Psalms 28:8

Authorized King James Version

The LORD is their strength, and he is the saving strength of his anointed.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יְהוָ֥ה
The LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#2
עֹֽז
is their strength
strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)
#3
לָ֑מוֹ
H0
#4
וּמָ֘ע֤וֹז
strength
a fortified place; figuratively, a defense
#5
יְשׁוּע֖וֹת
and he is the saving
something saved, i.e., (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity
#6
מְשִׁיח֣וֹ
of his anointed
anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the messiah
#7
הֽוּא׃
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection