Psalms 28:8

KJV

The LORD [is] their strength, and he [is] the saving strength of his anointed.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} is their strength {H5797}, and he is the saving {H3444} strength {H4581} of his anointed {H4899}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI is strength for [his people], a stronghold of salvation to his anointed.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD is the strength of His people, a stronghold of salvation for His anointed.

American Standard Version

Jehovah is their strength, And he is a stronghold of salvation to his anointed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 28:8 powerfully declares the Lord as the ultimate source of strength and salvation for His people, particularly emphasizing His protective power for His chosen leader, the king. This verse serves as a confident affirmation of God's unwavering faithfulness and active deliverance, transitioning from David's personal plea to a broader theological statement about God's character as the secure stronghold for all who trust in Him, especially His Anointed One.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 28 is a fervent prayer of David, moving from an urgent plea for deliverance from the wicked (verses 1-5) to a confident declaration of trust and praise (verses 6-9). Verse 8 marks a pivotal shift, serving as a theological anchor within the psalm. After expressing deep distress and a desire for God to act justly against his enemies, David, in verses 6-7, praises the Lord for hearing his supplication. Verse 8 then broadens this personal experience into a universal truth: God is not only *his* strength but the strength of *His people* and, specifically, the *saving strength of His anointed*. This declaration precedes a final intercession in verse 9 for God to save, bless, and shepherd His inheritance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by David, this psalm likely reflects a period of intense distress or danger, such as during Absalom's rebellion or Saul's relentless pursuit. In ancient Israel, the king (the "anointed one") was God's chosen representative, consecrated through anointing with oil, and was seen as the protector and leader of the nation. The king's strength and legitimacy were understood to derive directly from God, not from human might or military prowess. The concept of God as a "fortress" or "stronghold" (implied in "strength" and "saving strength") would have resonated deeply in a time of frequent warfare and vulnerability, where physical strongholds were essential for survival.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes found throughout the Psalms and the broader Old Testament. It underscores God's **divine sovereignty and omnipotence**, presenting Him as the ultimate source of all power and security. It highlights God's **covenant faithfulness** to Israel and, specifically, to the Davidic dynasty, promising protection and sustenance to His chosen king. The theme of **salvation and deliverance** is central, emphasizing God's active intervention to rescue His people from danger and oppression. Furthermore, the mention of "his anointed" introduces the profound theme of the **Messiah**, pointing beyond the immediate king to the ultimate Anointed One, Jesus Christ, through whom all true strength and salvation flow, a theme explored further in [Psalm 2](/psalms/2 "Psalm 2 - The Anointed King") and the broader prophetic literature. The contrast between the fate of the wicked and the blessedness of the righteous, a recurring motif in the Psalms, is also subtly present, reinforcing the idea that God's strength is for those who trust in Him, aligning with the declaration in [Psalm 46](/psalms/46 "Psalm 46 - God Our Refuge and Strength") that God is our refuge and strength.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strength (Hebrew, _'oz'_):** This word conveys more than mere physical power; it signifies might, power, and often implies a fortified place or refuge. In the context of God, it speaks of His invincible might, His ability to defend, protect, and sustain. It is an active, dynamic force that God exerts on behalf of His people.
* **Saving Strength (Hebrew, _ma'oz yeshu'ot'_):** This powerful phrase literally translates to "fortress of salvations" or "stronghold of deliverances." It is a compound noun where *ma'oz* (fortress, refuge, stronghold) is combined with *yeshu'ot* (plural of salvation, deliverances). This emphasizes God not just as a source of general power, but as an impenetrable, secure refuge who provides abundant, comprehensive, and repeated acts of salvation and deliverance from all forms of danger, spiritual and physical.
* **Anointed (Hebrew, _mashiaḥ'_):** From which we get "Messiah." This term refers to one consecrated by pouring oil upon them, typically a king (like David, Saul, Solomon) or a high priest. It signifies divine appointment and empowerment for a specific role. In the immediate context of Psalm 28, it refers to the reigning king of Israel. Prophetically, however, it points with profound significance to the ultimate "Anointed One," Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, through whom God's ultimate salvation is accomplished.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD [is] their strength":** This clause establishes God as the foundational source of power and security for "their," referring to God's people, the righteous, or those who place their trust in Him, as implied by the psalm's broader context. It is a declaration of divine sufficiency and protection for the community of faith.
* **"and he [is] the saving strength":** This phrase reiterates and intensifies the preceding declaration. It specifies the *nature* of God's strength: it is not merely power, but power actively applied for deliverance and salvation. The Hebrew "fortress of salvations" highlights God's role as a secure, impregnable refuge that consistently provides rescue from peril.
* **"of his anointed":** This particularizes God's saving strength, directing it specifically towards the king of Israel, God's chosen representative. It underscores God's special commitment to the leader He has appointed, through whom His people are also blessed and protected. This divine endorsement of the king also carries a prophetic weight, pointing to the ultimate "Anointed One."

