Isaiah 21:5 Prepare the table, watch in the watchtower, eat, drink: arise, you princes, and anoint the shield. What is a shield? It is a very peculiar part of God's armour. It is not a strength in calamity; it is something which prevents calamity from coming. My strength is my power to bear; but my shield is my escape from bearing. My strength lifts me when the blow falls; my shield catches the blow before it falls. My strength supports what is; my shield wards off what might have been. I have often praised God for the strength; but I have seldom anointed the shield. I have recognised a thousand times His songs in the night; but I have not sufficiently thanked Him that the night itch has not been deeper. (G. Matheson, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Prepare the table, watch in the watchtower, eat, drink: arise, ye princes, and anoint the shield. |