Psalms 5:12

For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as [with] a shield.

For thou, LORD {H3068}, wilt bless {H1288} the righteous {H6662}; with favour {H7522} wilt thou compass {H5849} him as with a shield {H6793}.

For you, ADONAI, bless the righteous; you surround them with favor like a shield.

For surely You, O LORD, bless the righteous; You surround them with the shield of Your favor.

For thou wilt bless the righteous; O Jehovah, thou wilt compass him with favor as with a shield.

Commentary

Psalms 5:12 offers a profound declaration of God's steadfast character and His benevolent disposition towards those who walk in His ways. It is a powerful affirmation of divine blessing and protection.

Context

Psalm 5 is a morning prayer of King David, likely composed during a time of great distress and opposition from his enemies. Throughout the psalm, David expresses his earnest plea for God's attention and intervention, contrasting his own reliance on God with the wickedness of his adversaries. This particular verse, Psalms 5:12, serves as a triumphant conclusion to David's petition, expressing his unwavering confidence in God's justice and faithfulness to His people. It follows verses that describe the ultimate fate of the wicked, highlighting God's abhorrence for evil doers.

Key Themes

  • Divine Blessing: The verse unequivocally states that the LORD will bless the righteous. This blessing is not merely prosperity, but encompasses spiritual well-being, peace, and God's active favor upon their lives.
  • God's Unfailing Favor: The phrase "with favour wilt thou compass him" speaks to God's active goodwill and benevolent disposition towards His faithful followers. This favor is a tangible reality, surrounding the righteous like a protective aura.
  • Comprehensive Protection: The imagery of being "compassed... as with a shield" vividly portrays God's all-encompassing protection. Just as a large shield (Hebrew: tsinnah) would guard a warrior from head to toe, God's favor acts as an impenetrable defense against all forms of harm and opposition. This echoes other scriptures where God is described as a defender, such as Psalm 3:3.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Favour" (Hebrew: ืจึธืฆื•ึนืŸ, ratson): This word denotes divine goodwill, delight, acceptance, and pleasure. It signifies God's deep satisfaction and benevolent disposition towards those who align with His will. It's more than just a feeling; it's an active, positive disposition that results in blessing.
  • "Compass" (Hebrew: ืขึธื˜ึทืจ, atar): This verb means to crown, surround, or encompass. It suggests that God's favor completely envelops the righteous, providing a protective and glorious covering.
  • "Shield" (Hebrew: ืฆึดื ึผึธื”, tsinnah): Unlike a smaller buckler, the tsinnah was a large, full-body shield. Its use here emphasizes the completeness and thoroughness of God's defensive care.

Practical Application

Psalms 5:12 offers immense encouragement and assurance to believers today. It reminds us that:

  • Righteous Living is Rewarded: While not a guarantee against all suffering, living righteously positions us to receive God's unique blessings and favor. It encourages us to pursue a life that pleases Him.
  • God's Presence is Our Protection: Even in a world filled with challenges and adversaries, those who trust in the LORD are not left defenseless. God's favor surrounds them, acting as an invisible yet powerful shield against spiritual attacks, discouragement, and harm.
  • Confidence in Adversity: Like David, believers can face their difficulties with confidence, knowing that God is actively working on their behalf. His favor is a constant, encompassing presence that guards and guides us, fulfilling His promise to work all things for good for those who love Him.

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering commitment to His people, providing both comfort and a call to continue walking in His righteous path.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 84:11

    For the LORD God [is] a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good [thing] will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

  • Psalms 32:10

    Many sorrows [shall be] to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.

  • Psalms 115:13

    He will bless them that fear the LORD, [both] small and great.

  • Psalms 1:1

    ยถ Blessed [is] the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

  • Psalms 1:3

    And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

  • Psalms 112:1

    ยถ Praise ye the LORD. Blessed [is] the man [that] feareth the LORD, [that] delighteth greatly in his commandments.

  • Psalms 32:7

    ยถ Thou [art] my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.
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