Psalms 89:18
For the LORD is our defence; and the Holy One of Israel is our king.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 6
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לַֽ֭יהוָה
For the LORD
H3068
לַֽ֭יהוָה
For the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 6
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מָֽגִנֵּ֑נוּ
is our defence
H4043
מָֽגִנֵּ֑נוּ
is our defence
Strong's:
H4043
Word #:
3 of 6
a shield (i.e., the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile
וְלִקְד֖וֹשׁ
and the Holy One
H6918
וְלִקְד֖וֹשׁ
and the Holy One
Strong's:
H6918
Word #:
4 of 6
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
Cross References
Psalms 47:9The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted.Psalms 71:22I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.Isaiah 43:3For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.Isaiah 1:4Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.Isaiah 33:22For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us.
Historical Context
This verse was written centuries before the monarchy's collapse, yet it asserts that even while Israel had earthly kings, Yahweh remained the ultimate sovereign. The exile would later prove this—though the Davidic throne fell, God's kingship endured, awaiting restoration through the Messiah.
Questions for Reflection
- What false 'shields' (security systems, relationships, wealth) are you tempted to trust instead of the LORD as your defense?
- How does the title 'Holy One of Israel' balance God's transcendent otherness with His intimate covenant commitment?
- In what ways does acknowledging Christ as King practically reorganize your priorities and allegiances?
Analysis & Commentary
For the LORD is our defence (כִּי לַיהוָה מָגִנֵּנוּ)—Magen (shield, defense, protector) identifies Yahweh Himself as Israel's security, not armies or walls. And the Holy One of Israel is our king (וְלִקְדֹושׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל מַלְכֵּנוּ)—Qedosh Yisrael (Holy One of Israel) is Isaiah's favorite divine title, emphasizing God's transcendent purity and covenant loyalty. He alone is melek (king).
This verse climaxes the doxological section before the psalm shifts to lament. God as 'shield' recalls Abraham's covenant (Genesis 15:1, 'I am thy shield') and Deuteronomy 33:29 ('the shield of thy help'). The 'Holy One of Israel' became the messianic title par excellence—Jesus is simultaneously transcendently holy and covenantally committed to His people. Earthly kings (even David) are merely under-shepherds; Yahweh is the true King, and Christ incarnates this kingship (John 18:37, Revelation 19:16).