◄ Psalm 140:7 ►
O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You shield my head in the day of battle.
Study Bible
O LORD, my Lord
The phrase begins with a direct address to God, using the covenant name "LORD" (YHWH) and the title "my Lord" (Adonai). This dual address emphasizes both the personal relationship and the sovereign authority of God. In Hebrew, "YHWH" is the sacred name revealed to Moses, signifying God's eternal, self-existent nature. "Adonai" reflects God's lordship and mastery over all creation. This combination underscores the psalmist's recognition of God's intimate involvement in his life and His supreme power.

the strength of my salvation
Here, the psalmist acknowledges God as the source of his deliverance and protection. The Hebrew word for "strength" (עֹז, 'oz) conveys might, power, and refuge. It suggests that God is not only the one who saves but also the one who empowers and fortifies the believer. "Salvation" (יְשׁוּעָה, yeshu'ah) in this context refers to deliverance from enemies and troubles, a recurring theme in the Psalms. This phrase reassures believers that their ultimate security and victory come from God alone.

You shield my head
The imagery of God as a shield is prevalent throughout the Psalms, symbolizing protection and defense. The Hebrew word for "shield" (מָגֵן, magen) implies a covering or defense against attacks. "My head" represents the most vulnerable and vital part of the body, indicating comprehensive protection. This metaphor highlights God's role as a defender against both physical and spiritual threats, providing safety and peace to those who trust in Him.

in the day of battle
The "day of battle" signifies times of conflict, struggle, and adversity. Historically, this could refer to literal battles faced by the Israelites, but it also applies to spiritual and personal battles faced by believers. The psalmist's confidence in God's protection during such times serves as an encouragement to trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, regardless of the challenges one faces. This assurance is a reminder that God is ever-present and active in the lives of His people, especially in times of need.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of this psalm, David was the second king of Israel, known for his deep relationship with God and his many psalms of praise, lament, and supplication.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal presence and faithfulness to His people. In this verse, He is acknowledged as the source of strength and protection.

3. Day of Battle
This phrase symbolizes times of conflict, struggle, or spiritual warfare. It reflects the challenges David faced, both physically and spiritually, during his life.
Teaching Points
God as Protector
Recognize that God is our ultimate protector in times of trouble. Just as David trusted God to cover his head in battle, we can trust Him to guard us in our spiritual and physical struggles.

Strength in Salvation
Understand that our strength comes from the salvation God provides. This salvation is not just a future hope but a present reality that empowers us to face life's battles.

Spiritual Warfare Awareness
Be aware of the spiritual battles we face daily. Equip yourself with God's Word and prayer, much like putting on the armor of God, to stand firm against the enemy.

Dependence on God
Cultivate a habit of dependence on God in every situation. Acknowledge Him as the source of your strength and seek His guidance and protection continually.

Praise and Thanksgiving
Follow David's example by incorporating praise and thanksgiving into your prayers, acknowledging God's past deliverance and trusting Him for future protection.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God as "the strength of my salvation" impact your daily life and decision-making?

2. In what ways can you relate the "day of battle" to your current life circumstances? How can you apply the concept of God covering your head in these situations?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's protection. How did that experience strengthen your faith?

4. How can the imagery of the "helmet of salvation" in Ephesians 6 enhance your understanding of Psalm 140:7?

5. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are spiritually prepared for the battles you face, drawing from both Psalm 140:7 and other related scriptures?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ephesians 6:10-17
This passage discusses the armor of God, which believers are encouraged to put on to stand firm against spiritual battles. The "helmet of salvation" parallels the protection mentioned in Psalm 140:7.

Psalm 18:2
This verse also speaks of God as a source of strength and protection, reinforcing the theme of divine refuge and deliverance.

2 Samuel 22:3
David refers to God as his shield and the horn of his salvation, echoing the protective imagery found in Psalm 140:7.
Sermons
God Preserves His ServantPsalm 140:1-13
Our Adversary and Our DefenseS. Conway Psalm 140:1-13
The Holy WarC. Short Psalm 140:1-13
David's Five-Stringed HarpPsalm 140:6-7
People
David, Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Armour, Battle, Cover, Covered, Deliverer, Fight, Hast, O, Salvation, Screened, Shields, Sovereign, Strength, Strong
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Psalm 140:7

     5527   shield

Library
Question Lxxxiii of Prayer
I. Is Prayer an Act of the Appetitive Powers? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer based on Friendship II. Is it Fitting to Pray? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer as a True Cause S. Augustine, On the Sermon on the Mount, II. iii. 14 " On the Gift of Perseverance, vii. 15 III. Is Prayer an Act of the Virtue of Religion? Cardinal Cajetan, On the Humility of Prayer S. Augustine, On Psalm cii. 10 " Of the Gift of Perseverance, xvi. 39 IV. Ought We to Pray to God Alone? S. Augustine, Sermon, cxxvii. 2 V. …
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life

Letter xxvi. (Circa A. D. 1127) to the Same
To the Same He excuses the brevity of his letter on the ground that Lent is a time of silence; and also that on account of his profession and his ignorance he does not dare to assume the function of teaching. 1. You will, perhaps, be angry, or, to speak more gently, will wonder that in place of a longer letter which you had hoped for from me you receive this brief note. But remember what says the wise man, that there is a time for all things under the heaven; both a time to speak and a time to keep …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Epistle xviii. To John, Bishop.
To John, Bishop. Gregory to John, Bishop of Constantinople [1586] . At the time when your Fraternity was advanced to Sacerdotal dignity, you remember what peace and concord of the churches you found. But, with what daring or with what swelling of pride I know not, you have attempted to seize upon a new name, whereby the hearts of all your brethren might have come to take offence. I wonder exceedingly at this, since I remember how thou wouldest fain have fled from the episcopal office rather than …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

How the Silent and the Talkative are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 15.) Differently to be admonished are the over-silent, and those who spend time in much speaking. For it ought to be insinuated to the over-silent that while they shun some vices unadvisedly, they are, without its being perceived, implicated in worse. For often from bridling the tongue overmuch they suffer from more grievous loquacity in the heart; so that thoughts seethe the more in the mind from being straitened by the violent guard of indiscreet silence. And for the most part they …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

A Discourse of Mercifulness
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7 These verses, like the stairs of Solomon's temple, cause our ascent to the holy of holies. We are now mounting up a step higher. Blessed are the merciful . . '. There was never more need to preach of mercifulness than in these unmerciful times wherein we live. It is reported in the life of Chrysostom that he preached much on this subject of mercifulness, and for his much pressing Christians to mercy, he was called of many, the alms-preacher, …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Covenanting a Privilege of Believers.
Whatever attainment is made by any as distinguished from the wicked, or whatever gracious benefit is enjoyed, is a spiritual privilege. Adoption into the family of God is of this character. "He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power (margin, or, the right; or, privilege) to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."[617] And every co-ordinate benefit is essentially so likewise. The evidence besides, that Covenanting …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

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 140:7 NIV
Psalm 140:7 NLT
Psalm 140:7 ESV
Psalm 140:7 NASB
Psalm 140:7 KJV

Psalm 140:7 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Psalm 140:6
Top of Page
Top of Page