Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed.

PSALMS 84:9KJV
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Psalms 84:9 (KJV)

What does Psalms 84:9 mean?

Psalms 84:9 is a prayer asking God, described as a protector, to pay attention and show favor to the one He has chosen or set apart. The verse uses the image of God as a shield and asks Him to look kindly on His "anointed," which often refers to a king or leader chosen by God.

This verse is part of a psalm written by the sons of Korah, likely sung during worship at the temple. The speaker is addressing God directly, expressing trust in God's protection and seeking His attention for the well-being of the anointed leader. The context suggests a longing for God's presence and blessing, especially for those who serve Him.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 84:9

  • "shield" (מָגֵן, magen): This word means a physical shield, but here it is a metaphor for God as a protector or defender of His people.
  • "anointed" (מָשִׁיחַ, mashiach): This term refers to someone set apart by God, often a king, prophet, or priest. In the context of ancient Israel, it usually meant the king, who was anointed with oil as a sign of God's choice.
  • "look" (נָבַט, nabat): This verb means to look intently or pay close attention, suggesting a request for God's active care or favor.

Why Psalms 84:9 matters

  • This verse highlights the belief in God as both a personal protector and the one who chooses and supports leaders, showing the close connection between God and His people.
  • The mention of "anointed" ties this psalm to the broader biblical theme of God's chosen representatives, which later becomes significant in discussions about the Messiah.
  • Understanding the original words helps clarify that the request is not just for general blessing, but for God’s focused, protective attention on someone He has specifically chosen.

Where else these words appear

“anointed” Hebrew H4899 · used in 38 verses

  • Leviticus 4:3 If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering.
  • 1 Samuel 26:11 The LORD forbid that I should stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed: but, I pray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his bolster, and the cruse of water, and let us go.
  • Psalms 18:50 Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.

“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.

“look” Hebrew H5027 · used in 67 verses

  • Genesis 15:5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.
  • Psalms 13:3 Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;
  • Isaiah 38:11 I said, I shall not see the LORD, even the LORD, in the land of the living: I shall behold man no more with the inhabitants of the world.