O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.

PSALMS 115:10KJV
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Psalms 115:10 (KJV)

What does Psalms 115:10 mean?

Psalms 115:10 calls on the house of Aaron, meaning the priests of Israel, to put their trust in the LORD, describing God as both their help and their shield. The verse highlights that God is the one who supports and protects those who serve Him.

In this psalm, the speaker addresses different groups within Israel, and here focuses on the priests, the descendants of Aaron. The verse urges them to rely on the LORD (the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible) for assistance and protection, especially in times of need or danger. This fits into a larger section where the psalm encourages all of Israel to trust in God rather than idols.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 115:10

  • house (בֵּית, beit): This word refers to a household or family line, in this case pointing specifically to the priestly family of Aaron, not just a physical building.
  • Aaron (אַהֲרֹן, aharon): This is the name of Moses’ brother and the first high priest, representing all priests in Israel.
  • trust (בָּטַח, batach): This verb means to rely on or place confidence in someone, stressing an active, ongoing dependence on God rather than passive belief.
  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing a covenant relationship.
  • help (עֵזֶר, ezer): This word means one who gives aid or support, showing God’s active involvement in assisting His people.
  • shield (מָגֵן, magen): This term refers to a protective device in battle, highlighting God’s role as a defender against harm.

Why Psalms 115:10 matters

  • Psalms 115:10 clarifies that even those closest to God, like the priests, are called to trust in Him and not rely solely on their religious status or duties.
  • The verse emphasizes God’s dual role as both helper and protector, which reassures those serving Him that they are not alone in their responsibilities.
  • By singling out the house of Aaron, the verse connects the priestly calling to the wider theme of trust in God found throughout the psalm, reinforcing that all parts of the community are included in this call to faith.

Where else these words appear

“help” Hebrew H5828 · used in 21 verses

  • Genesis 2:18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
  • Psalms 20:2 Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;
  • Psalms 121:2 My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

“shield” Hebrew H4043 · used in 60 verses

  • Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
  • 2 Chronicles 32:5 Also he strengthened himself, and built up all the wall that was broken, and raised it up to the towers, and another wall without, and repaired Millo in the city of David, and made darts and shields in abundance.
  • Psalms 115:11 Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.

“trust” Hebrew H982 · used in 117 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:52 And he shall besiege thee in all thy gates, until thy high and fenced walls come down, wherein thou trustedst, throughout all thy land: and he shall besiege thee in all thy gates throughout all thy land, which the LORD thy God hath given thee.
  • Psalms 41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.
  • Isaiah 30:12 Wherefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon: