Definition: Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down Psalm 84:9 – it’s a really beautiful and poignant verse! Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about praise and gratitude to God, especially when He is protecting someone special. It’s a moment of deep admiration and reverence. Let's unpack it word by word: “Behold…” : This is a gentle invitation – "Watch me." "O God our shield…" : This means God is offering protection, safety, and defense to someone who is important to us. Think of it like a strong shield protecting you from harm. “…and look upon the face of thine anointed.” : This is the really significant part. “Anointed” means someone who has been chosen or set apart for a special purpose – often as a king, leader, or someone with great importance. "Thy" (your) is used here to show it's specifically for you . The word "anointed" itself comes from the Hebrew word "knewl," which means “blessed.” So, it’s being blessed and revered. So, putting it all together: The verse says: "Look at God, our protector and shield, and see His face – a face that is recognized as special and blessed." It's a moment of awe and gratitude because we recognize that God actively protects and favors someone who is truly important to us. Overall Meaning & Feeling: This verse evokes feelings of: Deep Appreciation: It expresses a strong sense of thankfulness for God’s care and protection. Recognition of Importance: It highlights the significance of someone who is chosen or blessed by God. A Sense of Majesty: The image of the "anointed" creates a feeling of reverence and honor. In short, it's a beautiful expression of gratitude for God’s care and the recognition of someone’s special status. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this verse within the larger story of Psalms?