Psalms 115:11

Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he [is] their help and their shield.

Ye that fear {H3373} the LORD {H3068}, trust {H982} in the LORD {H3068}: he is their help {H5828} and their shield {H4043}.

You who fear ADONAI, trust in ADONAI! He is their help and shield.

You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and shield.

Ye that fear Jehovah, trust in Jehovah: He is their help and their shield.

Commentary

Psalm 115:11 is a powerful exhortation to those who revere God, urging them to place their complete reliance on Him, for He is their unfailing source of aid and protection. This verse serves as a comforting assurance and a clear command, drawing a stark contrast with the futility of trusting in anything other than the living God.

Context

This verse is part of Psalm 115, a song of praise and trust that belongs to the collection known as the Egyptian Hallel (Psalms 113-118), traditionally sung during significant Jewish festivals like Passover. The psalm opens by declaring God's glory over idols, which are depicted as lifeless and powerless (verses 4-8). It then calls specific groups—Israel (verse 9) and the house of Aaron (verse 10)—to trust in the Lord. Verse 11 broadens this appeal to "Ye that fear the LORD," encompassing all who have a genuine reverence for God, including proselytes, emphasizing that God's faithfulness extends to all who worship Him.

Key Themes

  • The Fear of the Lord: This is not a terror-filled dread, but a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God's holiness, power, and justice. It is the foundation of true wisdom and obedience, as highlighted in Proverbs 9:10. Those who truly fear the Lord acknowledge His supremacy and worthiness of trust.
  • Trust in the Lord: The command to "trust in the LORD" is central. It implies an active, confident reliance and dependence on God's character, promises, and provision. This trust is a response to the understanding of who God is, especially in contrast to the impotence of false gods.
  • God as Help (Helper): The Hebrew word for "help" (ezram) signifies divine assistance, succor, and aid. It emphasizes God's active intervention and provision in the lives of His people, supplying their needs and strengthening them in weakness.
  • God as Shield (Protector): The term "shield" (maginnam) denotes divine protection and defense against all forms of harm, both physical and spiritual. It assures believers that God is their ultimate refuge and safeguard, echoing similar themes found in Psalm 3:3 and Psalm 18:2.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "fear the LORD" translates the Hebrew yire'u YHWH, pointing to a reverential awe that leads to worship and obedience. The verb "trust" (bitchu) conveys a sense of confident reliance and security. The words for "help" (ezram) and "shield" (maginnam) are strong, vivid images of God's practical and defensive involvement. These terms underline the active, personal nature of God's relationship with those who honor Him, distinguishing Him sharply from the passive idols described earlier in the psalm.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalm 115:11 remains a timeless call to faith. In a world filled with uncertainties and temptations to rely on human strength or fleeting resources, this verse directs our gaze back to God. It encourages us to cultivate a deep reverence for Him, which naturally leads to a confident trust in His unfailing character. When facing challenges, anxieties, or spiritual attacks, we are reminded that our heavenly Father is not only willing but also able to be our constant help and impenetrable shield. Our active trust in Him unlocks His divine provision and protection, reinforcing the truth that our soul waits for the LORD, who is our help and our shield.

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Cross-References

  • Proverbs 14:26 (6 votes)

    ¶ In the fear of the LORD [is] strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

  • Proverbs 30:5 (5 votes)

    Every word of God [is] pure: he [is] a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

  • Acts 10:35 (5 votes)

    But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

  • Psalms 22:23 (4 votes)

    Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel.

  • Psalms 103:11 (4 votes)

    For as the heaven is high above the earth, [so] great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

  • Psalms 147:11 (4 votes)

    The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.

  • Psalms 33:18 (4 votes)

    Behold, the eye of the LORD [is] upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;