Psalms 7:10
My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart.
Original Language Analysis
מָֽגִנִּ֥י
My defence
H4043
מָֽגִנִּ֥י
My defence
Strong's:
H4043
Word #:
1 of 6
a shield (i.e., the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 6
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
is of God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
is of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
3 of 6
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
מ֝וֹשִׁ֗יעַ
which saveth
H3467
מ֝וֹשִׁ֗יעַ
which saveth
Strong's:
H3467
Word #:
4 of 6
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
Cross References
Psalms 84:11For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.Psalms 125:4Do good, O LORD, unto those that be good, and to them that are upright in their hearts.Proverbs 28:18Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved: but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once.Proverbs 11:20They that are of a froward heart are abomination to the LORD: but such as are upright in their way are his delight.Genesis 15:1After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.Psalms 89:18For the LORD is our defence; and the Holy One of Israel is our king.Psalms 3:3But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.Psalms 112:2His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.Job 8:6If thou wert pure and upright; surely now he would awake for thee, and make the habitation of thy righteousness prosperous.Proverbs 2:21For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.
Historical Context
Shields were essential defensive equipment in ancient warfare. Calling God one's shield implied complete dependence on Him for protection. The phrase 'upright in heart' distinguishes genuine believers from hypocrites - God defends those whose hearts are truly His, not merely outward conformists.
Questions for Reflection
- Is God your primary defense, or do you rely more on human protections and strategies?
- How does 'uprightness in heart' characterize your inner life before God?
Analysis & Commentary
David declares God as his defender, using military imagery. 'My defence' (Hebrew 'magen' - shield) depicts God as protective covering. 'Upright in heart' describes those whose inner character is straight and true - not sinless perfection but covenant integrity. This verse teaches that God defends those who maintain heart righteousness. While we must trust Christ's righteousness for salvation, genuine faith produces uprightness of heart that God protects. The shield metaphor appears throughout Scripture (Ephesians 6:16).