O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD! He is their help and shield. O house of AaronThe phrase "O house of Aaron" refers specifically to the priestly lineage of Israel, descending from Aaron, the brother of Moses. In the Hebrew context, the "house" signifies not just a physical dwelling but a lineage or family. Aaron's descendants were set apart for the priesthood, serving as mediators between God and the people. This call to the house of Aaron emphasizes their unique role and responsibility in leading worship and maintaining the spiritual health of the nation. Historically, the priests were central to the religious life of Israel, performing sacrifices and rituals that pointed to the holiness and majesty of God. This invocation serves as a reminder of their duty to trust in the Lord, reinforcing their dependence on God rather than their own rituals or status. trust in the LORD
The command to "trust in the LORD" is a central theme throughout the Psalms and the entire Bible. The Hebrew word for "trust" (בָּטַח, batach) conveys a sense of security and confidence, akin to leaning on something sturdy. This trust is not passive but an active reliance on God's character and promises. In the context of the house of Aaron, this trust is crucial, as their role required them to lead the people in faith and obedience. Trusting in the LORD implies acknowledging His sovereignty, faithfulness, and provision. It is a call to place confidence not in human strength or wisdom but in the divine nature and covenantal faithfulness of God. He is their help
The phrase "He is their help" underscores God's role as a protector and sustainer. The Hebrew word for "help" (עֵזֶר, ezer) is rich with meaning, often used to describe God as a source of strength and assistance. This term is famously used in Genesis to describe Eve as a "helper" to Adam, indicating a role of support and partnership. For the house of Aaron, God being their help signifies His active involvement in their lives and duties. It reassures them that in their priestly functions and personal lives, God is present to aid and uphold them. This divine help is not limited to physical needs but extends to spiritual guidance and empowerment. and shield
The word "shield" (מָגֵן, magen) is a powerful metaphor in the Hebrew Scriptures, symbolizing protection and defense. In ancient times, a shield was a crucial part of a warrior's armor, providing safety from enemy attacks. By describing God as a shield, the psalmist conveys the idea of God as a defender against spiritual and physical adversities. For the house of Aaron, this assurance of divine protection would have been particularly comforting, given their exposure to both external threats and the weighty responsibility of their spiritual duties. The imagery of God as a shield emphasizes His role as a refuge and fortress, offering security and peace to those who trust in Him. Persons / Places / Events 1. House of AaronRefers to the priestly lineage of Aaron, the brother of Moses, who was the first high priest of Israel. The house of Aaron had a special role in leading the people in worship and maintaining the spiritual life of the nation. 2. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His faithfulness to His promises. 3. Help and ShieldMetaphors used to describe God's protection and support. "Help" indicates God's active assistance, while "shield" suggests His protective power against adversaries. Teaching Points Trust in God's FaithfulnessThe call for the house of Aaron to trust in the LORD underscores the importance of relying on God's unchanging nature and promises. As believers, we are encouraged to place our trust in God, knowing He is faithful to His word. God as Our ProtectorThe imagery of God as a "shield" reminds us of His role as our protector. In times of spiritual warfare or personal trials, we can find refuge in His strength and protection. Role of Spiritual LeadersJust as the house of Aaron had a responsibility to lead the people in worship, spiritual leaders today are called to guide their communities in trusting and serving God. This includes modeling faith and reliance on God's help. Active Reliance on GodThe dual role of God as "help" and "shield" suggests an active relationship with Him. We are invited to seek His assistance in our daily lives and trust in His protection against spiritual and physical threats. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the role of the house of Aaron in the Old Testament inform our understanding of spiritual leadership today? 2. In what ways can we actively place our trust in God as our "help and shield" in our daily lives? 3. How does the concept of God as a "shield" provide comfort and assurance in times of trouble? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to encourage others in our community to trust in the LORD? 5. How does the priestly role of Aaron connect to the New Testament understanding of Jesus as our High Priest, and what implications does this have for our faith? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 28Describes the establishment of the priesthood through Aaron and his sons, highlighting their role in leading Israel in worship and service to God. Numbers 18Details the duties and privileges of the priests and Levites, emphasizing their reliance on God for provision and protection. Hebrews 4:14-16Connects the priestly role of Aaron to Jesus as our High Priest, who provides help and protection to believers. People Aaron, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Aaron, Breastplate, Confide, Faith, O, Shield, TrustDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 115:2-11 8023 faith, necessity Psalm 115:9-11 5292 defence, divine Library The Warning
"And when they had sung a hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered abroad. Howbeit, after I am raised up, I will go before you into Galilee. But Peter said unto Him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I. And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, that thou today, even this night, before the cock crow twice, shalt deny me thrice. But he spake exceeding …