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that amplify its meaning. **Parallelism** is evident, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second clause ("and he is the saving strength of his anointed") echoes and intensifies the first ("The LORD is their strength"). This repetition reinforces the central message, showing that God's strength is both for the people generally and specifically channeled through His divinely chosen leader. The terms "strength" and "saving strength" function as a powerful **metaphor**, portraying God as an impregnable **fortress** or **stronghold**. This metaphor conveys a sense of ultimate security, active defense, and an unyielding refuge against all adversaries. Furthermore, the shift from "their strength" to "his anointed" can be seen as a form of **specification**, narrowing the focus from the general community to its divinely appointed head, thereby emphasizing God's comprehensive care for His people through His chosen instruments.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 28:8 is a profound theological statement, affirming God's unwavering character as the ultimate source of power and salvation. It connects deeply to the theme of God's covenant faithfulness, particularly His commitment to the Davidic line. The verse bridges the immediate reality of David's kingship with the broader redemptive plan, foreshadowing the ultimate Anointed One. It teaches that true strength and security are found exclusively in the Lord, who actively intervenes to deliver His people and uphold His chosen leaders. This divine strength is not passive but a dynamic, saving power that ensures victory and preservation for those who trust in Him.

* [Psalm 20:6](/psalms/20-6 "Psalm 20:6 - God Saves His Anointed")
* [Isaiah 45:24](/isaiah/45-24 "Isaiah 45:24 - In the Lord Alone is Righteousness and Strength")
* [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ Through Him Who Strengthens Me")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Psalms 28:8 serves as a profound anchor in a world filled with uncertainties and challenges. It reminds us that our true and inexhaustible source of strength is not found in human capabilities, worldly resources, or fleeting circumstances, but in the immutable character of the Lord. When we face personal weaknesses, spiritual battles, or overwhelming anxieties, this verse calls us to shift our gaze from our limitations to God's limitless power. He is not merely a general source of power, but our "saving strength"—a divine stronghold specifically committed to our deliverance from sin, temptation, and the various trials of life. Recognizing Christ as the ultimate "Anointed One" deepens this truth, as all God's saving power is now channeled through Him. This verse encourages us to trust implicitly in God's sovereign power and His unfailing commitment to His people, finding our refuge and our might in Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you most need to rely on God's strength today?**
* **How does understanding God as your "saving strength" (a fortress of deliverances) change your perspective on your current challenges?**
* **How does recognizing Jesus Christ as the ultimate "Anointed One" deepen your trust in God's provision and protection for your life?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more consistently lean on the Lord as your strength, rather than your own abilities or external circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Who is "their" in "The LORD is their strength"?**

Answer: In the context of Psalm 28, "their" refers to God's people, the righteous, or those who trust in Him. David, the psalmist, contrasts his reliance on the Lord with the fate of the wicked (vv. 3-5). Therefore, "their" encompasses all who belong to God and place their faith in Him, for whom He acts as a protective and sustaining power.

**What is the significance of "his anointed" in this verse?**

Answer: "His anointed" (Hebrew: *mashiaḥ*, from which "Messiah" derives) primarily refers to the king of Israel, who was consecrated by God through anointing with oil (e.g., [1 Samuel 10:1](/1_samuel/10-1 "1 Samuel 10:1 - Saul Anointed King")). In David's time, this would refer to David himself. This term signifies divine appointment and empowerment for leadership. Prophetically, however, it points forward to the ultimate "Anointed One," Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who fulfills the Davidic covenant and through whom God's saving strength is perfectly manifested for all humanity.

**How does "saving strength" differ from general "strength"?**

Answer: While "strength" (עוֹז, *'oz*) denotes general might and power, "saving strength" (מָעוֹז יְשׁוּעוֹת, *ma'oz yeshu'ot*) is far more specific and active. It literally means "fortress of salvations" or "stronghold of deliverances." This phrase emphasizes God's active, repeated, and comprehensive intervention for rescue and preservation. It signifies that God's power is specifically directed towards delivering His people from danger, oppression, sin, and all forms of spiritual and physical harm, acting as an impenetrable refuge that provides abundant acts of salvation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 28:8 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the true and eternal "Anointed One." While the immediate context refers to the king of Israel, the prophetic trajectory of "his anointed" culminates in the Messiah. Jesus, as the Christ (Greek for "Anointed One"), embodies the fullness of God's strength and saving power. He is not merely a human king but the divine King, through whom God's ultimate deliverance from sin and death is achieved. In Christ, God's "saving strength" is fully realized; He is our impregnable [fortress of salvation](/hebrews/6-18 "Hebrews 6:18 - God's Unchangeable Purpose and Oath"), providing complete and eternal rescue. As believers, we find our strength in Him, for He declares, "[My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace is Sufficient")" ([2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Grace is Sufficient")). The salvation promised to God's people and His anointed king is perfectly fulfilled in Jesus, through whom "[there is salvation in no one else](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No One Else")" ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No One Else")). He is the one whom God has anointed "[with the oil of gladness more than your companions](/hebrews/1-9 "Hebrews 1:9 - Christ Anointed with the Oil of Gladness")" ([Hebrews 1:9](/hebrews/1-9 "Hebrews 1:9 - Christ Anointed with the Oil of Gladness")), establishing an eternal kingdom and securing everlasting strength and salvation for all who believe.

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 20:6

¶ Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.

Psalms 140:7

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

Isaiah 61:1

¶ The Spirit of the Lord GOD [is] upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to [them that are] bound;

1 Samuel 16:13

Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.

Psalms 2:2

The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, [saying],