Psalms 84:9

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

מָ֭גִנֵּנוּ our shield H4043
מָ֭גִנֵּנוּ our shield
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
רְאֵ֣ה Behold H7200
רְאֵ֣ה Behold
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 2 of 6
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
אֱלֹהִ֑ים O God H430
אֱלֹהִ֑ים O 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
וְ֝הַבֵּ֗ט and look H5027
וְ֝הַבֵּ֗ט and look
Strong's: H5027
Word #: 4 of 6
to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care
פְּנֵ֣י upon the face H6440
פְּנֵ֣י upon the face
Strong's: H6440
Word #: 5 of 6
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׃ of thine anointed H4899
מְשִׁיחֶֽךָ׃ of thine anointed
Strong's: H4899
Word #: 6 of 6
anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the messiah

Analysis & Commentary

Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed. The petition's content emerges: intercession for the king, God's anointed representative. "Behold" (רְאֵה/re'eh) is imperative, asking God to see and consider. "O God our shield" (אֱלֹהִים מָגִנֵּנוּ/Elohim maginnenu) identifies God as protector, the defensive covering for His people. This military metaphor appears frequently in Psalms (3:3, 18:2, 28:7), assuring that God shields His vulnerable people from enemies.

"Look upon the face of thine anointed" (וְהַבֵּט פְּנֵי מְשִׁיחֶךָ/vehabbet penei meshichecha) petitions God to regard His anointed king favorably. "Thine anointed" (מְשִׁיחֶךָ/meshichecha—Messiah) refers immediately to the Davidic king but carries messianic implications. To "look upon the face" means to show favor, acceptance, blessing (Numbers 6:25-26).

Structurally, this intercession for the king functions representatively. As the king goes, so goes the nation. His wellbeing ensures communal security. Yet beyond the historical king, Christian interpretation sees ultimate fulfillment in Christ, God's Anointed One. The Father's favorable regard of the Son ensures salvation for all who are in Him (Ephesians 1:6).

Historical Context

Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology held that the king's relationship with deity determined national fortune. A king favored by the gods brought prosperity; divine displeasure meant national calamity. In Israel, the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7) promised an eternal dynasty, linking national hope to the king's faithfulness and God's covenant loyalty. When the psalm was sung during pilgrimage festivals, prayers for the king's welfare were prayers for communal security. Post-exilic Judaism, lacking a reigning Davidic king, interpreted such psalms messianically, longing for the promised Anointed One who would restore Israel. Christians recognize Jesus as this ultimate Anointed, upon whose face God looks with infinite favor.

Questions for Reflection