The LORD is the strength of His people
This phrase emphasizes God's role as the source of power and support for His followers. In the context of ancient Israel, the people often faced external threats from surrounding nations, and their reliance on God for military and spiritual strength was crucial. This concept is echoed in other scriptures, such as Psalm 18:2, where God is described as a rock and fortress. The idea of God as strength is also seen in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to be strong in the Lord (Ephesians 6:10). This strength is not merely physical but encompasses spiritual resilience and moral fortitude.

a stronghold of salvation
The term "stronghold" refers to a fortified place of refuge and safety. In ancient times, strongholds were essential for protection against enemies. Spiritually, this indicates that God provides ultimate security and deliverance from sin and spiritual adversaries. The concept of salvation here is both immediate, in terms of deliverance from present troubles, and eschatological, pointing to eternal salvation. This dual aspect of salvation is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, seen in passages like Isaiah 12:2 and Romans 1:16, where salvation is both a present reality and a future hope.

for His anointed
The term "anointed" traditionally refers to kings and priests in Israel, who were consecrated for their roles through anointing with oil. In a broader sense, it can refer to all of God's chosen people. Historically, King David, the author of many psalms, was anointed by the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13), symbolizing God's selection and empowerment. Prophetically, this term points to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate Anointed One (Christ means "Anointed One" in Greek). This connection is seen in passages like Isaiah 61:1 and Luke 4:18, where Jesus fulfills the role of the anointed deliverer. The anointing signifies God's favor and the empowerment to fulfill His purposes.

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. In this Psalm, He is depicted as the source of strength and salvation.

2. His People
Refers to the Israelites, God's chosen people in the Old Testament, and by extension, all believers who are grafted into the family of God through faith in Jesus Christ.

3. His Anointed
This term can refer to King David, who was anointed by God to lead Israel, and prophetically to Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who is the ultimate Anointed One.God as Our Strength
Recognize that true strength comes from the LORD. In times of weakness or challenge, believers are encouraged to rely on God's power rather than their own.

The Role of Anointing
Understand the significance of being anointed by God. In the Old Testament, anointing was a sign of being set apart for a special purpose. As Christians, we are anointed by the Holy Spirit to fulfill God's purposes in our lives.

Salvation as a Stronghold
View salvation not just as a one-time event but as an ongoing source of security and protection. God’s salvation is a fortress that guards us against spiritual attacks.

Community of Believers
Embrace the idea that God’s strength is available to His people collectively. The church, as the body of Christ, is strengthened when believers support and pray for one another.(8) Their strength--i.e., the strength of His people, who are throughout in the poet's thought, even if it is the individual and not the community that speaks. The LXX. and Vulg. read (comp. Psalm 29:11) "to his people."

Saving strength.--Better, stronghold of salvation. (See margin.)

Verse 8. - The Lord is their Strength; i.e. the Strength, not of himself alone, but of the whole people. The deliverance will be as much for their sake as for his. And he is the saving strength of his anointed - literally, and a Stronghold of salvation to his anointed is HE. The welfare of David and that of the people are bound up together. God strengthens him for their sakes, that he may guide them aright and fight their battles, and give them dominion over their enemies. It was with this object that he chose him out of all Israel, and took him from the sheepfolds, and had him anointed king - that he might "feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance" (Psalm 78:71).

Parallel Commentaries ...


The LORD
יְהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

is the strength of His people,
עֹֽז־ (‘ōz-)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5797: Strength, might

a stronghold
וּמָ֘ע֤וֹז (ū·mā·‘ō·wz)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4581: A place or means of safety, protection

of salvation
יְשׁוּע֖וֹת (yə·šū·‘ō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 3444: Something saved, deliverance, aid, victory, prosperity

for His anointed.
מְשִׁיח֣וֹ (mə·šî·ḥōw)
Adjective - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4899: Anointed, a consecrated person, the Messiah


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OT Poetry: Psalm 28:8 Yahweh is their strength (Psalm Ps Psa.)