G. A. Chadwick—The Gospel of St. MarkLetter xxxiv. To Marcella.
In reply to a request from Marcella for information concerning two phrases in Ps. cxxvii. ("bread of sorrow," v. 2, and "children of the shaken off," A.V. "of the youth," v. 4). Jerome, after lamenting that Origen's notes on the psalm are no longer extant, gives the following explanations: The Hebrew phrase "bread of sorrow" is rendered by the LXX. "bread of idols"; by Aquila, "bread of troubles"; by Symmachus, "bread of misery." Theodotion follows the LXX. So does Origen's Fifth Version. The Sixth …
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome Christian Graces.
FAITH. FAITH! Peter saith, faith, in the very trial of it, is much more precious than gold that perisheth. If so, what is the worth or value that is in the grace itself? Faith is so great an artist in arguing and reasoning with the soul, that it will bring over the hardest heart that it hath to deal with. It will bring to my remembrance at once, both my vileness against God, and his goodness towards me; it will show me, that though I deserve not to breathe in the air, yet God will have me an heir …
John Bunyan—The Riches of Bunyan Impiety of Attributing a visible Form to God. --The Setting up of Idols a Defection from the True God.
1. God is opposed to idols, that all may know he is the only fit witness to himself. He expressly forbids any attempt to represent him by a bodily shape. 2. Reasons for this prohibition from Moses, Isaiah, and Paul. The complaint of a heathen. It should put the worshipers of idols to shame. 3. Consideration of an objection taken from various passages in Moses. The Cherubim and Seraphim show that images are not fit to represent divine mysteries. The Cherubim belonged to the tutelage of the Law. 4. …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Stedfastness in the Old Paths.
"Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls."--Jer. vi. 16. Reverence for the old paths is a chief Christian duty. We look to the future indeed with hope; yet this need not stand in the way of our dwelling on the past days of the Church with affection and deference. This is the feeling of our own Church, as continually expressed in the Prayer Book;--not to slight what has gone before, …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII Messiah Derided Upon the Cross
All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head saying, He trusted on the LORD that he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him. F allen man, though alienated from the life of God, and degraded with respect to many of his propensities and pursuits, to a level with the beasts that perish, is not wholly destitute of kind and compassionate feelings towards his fellow-creatures. While self-interest does not interfere, and the bitter passions …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1 Triumph Over Death and the Grave
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin: and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. T he Christian soldier may with the greatest propriety, be said to war a good warfare (I Timothy 1:18) . He is engaged in a good cause. He fights under the eye of the Captain of his salvation. Though he be weak in himself, and though his enemies are many and mighty, he may do that which in other soldiers …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 Divine Support and Protection
[What shall we say then to these things?] If God be for us, who can be against us? T he passions of joy or grief, of admiration or gratitude, are moderate when we are able to find words which fully describe their emotions. When they rise very high, language is too faint to express them; and the person is either lost in silence, or feels something which, after his most laboured efforts, is too big for utterance. We may often observe the Apostle Paul under this difficulty, when attempting to excite …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2 The Last Supper
189. On Thursday Jesus and his disciples returned to Jerusalem for the last time. Knowing the temper of the leaders, and the danger of arrest at any time, Jesus was particularly eager to eat the Passover with his disciples (Luke xxii. 15), and he sent two of them--Luke names them as Peter and John--to prepare for the supper. In a way which would give no information to such a one as Judas, he directed them carefully how to find the house where a friend would provide them the upper room that was needed …
Rush Rhees—The Life of Jesus of Nazareth Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 115:10 NIVPsalm 115:10 NLTPsalm 115:10 ESVPsalm 115:10 NASBPsalm 115:10 KJV
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