Psalm 140:7 Study Bible: LORD, the Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle.

◄ Psalm 140:7 ►

O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You shield my head in the day of battle.

O GOD the Lord
This phrase acknowledges the sovereignty and authority of God, emphasizing His position as the ultimate ruler. The use of "O GOD the Lord" reflects a deep reverence and recognition of God's supreme power. In the Hebrew text, "GOD" is often translated from "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, while "Lord" is "Adonai," indicating mastery and ownership. This dual title underscores the personal relationship between the psalmist and God, as well as God's role as the divine protector and ruler. This invocation is consistent with other Psalms where God is called upon as a personal deity who is intimately involved in the lives of His people (e.g., Psalm 23:1).

the strength of my salvation
Here, the psalmist attributes his deliverance and security to God, recognizing Him as the source of salvation. The term "strength" implies not only physical might but also a steadfast and reliable refuge. This reflects the biblical theme of God as a fortress and deliverer, as seen in passages like Psalm 18:2. The concept of salvation in the Old Testament often includes deliverance from physical danger, but it also points to spiritual salvation, which is fully realized in the New Testament through Jesus Christ. This phrase foreshadows the ultimate salvation offered through Christ, who is described as the "author of eternal salvation" (Hebrews 5:9).

You shield my head in the day of battle
The imagery of God as a shield is prevalent throughout the Psalms, symbolizing protection and defense against enemies. The "head" represents the most vulnerable part of the body in battle, indicating comprehensive protection. This metaphor would resonate with the ancient Near Eastern context, where warfare was a common threat, and helmets were crucial for a soldier's survival. The "day of battle" suggests times of intense conflict or trial, both physically and spiritually. This protection is echoed in Ephesians 6:17, where believers are encouraged to take the "helmet of salvation," linking the Old Testament imagery with the New Testament call to spiritual warfare. The protective role of God here can also be seen as a type of Christ, who provides ultimate protection and victory over sin and death.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
Traditionally attributed as the author of this psalm, David was the second king of Israel, known for his deep relationship with God and his many psalms of praise, lament, and supplication.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal presence and faithfulness to His people. In this verse, He is acknowledged as the source of strength and protection.

3. Day of Battle
This phrase symbolizes times of conflict, struggle, or spiritual warfare. It reflects the challenges David faced, both physically and spiritually, during his life.

Teaching Points

God as Protector
Recognize that God is our ultimate protector in times of trouble. Just as David trusted God to cover his head in battle, we can trust Him to guard us in our spiritual and physical struggles.

Strength in Salvation
Understand that our strength comes from the salvation God provides. This salvation is not just a future hope but a present reality that empowers us to face life's battles.

Spiritual Warfare Awareness
Be aware of the spiritual battles we face daily. Equip yourself with God's Word and prayer, much like putting on the armor of God, to stand firm against the enemy.

Dependence on God
Cultivate a habit of dependence on God in every situation. Acknowledge Him as the source of your strength and seek His guidance and protection continually.

Praise and Thanksgiving
Follow David's example by incorporating praise and thanksgiving into your prayers, acknowledging God's past deliverance and trusting Him for future protection.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding God as "the strength of my salvation" impact your daily life and decision-making?

2. In what ways can you relate the "day of battle" to your current life circumstances? How can you apply the concept of God covering your head in these situations?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's protection. How did that experience strengthen your faith?

4. How can the imagery of the "helmet of salvation" in Ephesians 6 enhance your understanding of Psalm 140:7?

5. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are spiritually prepared for the battles you face, drawing from both Psalm 140:7 and other related scriptures?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ephesians 6:10-17
This passage discusses the armor of God, which believers are encouraged to put on to stand firm against spiritual battles. The "helmet of salvation" parallels the protection mentioned in Psalm 140:7.

Psalm 18:2
This verse also speaks of God as a source of strength and protection, reinforcing the theme of divine refuge and deliverance.

2 Samuel 22:3
David refers to God as his shield and the horn of his salvation, echoing the protective imagery found in Psalm 140:7.

Sermons

God Preserves His Servant		Psalm 140:1-13
Our Adversary and Our Defense	S. Conway	Psalm 140:1-13
The Holy War	C. Short	Psalm 140:1-13
David's Five-Stringed Harp		Psalm 140:6-7

People

David, Psalmist

Places

Jerusalem

Topics

Armour, Battle, Cover, Covered, Deliverer, Fight, Hast, O, Salvation, Screened, Shields, Sovereign, Strength, Strong

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Psalm 140:7

5527 shield

Library

Question Lxxxiii of Prayer
I. Is Prayer an Act of the Appetitive Powers? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer based on Friendship II. Is it Fitting to Pray? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer as a True Cause S. Augustine, On the Sermon on the Mount, II. iii. 14 " On the Gift of Perseverance, vii. 15 III. Is Prayer an Act of the Virtue of Religion? Cardinal Cajetan, On the Humility of Prayer S. Augustine, On Psalm cii. 10 " Of the Gift of Perseverance, xvi. 39 IV. Ought We to Pray to God Alone? S. Augustine, Sermon, cxxvii. 2 V. …
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life

Letter xxvi. (Circa A. D. 1127) to the Same
To the Same He excuses the brevity of his letter on the ground that Lent is a time of silence; and also that on account of his profession and his ignorance he does not dare to assume the function of teaching. 1. You will, perhaps, be angry, or, to speak more gently, will wonder that in place of a longer letter which you had hoped for from me you receive this brief note. But remember what says the wise man, that there is a time for all things under the heaven; both a time to speak and a time to keep …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Epistle xviii. To John, Bishop.
To John, Bishop. Gregory to John, Bishop of Constantinople [1586] . At the time when your Fraternity was advanced to Sacerdotal dignity, you remember what peace and concord of the churches you found. But, with what daring or with what swelling of pride I know not, you have attempted to seize upon a new name, whereby the hearts of all your brethren might have come to take offence. I wonder exceedingly at this, since I remember how thou wouldest fain have fled from the episcopal office rather than …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

How the Silent and the Talkative are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 15.) Differently to be admonished are the over-silent, and those who spend time in much speaking. For it ought to be insinuated to the over-silent that while they shun some vices unadvisedly, they are, without its being perceived, implicated in worse. For often from bridling the tongue overmuch they suffer from more grievous loquacity in the heart; so that thoughts seethe the more in the mind from being straitened by the violent guard of indiscreet silence. And for the most part they …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

A Discourse of Mercifulness
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7 These verses, like the stairs of Solomon's temple, cause our ascent to the holy of holies. We are now mounting up a step higher. Blessed are the merciful . . '. There was never more need to preach of mercifulness than in these unmerciful times wherein we live. It is reported in the life of Chrysostom that he preached much on this subject of mercifulness, and for his much pressing Christians to mercy, he was called of many, the alms-preacher, …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Covenanting a Privilege of Believers.
Whatever attainment is made by any as distinguished from the wicked, or whatever gracious benefit is enjoyed, is a spiritual privilege. Adoption into the family of God is of this character. "He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power (margin, or, the right; or, privilege) to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."[617] And every co-ordinate benefit is essentially so likewise. The evidence besides, that Covenanting …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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