O Israel, trust thou in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.

PSALMS 115:9KJV
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Psalms 115:9 (KJV)

What does Psalms 115:9 mean?

Psalms 115:9 calls the people of Israel to place their confidence in the LORD. The verse gives a reason for that call: the LORD is the one who helps and protects them, rather than an object that cannot act.

The speaker addresses Israel directly, then describes the LORD as “their” help and shield. A shield was carried in battle to guard against blows, so the image gives a concrete picture of protection.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 115:9

  • “trust” — בָּטַח (batach): This word carries the sense of relying on someone or feeling secure in them. The call is to place confidence in the LORD, not merely to know about him.
  • “LORD” — יְהוָה (YHWH): This is God’s personal name in the Hebrew text. The KJV represents the name with “LORD” in capital letters.

Why Psalms 115:9 matters

  • The verse points to the LORD as a source of help who can act. That emphasis follows the contrast with idols in verses 4–8, which have mouths but cannot speak and eyes but cannot see.
  • The call begins with Israel but continues to other groups. Verses 10–11 repeat the same call to the house of Aaron and to those who fear the LORD. “Fear” here means to hold the LORD in deep respect.

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: