metaphors of "strength" (עֹז, *'oz*) and "shield" (מָגֵן, *magen*) are deeply embedded in the ancient Near Eastern context of warfare and defense, where physical might and protective armaments were crucial for survival. While earthly kings relied on armies, fortifications, and human alliances, David consistently declares his ultimate security and power to reside solely in the LORD. His expression of joy through "song" also reflects the integral role of music and communal worship in Israelite spiritual life, where personal deliverance often inspired public testimony and liturgical praise. This cultural backdrop highlights the radical nature of David's trust, placing God above all conventional means of security.

* **Key Themes:**
* **God as Protector and Provider:** The declaration "The LORD is my strength and my shield" powerfully articulates God's active and comprehensive role in empowering and safeguarding His people. He is depicted not as a distant deity, but as an ever-present, dynamic source of inherent might against all adversity and an impenetrable defensive bulwark against harm. This theme resonates throughout the Psalms, where God is frequently portrayed as a refuge and fortress, as seen in [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God is Our Refuge and Strength").
* **The Power of Trust:** The phrase "my heart trusted in him, and I am helped" establishes a direct and profound correlation between sincere faith, or trust (בָּטַח, *batach*), and the tangible experience of divine assistance. It underscores the biblical principle that genuine reliance on God's character and His unfailing promises invariably leads to concrete help and deliverance. This concept is foundational to biblical faith, echoing the wisdom found in [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with All Your Heart") regarding trusting in the LORD with all one's heart.
* **The Fruit of Deliverance: Joy and Praise:** The natural and inevitable outcome of experiencing God's faithfulness and receiving His help is a profound, overflowing joy and an irrepressible desire to worship. David's response transcends mere relief, moving into exuberant celebration expressed through "song." This transformation from distress to delight, from lament to praise, is a hallmark theme throughout the Psalter, vividly illustrated in passages like [Psalm 30:11-12](/psalms/30-11 "Psalm 30:11-12 - Turning Mourning into Dancing and Praise").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strength (Hebrew, עֹז, _'oz'_):** This term signifies not merely physical power but also might, a stronghold, a fortress, and robust capability. When applied to God, it emphasizes His comprehensive, inherent ability to empower, protect, and sustain His people against any opposition. It speaks to His unassailable might.
* **Shield (Hebrew, מָגֵן, _magen'_):** Referring to a defensive weapon, this word symbolizes complete protection from danger, harm, or attack. It evokes the image of God as a personal, impenetrable bulwark, absorbing the blows of adversaries and ensuring the safety of those who trust in Him.
* **Trusted (Hebrew, בָּטַח, _batach'_):** This verb implies a deep, abiding reliance, security, and confidence in someone or something. It signifies leaning fully upon God, casting one's cares upon Him, and resting in His faithfulness. It's an active, intentional act of faith that leads to security.
* **Rejoiceth (Hebrew, עָלַץ, _'alats'_):** A strong verb meaning to exult, to be jubilant, or to triumph. It indicates a profound, expressive, and often outward manifestation of joy, often in response to deliverance or victory. It suggests a leaping, exuberant delight that cannot be contained.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD [is] my strength and my shield":** This opening clause establishes the foundational identity of God in the psalmist's life. "Strength" (עֹז) speaks to God's empowering presence, enabling David to face challenges beyond his own capacity. "Shield" (מָגֵן) highlights God's protective nature, a defensive bulwark against all forms of harm, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. The "is" (implied in Hebrew) emphasizes a present, active, and continuous reality—God is perpetually his source of power and defense.
* **"my heart trusted in him, and I am helped":** This phrase articulates the direct causal link between faith and experience. David's "heart" (לֵב, *lev*), representing his innermost being, intellect, and will, fully "trusted" (בָּטַח) in the LORD. This deep, unwavering reliance was not in vain; it resulted in tangible divine assistance, "I am helped" (וְנֹוֹשַׁעְתִּי, *v'nosha'ti*). The passive voice "I am helped" underscores that the help originates from an external, divine source, highlighting God's active intervention in response to trust.
* **"therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth":** The conjunction "therefore" (לָכֵן, *lakhen*) signals the inevitable consequence of God's help. David's "heart" (לֵב) again becomes the seat of his emotional response, now overflowing with profound joy. The verb "greatly rejoiceth" (עָלַץ, *'alats*) denotes an exultant, triumphant, and irrepressible delight, a spontaneous eruption of gladness that fills his entire being.
* **"and with my song will I praise him":** This final clause expresses the outward manifestation of David's inward joy and gratitude. His "song" is not merely a poetic expression but a concrete act of worship and testimony. It signifies a public, audible declaration of God's goodness and faithfulness, transforming his personal experience of deliverance into an act of communal or individual praise that honors the LORD. The future tense "will I praise him" indicates a sustained commitment to worship.

