Psalm 84:11 - Better is One Day in Your Courts
For the LORD God is a sun and a shield;
The imagery of God as a "sun" suggests His role as a source of light, life, and sustenance. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the sun was often associated with deities, symbolizing power and vitality. Here, it emphasizes God's provision and guidance. The "shield" represents protection and defense, a common metaphor in the Psalms, indicating God's role as a protector against spiritual and physical dangers. This dual imagery underscores God's comprehensive care for His people, providing both sustenance and safety.
the LORD gives grace and glory;
"Grace" refers to God's unmerited favor, a central theme throughout Scripture, highlighting His kindness and mercy towards humanity. "Glory" can denote honor and splendor, often associated with God's presence and majesty. Together, these terms reflect the blessings God bestows upon His faithful, both in this life and the life to come. This phrase connects to the New Testament, where believers are promised grace through Jesus Christ and are called to share in His glory (Romans 8:17).
He withholds no good thing from those who walk with integrity.
This promise assures believers that God provides all that is truly beneficial for those who live righteously. "Integrity" implies a life of moral uprightness and faithfulness to God's commands. The assurance that God "withholds no good thing" echoes Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7:11, where God is depicted as a loving Father who gives good gifts to His children. This phrase encourages trust in God's provision and aligns with the biblical principle that obedience leads to blessing.
Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD God
The central figure in this verse, representing the covenant-keeping God of Israel, who is both a source of light and protection.
2. Sun and Shield
Metaphors used to describe God's nature and His role in the lives of believers. The sun symbolizes light, life, and guidance, while the shield represents protection and defense.
3. Those who walk uprightly
Refers to individuals who live in accordance with God's commandments and maintain integrity in their relationship with Him.
Teaching Points
God as Our Source of Light and Protection
Just as the sun provides light and life, God illuminates our path and sustains us. We can trust Him to guide us through life's challenges.
The Gift of Grace and Glory
God's grace is unmerited favor, and His glory is the honor He bestows upon His children. We are called to live in a way that reflects His grace and brings Him glory.
Walking Uprightly
Living a life of integrity and obedience to God's commandments is essential. It positions us to receive His blessings and protection.
God's Generosity
God is generous and desires to bless His children. We can have confidence that He will not withhold any good thing from us when we live according to His will.
Faith and Trust in God's Promises
Trusting in God's promises requires faith. We are encouraged to rely on His word and believe that He will fulfill His promises to us.
Verse 11. - For the Lord God is a Sun and Shield; i.e. not only a "Shield" or protection, as he has been already called (ver. 9), but also a "Sun," the source of life and light, of joy and happiness (comp. Isaiah 60:19, 20; Malachi 4:2). The Lord will give grace and glory. Inward grace, outward splendour and glory (Revelation 21:11-24). No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly (see 1 Corinthians 2:9; 1 Timothy 4:8; and Psalm 34:10). Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
For
כִּ֤י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction
the LORD
יְהוָ֪ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel
God
אֱלֹ֫הִ֥ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative
is a sun
שֶׁ֨מֶשׁ ׀ (še·meš)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 8121: The sun, the east, a ray, a notched battlement
and a shield;
וּמָגֵן֮ (ū·mā·ḡên)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - common singular
Strong's 4043: A shield, a protector, the scaly hide of the crocodile
the LORD
יְהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel
gives
יִתֵּ֣ן (yit·tên)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set
grace
חֵ֣ן (ḥên)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2580: Graciousness, subjective, objective
and glory;
וְ֭כָבוֹד (wə·ḵā·ḇō·wḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3519: Weight, splendor, copiousness
He withholds
יִמְנַע־ (yim·na‘-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4513: To debar, from benefit, injury
no
לֹ֥א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no
good thing
ט֝֗וֹב (ṭō·wḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good
from those who walk
לַֽהֹלְכִ֥ים (la·hō·lə·ḵîm)
Preposition-l, Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk
with integrity.
בְּתָמִֽים׃ (bə·ṯā·mîm)
Preposition-b | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 8549: Entire, integrity, truth
Links
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Psalm 84:11 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Psalm 84:11 For Yahweh God is a sun (Psalm Ps Psa.)