Psalm 28:8

The LORD is the strength of His people, a stronghold of salvation for His anointed.

Study Bible

The LORD is the strength of His people
This phrase emphasizes God's role as the source of power and support for His followers. In the context of ancient Israel, the people often faced external threats from surrounding nations, and their reliance on God for military and spiritual strength was crucial. This concept is echoed in other scriptures, such as Psalm 18:2, where God is described as a rock and fortress. The idea of God as strength is also seen in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to be strong in the Lord (Ephesians 6:10). This strength is not merely physical but encompasses spiritual resilience and moral fortitude.

a stronghold of salvation
The term "stronghold" refers to a fortified place of refuge and safety. In ancient times, strongholds were essential for protection against enemies. Spiritually, this indicates that God provides ultimate security and deliverance from sin and spiritual adversaries. The concept of salvation here is both immediate, in terms of deliverance from present troubles, and eschatological, pointing to eternal salvation. This dual aspect of salvation is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, seen in passages like Isaiah 12:2 and Romans 1:16, where salvation is both a present reality and a future hope.

for His anointed
The term "anointed" traditionally refers to kings and priests in Israel, who were consecrated for their roles through anointing with oil. In a broader sense, it can refer to all of God's chosen people. Historically, King David, the author of many psalms, was anointed by the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13), symbolizing God's selection and empowerment. Prophetically, this term points to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate Anointed One (Christ means "Anointed One" in Greek). This connection is seen in passages like Isaiah 61:1 and Luke 4:18, where Jesus fulfills the role of the anointed deliverer. The anointing signifies God's favor and the empowerment to fulfill His purposes.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. In this Psalm, He is depicted as the source of strength and salvation.

2. His People
Refers to the Israelites, God's chosen people in the Old Testament, and by extension, all believers who are grafted into the family of God through faith in Jesus Christ.

3. His Anointed
This term can refer to King David, who was anointed by God to lead Israel, and prophetically to Jesus Christ, the Messiah, who is the ultimate Anointed One.

Teaching Points

God as Our Strength
Recognize that true strength comes from the LORD. In times of weakness or challenge, believers are encouraged to rely on God's power rather than their own.

The Role of Anointing
Understand the significance of being anointed by God. In the Old Testament, anointing was a sign of being set apart for a special purpose. As Christians, we are anointed by the Holy Spirit to fulfill God's purposes in our lives.

Salvation as a Stronghold
View salvation not just as a one-time event but as an ongoing source of security and protection. God’s salvation is a fortress that guards us against spiritual attacks.

Community of Believers
Embrace the idea that God’s strength is available to His people collectively. The church, as the body of Christ, is strengthened when believers support and pray for one another.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding God as your strength change the way you approach challenges in your life?

2. In what ways can you rely on God's anointing in your daily walk with Him?

3. How can the concept of salvation as a stronghold provide comfort in times of spiritual warfare?

4. What are some practical ways you can support and strengthen your local church community?

5. How do the themes of strength and anointing in Psalm 28:8 connect with the New Testament teachings on the Holy Spirit's role in the life of a believer?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 18:2
This verse also speaks of the LORD as a rock and fortress, emphasizing His role as a protector and source of strength for His people.

1 Samuel 2:10
Hannah's prayer mentions the LORD giving strength to His king and exalting the horn of His anointed, which parallels the themes of divine strength and anointing.

Ephesians 6:10
Paul encourages believers to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power, echoing the idea of God as the source of strength.