#### Literary Devices
[Psalm 28:7](/psalms/28-7 "Psalm 28:7 - The LORD is My Strength and Shield") employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent are **Metaphor** and **Personification**, woven into a clear **Cause and Effect** structure. The declaration "The LORD is my strength and my shield" uses vivid **Metaphor** to portray God not abstractly, but as a tangible, active force in David's life. "Strength" (עֹז) represents God as an empowering, enabling force, while "shield" (מָגֵן) depicts Him as a protective bulwark against all harm. These images, drawn from the realm of warfare and physical prowess, make God's role immediate and relatable. **Personification** is evident in the repeated phrase "my heart trusted in him" and "my heart greatly rejoiceth." The heart, the seat of emotion and will, is given the human capacities of trusting and exulting, emphasizing the deeply personal and internal nature of David's faith and subsequent joy. Finally, the verse is structured with a clear **Cause and Effect** progression: David's trust in God (cause) leads to him being helped (effect), and this help (cause) then leads to his heart greatly rejoicing and him praising God with song (effect). This logical flow underscores the direct, observable consequences of a life lived in faith and dependence on the LORD.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Psalms 28:7](/psalms/28-7 "Psalm 28:7 - The LORD is My Strength and Shield") offers profound theological insights into the nature of God and the appropriate human response to His faithfulness. It portrays the LORD as the ultimate source of all power and protection, not merely a distant deity but an intimately involved Helper who actively intervenes in the lives of His trusting people. The verse underscores the vital connection between faith and experience: genuine trust (בָּטַח, *batach*) in God is met with tangible divine assistance, which in turn elicits an overflowing, irrepressible joy and an earnest desire to worship. This progression reveals that true spiritual flourishing is found in absolute dependence on God, leading to a life characterized by gratitude and praise. It affirms God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and their call to respond with heartfelt adoration.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with All Your Heart")
* [Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The LORD is My Rock and Fortress")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious, But Pray")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Psalms 28:7](/psalms/28-7 "Psalm 28:7 - The LORD is My Strength and Shield") offers timeless encouragement and a powerful blueprint for the believer's walk today. In a world often characterized by uncertainty, fear, and self-reliance, this verse calls us to deliberately shift our dependence from finite human strength or external circumstances to the infinite power and unwavering faithfulness of God. It reminds us that our ultimate security and capability reside not within ourselves, but in the LORD, who is our ever-present "strength and shield." When we, like David, choose to place our wholehearted trust in Him, we can anticipate His tangible help and intervention in our lives. This experience of divine assistance should then naturally culminate in an overflow of profound joy and an irrepressible desire to offer Him heartfelt praise. Our worship, expressed through "song" or any form of grateful testimony, becomes a powerful declaration of His goodness, not just for our own spiritual well-being but also as a witness to a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you most challenged to trust God as your ultimate "strength and shield"?**
* **Reflect on a time when you experienced God's tangible help in response to your trust. How did that experience lead to joy and praise in your heart?**
* **How can you cultivate a more consistent practice of expressing praise and thanksgiving, even before you see the full answer to your prayers?**

### FAQ
**Is the "strength and shield" imagery in this psalm only relevant for physical battles or threats?**

Answer: No, while the imagery of "strength" and "shield" certainly resonates with David's experiences as a warrior and king facing physical adversaries, its application extends far beyond literal battles. In a broader spiritual and metaphorical sense, God serves as our strength in times of emotional weakness, mental fatigue, spiritual attack, and moral temptation. He is our shield against anxiety, despair, the accusations of the enemy, and the destructive forces of sin. The principles of divine empowerment and protection are universally applicable to every believer, providing resilience and security in all aspects of life's challenges, whether they are physical, emotional, or spiritual. [Ephesians 6:10-17](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10-17 - The Whole Armor of God") speaks to this broader spiritual warfare and God's provision.

**How can I cultivate the kind of trust and joy expressed by David in this verse?**

Answer: Cultivating such trust and joy is a process rooted in consistent spiritual disciplines and a deepening relationship with God. First, actively "trusting" (בָּטַח, *batach*) involves intentionally choosing to rely on God's character and promises, even when circumstances seem bleak. This is fostered through diligent engagement with God's Word, which reveals His faithfulness and power ([Romans 10:17](/romans/10-17 "Romans 10:17 - Faith Comes by Hearing")). Second, remember and recount past instances of God's help in your life; this builds confidence for future challenges. Finally, practicing gratitude and praise, even in anticipation of deliverance, shifts your focus from problems to God's sovereignty. Just as David's "heart greatly rejoiceth" *because* he was helped, our joy grows as we acknowledge God's active involvement and respond with worship, making praise a habit that precedes and accompanies deliverance ([Psalm 34:1](/psalms/34-1 "Psalm 34:1 - I Will Bless the LORD at All Times")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Psalms 28:7](/psalms/28-7 "Psalm 28:7 - The LORD is My Strength and Shield"), while a personal testimony of David, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David's declaration of the LORD as his "strength and shield" points forward to Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's power and protection for His people. He is the divine strength that enables us to overcome sin and death ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ")), and the ultimate shield against the accusations of the enemy and the wrath of God, through His atoning sacrifice on the cross ([Romans 8:31-34](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31-34 - God is For Us")). David's "heart trusted in him, and I am helped" is perfectly realized in the New Covenant, where our trust is placed in Jesus for salvation and daily sustenance. It is through faith in Him that we receive the ultimate "help"—redemption, reconciliation with God, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith")). Consequently, the "great rejoicing" and "song of praise" that flow from David's experience are magnified in the believer's response to Christ's finished work. Our joy is a spiritual joy, rooted in the certainty of our salvation, and our praise is directed to God the Father through the Son, who has accomplished everything necessary for our eternal deliverance and daily victory ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Through Jesus, Let Us Offer Praise")). Thus, David's ancient song becomes a prophetic echo of the greater song of redemption sung by all who find their strength, shield, help, and joy in Christ.

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 30:11

Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;

Psalms 30:12

To the end that [my] glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

Psalms 56:3

What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

Psalms 56:4

In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.

Isaiah 61:10

¶ I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh [himself] with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth [herself] with her jewels.

Ephesians 6:10

¶ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Psalms 40:3

And he hath put a new song in my mouth, [even] praise unto our God: many shall see [it], and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.