Psalms 84:9

Authorized King James Version

Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed.

Word-by-Word Analysis

מָ֭גִנֵּנוּ

H4043

our shield

a shield (i.e., the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile

רְאֵ֣ה

H7200

Behold

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֱלֹהִ֑ים

H430

O God

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

וְ֝הַבֵּ֗ט

H5027

and look

to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care

פְּנֵ֣י

H6440

upon the face

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

מְשִׁיחֶֽךָ׃

H4899

of thine anointed

anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the messiah

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The divine name or title here functions within worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?