God Our Protector

4-22-2020

“His truth shall be your shield and buckler.”  Psalm 91:4bNKJV

This is an unprecedented time we are living in.  A pandemic has been declared because of the ongoing crisis with the Coronavirus.  That being the case, so many people are fearful and even in a panic. As children of the Most High God (Elyon), we should not be fearful.  Psalm 91 is a powerful and yet comforting passage of scripture for such a time as this.  

In verse 4 we have the promise that His truthfulness and faithfulness will be our shield and buckler.  God’s truthfulness implies that whatever He says is true, so you can depend on it. Faithfulness implies that He can be counted on.  What exactly does it mean to count on someone? Counting on someone means they will come through when you need them, and they will be there for you.  In other words, their word is a sure thing. What a powerful promise we have that God Most High (Elyon) says “you can count on Me”. In essence, it is His promise to be there for us.  Therefore, the one who makes Elyon their place of refuge (shelter and dwelling place) is protected from any and every storm and condition that life may bring.

Another powerful revelation from verse 4 is that God’s truthfulness and faithfulness (His word/promises) are a shield and buckler.  In this instance, shield (tsinnah) in Hebrew is a large shield that covers the whole body. During that time in history when an army went to war, it involved hand-to-hand combat.  As a soldier advanced against his enemy, he would carry a large shield in front of him like a door. The shield covered his entire body from head-to-toe protecting him from any arrows the enemy may shoot at him.  The other term, buckler (socherah), is something surrounding the person. So, putting this all together we see that the Psalmist is declaring that God’s word, His truthfulness and faithfulness, will cover and surround the entire body of the one who makes Elyon their refuge and fortress (defense).  Take a moment and allow this truth to sink in. This same Psalm declares that no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling because He will give His angels charge over you to keep you in all your ways (Psalm 91:10-11). There is, therefore, nothing and no-thing we are to fear, children of the Most High God.  The Lord stands between His people and trouble (see Exodus 14:19-20).

Remain in the refuge of Elyon.  He is our shelter and the only sure stronghold. He can be trusted.

Further Reading: Exodus 14:10-31