In our journey through Psalm 7 we have arrived (today) at verse 10. It is beautiful! Especially when one considers its age, its history. David long ago felt and verbalized this thought. Somewhere around 1000 BC, in round numbers.
“My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart.” Psalm 7:10
David will not try to fight his own battle here, against a backslidden King Saul or any of his allies. Especially against a wicked man named Cush, whose dangerous designs on David initially prompted this Psalm! Remember its “superscript,” written “above” verse 1. “A Psalm of David, which he sang unto the LORD, concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite.”
David now boldly says, “My Defence is of God.”
The Hebrew noun translated “defense” her is “magen.” It literally means “shield,” a military term. God is David’s PROTECTOR!
Not some (even though good) group of men who serve as “body guards.” (David often had these in parts of his life.) Not the sword with which he killed Goliath. But the LORD will care for David!
Most armies of the past utilized two types of shields. One large enough to cover the whole body, certainly protective but not much help in close, hand-to-hand combat. The other smaller, hand-held, versatile, singularly effective in specific situations! The smaller weapon, “magen,” as used here!
The Lord is close by my side … as my Protector!
One old commentator said the word picture used here is that of an armour-bearer, standing on the battlefield WITH his compatriot … handing the fighter the exact tool he need to conquer the foe!
Wow!
Think today of God as your SHIELD!
But verse 10 says something else as well. “My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart.”
God not only protects … He “saves” as well.
The verb as used here is “yasha,” meaning “to deliver, to liberate, to bring freedom, to rescue, to preserve, to make safe,” and even at times “to avenge!”
Sounds like an amazing God!
This verb also is formed as a Hiphil participle, Hebrew grammar wise. That’s the “causative” root, suggesting there is a clear reason for God’s salvation becoming so real. A reason which is immediately given … David’s heart in this mater of Cush is “upright.”
The word means “straight, correct, just.”
Not “crooked,” then.
Oh, to have pure hearts before God.
A condition only possible through the Grace of God and the forgiveness of our Heavenly Father … through the Death of his Son Jesus. On that old rugged Cross, via the Shed Blood of the Lamb. An event David anticipated, it not having occurred as yet. But an event which is now history (including Jesus’ Resurrection) for us!
Are you “upright” today?
Have you been to Calvary?
Are you right now in communion with your Lord and Saviour?
Yes … what peace these words would afford … when spoken honestly. “My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart.” In the heat of battle, God with us!
Hallelujah!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell