But You, O LORD, are a shield around me
This phrase emphasizes God's protection, likening Him to a shield that surrounds the believer. In ancient warfare, a shield was a crucial piece of armor, providing defense against enemy attacks. The imagery here suggests comprehensive protection, not just from the front but all around, indicating God's omnipresence and omnipotence. This concept of God as a shield is echoed in other scriptures, such as Genesis 15:1, where God tells Abram, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." The use of "LORD" (YHWH) signifies the covenantal name of God, highlighting His faithfulness and personal relationship with His people.

my glory
In this context, "glory" refers to honor and dignity. David, the psalmist, acknowledges that his true honor comes from God, not from his status as king or his accomplishments. This reflects a deep humility and recognition that any glory he possesses is derived from his relationship with God. The term "glory" is often associated with God's presence and majesty, as seen in Exodus 33:18-22, where Moses asks to see God's glory. For believers, this phrase underscores the idea that their worth and identity are found in God alone.

and the One who lifts my head
The lifting of the head is a metaphor for restoration and encouragement. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a bowed head symbolized defeat, shame, or mourning, while a lifted head signified victory, confidence, and renewed hope. By stating that God is the one who lifts his head, David expresses trust in God's ability to restore him from his current troubles and to vindicate him. This imagery is consistent with other biblical passages, such as Psalm 27:6, where David declares, "Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me." It also points to the hope of resurrection and ultimate redemption found in Christ, who lifts the heads of all who trust in Him.

1. David
The author of Psalm 3, David is fleeing from his son Absalom, who has rebelled against him. This context of personal crisis and betrayal is crucial for understanding the depth of David's reliance on God.

2. Absalom
David's son, who led a rebellion against his father, causing David to flee Jerusalem. This event is a backdrop to the psalm and highlights themes of conflict and divine protection.

3. Jerusalem
The city from which David fled. It represents both the physical and spiritual center of Israel, emphasizing the gravity of David's situation.God as Our Protector
The Hebrew word for "shield" (magen) signifies a comprehensive protection. Just as a shield covers a soldier, God surrounds us with His protection, offering security in times of trouble.

Restoration of Honor
"My glory" refers to the honor and dignity that God restores to us. In times of humiliation or defeat, God is the one who restores our sense of worth and purpose.

Divine Encouragement
"The One who lifts my head" suggests God’s role in encouraging and uplifting us. When we are downcast or overwhelmed, God provides the strength and encouragement to face our challenges.

Trust in God's Sovereignty
Despite the chaos surrounding David, he acknowledges God's sovereignty. This trust is a model for us to rely on God's control over our circumstances.(3) For me.--Better, behind me. A protection from the emissaries of Absalom, now on his track.

My glory, and the lifter up of mine head.--

"Comp.--

"O et praesidium et dulce decus meum."

HORACE, Ode I., 1:2.

The significance of this sublime trust comes out as we read in 2Samuel 15:30 how the humiliated monarch went barefoot over Olivet, with head bent down and muffled in his mantle; no glory or dignity left; mute and humiliated under the insults and curses of Shimei.

Verse 3. - But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; or, about me(see the Revised Version). (For the sentiment, comp. Genesis 15:1; Deuteronomy 33:29; 2 Samuel 22:3; Psalm 28:7; Psalm 33:20; Psalm 84:9, etc.) The expression has peculiar force in David's mouth, who, as a "man of war," fully appreciated the saving power of a shield. My glory (comp. Psalm 62:7). And the lifter up of mine head. As God had raised up David to the throne (2 Samuel 2:4; 2 Samuel 5:3), and prospered him in his wars (2 Samuel 8:1-14), and exalted him above all the other kings of the period, so he was well able now, if he so willed, to restore him to his place and re-establish him in the monarchy (comp. 2 Samuel 15:25; Psalm 43:3).

Parallel Commentaries ...


But You,
וְאַתָּ֣ה (wə·’at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

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

are a shield
מָגֵ֣ן (mā·ḡên)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 4043: A shield, a protector, the scaly hide of the crocodile

around me,
בַּעֲדִ֑י (ba·‘ă·ḏî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 1157: In up to, over against, at, beside, among, behind, for

my glory,
כְּ֝בוֹדִ֗י (kə·ḇō·w·ḏî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 3519: Weight, splendor, copiousness

and the One who lifts
וּמֵרִ֥ים (ū·mê·rîm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7311: To be high actively, to rise, raise

my head.
רֹאשִֽׁי׃ (rō·šî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 7218: The head


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OT Poetry: Psalm 3:3 But you Yahweh are a shield around (Psalm Ps Psa.)