Interpretation of Psalm 28:7 in the Bible
Psalm 28:7 reads, "Jehovah is my strength and my shield; My heart hath trusted in him, and I am helped: Therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; And with my song will I praise him" [1]. This verse is part of a psalm that moves from a plea for deliverance to an expression of thanksgiving.
Literary Context
The psalmist's cry for help in Psalm 28 is followed by a declaration of confidence in God's deliverance. The surrounding verses describe a situation of distress, with the psalmist praying to be saved from the wicked (Psalm 28:3-5). The shift to thanksgiving in verse 6 indicates that the psalmist has received assurance of God's response to their prayer. The repetition of "heart" in verse 7 emphasizes the sincerity of the psalmist's trust [5].
Historical Setting
The historical context of Psalm 28 is not explicitly stated, but its themes of distress and deliverance are common in the Psalms. The psalm's language and structure suggest a setting in ancient Israel, where the psalmist is facing threats from enemies and seeking God's protection [6].
Key Terms
The terms "strength" and "shield" are significant in Psalm 28:7. "Strength" (Hebrew: עֹז, 'oz) refers to God's power to protect and deliver, while "shield" (Hebrew: מָגֵן, magen) is a metaphor for God's defensive care. The psalmist's trust in God is rooted in these attributes [6].
Major Exegetical Decisions
One key interpretive decision in Psalm 28:7 concerns the timing of the psalmist's confidence. Some interpreters believe that the psalmist wrote the entire psalm at one time, with the second half (verses 6-9) reflecting a sudden assurance of God's response. Others suggest that the second half was added later, as a reflection on the psalmist's experience of deliverance [7].
Range of Interpretations
Commentators have offered various interpretations of Psalm 28:7. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown emphasize the sincerity of the psalmist's trust, noting that the repetition of "heart" underscores their genuine faith [5]. The Tyndale House commentary highlights the protective role of God as "strength and shield" [6]. Keil & Delitzsch discuss the possibility that the second half of the psalm was added later, as a record of the psalmist's experience [7].
Function in Tradition
Psalm 28:7 has been used in various ways throughout Christian tradition. Its themes of trust and deliverance have made it a valuable resource for believers facing adversity. The psalm's language and imagery have also influenced later biblical writers, with similar phrases and metaphors appearing in other passages (e.g., Deuteronomy 28:7, 25) [3, 4].
The use of "shield" as a metaphor for God's protection is also seen in other biblical contexts, such as Genesis 15:1, where God tells Abram, "Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield" [2]. This imagery underscores God's role as a defender and protector of his people.
Sources
- Psalms “Psalms 28:7 (ASV) — Jehovah is my strength and my shield; My heart hath trusted in him, and I am helped: Therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; And with my song will I praise him.”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Psalms 8:7 cross-references: Genesis 1:26, Genesis 1:28, Genesis 2:20”
- Deuteronomy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Deuteronomy 28:7: 28:7 In the Bible, the number seven generally conveys fullness or completion. Here, the number indicates that Israel’s enemies would be completely removed from the land (see study note on Deut 2:34).”
- Deuteronomy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Deuteronomy 28:25: 28:25 This verse reverses the blessing of 28:7; Israel would be forced to scatter from their enemies in seven directions—i.e., completely and totally.”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 28:7: The repetition of "heart" denotes his sincerity.”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 28:7: 28:7 my strength and shield: The Lord protects the psalmist (see 59:9, 17).”
- Psalms (Lutheran) “Keil & Delitzsch on Psalms 28:6: The first half of the Psalm prayed for deliverance and for judgment; this second half gives thanks for both. If the poet wrote the Psalm at one sitting then at this point the certainty of being answered dawns upon him. But it is even possible that he added this second part later on, as a memorial of the answer he experienced to his prayer (Hitzig, Ewald). It sounds, at all events, like the record of something that has actually taken place. Jahve is his defence and shield. The conjoined perfects in Psa 28:7 denote that which is closely united in actual realisati”