The 7th verse of Psalm 28 is longer than both its predecessor and successor. We may need to study it for two days. It is, at least in part, a “cause and effect” sequence.

Let me show you.

“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.” Psalm 28:7

The “Cause” is our great God: “He is my Strength and my Shield.”

The “effect” is both active and passive: “Therefore I trust in Him, and am helped by Him!”

In fact, two more “effects” follow really: “My heart greatly rejoices!” And … “I praise Him in song.”

Wow!

This is how we should live then … since God is so Faithful!

Since God is Such an amazing Strength and Shield!

The noun “strength” is spelled “oz” in Hebrew, pronounced “oze.” It is derived from “azaz,” suggesting “strong” in the sense of combat, having already won the victory!

And “shield” is “magen” in Hebrew, a large (surrounding one’s body) protective covering for the front of an advancing soldier! This is NOT the smaller hand-held defensive weapon of New Testament days.

Sounds like God is able!

Almighty!

Omnipotent!

Add to both these nouns the possessive ending “iy” (which both Strength and Shield have in this Text) … and this awesome God becomes “personal!”

He is MY Strength!

He is MY Shield!

No wonder David is so thrilled.

So much so that he is resolved to … trust God. To greatly rejoice. And to sing the praises of such a Creator and Redeemer!

Now tomorrow, the Lord willing, we shall look at David’s responses more fully.

“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.” Psalm 28:7

Amen!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell