Psalms 89:18

18 For our shield belongs to the LORD, our king to the Holy One of Israel.

Psalms 89:18 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 89:18

For the Lord is our defence
From all their enemies, being all around them, as a wall of fire to protect them, and as the mountains were round about Jerusalem, and being kept by his power as in a fortress, strong hold, or garrison, unto salvation; or our shield {f}; see ( Psalms 84:9 Psalms 84:11 ) as are his favour, righteousness, and salvation, ( Psalms 5:12 ) ( 18:35 ) or "to the Lord belongs our defence or shield" ^F7 our protection and salvation is from him:

and the Holy One of Israel is our King;
he who was to be, and is of Israel according to the flesh, and is holy in his nature, life, and office; he is King of saints, that rules over them, protects and defends them, and therefore they must be happy: or "to" or "with the Holy One of Israel is our king" ^F8; Christ is King of Zion by designation, appointment, and constitution, of God the Holy One of Israel, the holy God that has chosen Israel for his peculiar people; though it rather seems that Christ is the Holy One by what follows.

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FOOTNOTES:

F6 (wnngm) "clypeus noster", Pagninus, Montanus, Vatablus, Tigurine version; "scutum nostrum", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator.
F7 (hwhyl) "Domino", Pagninus, Montanus.
F8 (larvy vdqlw) "et sancto Israelis", Pagninus, Montanus.

Psalms 89:18 In-Context

16 who exult in thy name all the day, and extol thy righteousness.

17 For thou art the glory of their strength; by thy favor our horn is exalted.

18 For our shield belongs to the LORD, our king to the Holy One of Israel.

19 Of old thou didst speak in a vision to thy faithful one, and say: "I have set the crown upon one who is mighty, I have exalted one chosen from the people.

20 I have found David, my servant; with my holy oil I have anointed him;