Bible Strands
Psalms 115:9
O Israel, trust in the LORD! He is their help and shield.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The psalmist addresses the nation of Israel, commanding them to place their confidence in the LORD. This instruction is positioned within a warning against idolatry, immediately preceding a parallel summons to the house of Aaron.
The words — The Hebrew imperative בְּטַח (be.Tach) means "trust," directed toward בַּ/יהוָ֑ה (ba./Yah.weh), "in Yahweh." The declaration הֽוּא (Hu') identifies Him as עֶזְרָ֖ם ('ez.Ra/m), "their help," and וּ/מָגִנָּם (u./ma.gi.Na/m), "and their shield."
The thread — The exhortation to trust Yahweh runs parallel to Psalms 62:8 and Psalms 37:3, while the description of God as a protective shield for those who rely on Him matches Proverbs 30:5.
Why it lands — The text requires a direct transfer of reliance from false gods to the living God. It demands the reader acknowledge Yahweh as the only provider of aid and protection.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
O Israel, trust thou in the Lord: he is their help and their shield.
Cross-references
- Psalms 62:8 Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge. Selah
- Psalms 37:3 Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
- Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.
- Psalms 118:2 Let Israel say, “His loving devotion endures forever.”
- Psalms 135:19 O house of Israel, bless the LORD; O house of Aaron, bless the LORD;
- Deuteronomy 33:29 Blessed are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD? He is the shield that protects you, the sword in which you boast. Your enemies will cower before you, and you shall trample their high places.”
- Psalms 33:20 Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield.
- Psalms 146:5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God,
- Exodus 19:5 Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine.
- Psalms 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and a shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; He withholds no good thing from those who walk with integrity.