RTW 2023

But you, O LORD, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.

Psalm 3:3

Joab was a violent man. He seemed almost ruthless as the commander of David’s army. He even gave David a hard time about mourning his own son.

Yahweh is a shield all around us; our protector, defender, our glory–He lifts our head when we feel defeated. God described Himself as a shield to Abrahm. David understood this imagery well, and used it many times in his psalms. It wasn’t just a nice or distant idea, but a declaration of God’s very real help and protection.

The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.
Psalm 18:2

O God, look with favor upon the king, our shield! Show favor to the one you have anointed.
Psalm 84:9

You have given me your shield of victory. Your right hand supports me; your help has made me great. Psalm 18:35

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.
Psalm 28:7

Other thoughts:

• David’s family dysfunction…oy. It must have been so painful for him.
• Absalom was declared king while in Hebron, just as David was.
• Opposing commanders Joab and Amasa are cousins.
• Absalom was “entangled” by his pride.
• Joab continues to disregard David’s wishes.
• Magen (pronounced “maw-gain”) is the Hebrew word for shield in Psalm 3:3. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h4043/nlt/wlc/0-1/

‍

Trust that God is your ever-present shield; your very real defender at all times!