Monday, November 19, 2007

Holy Encampment

“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them.” (Psalm 34:7 CSB)

The angel of the Lord appears variously in the Old Testament. We see him, for example, as a sword-wielding angel who meet Joshua just before a battle. He is God’s representative and messenger to carry out the will of God.

David tells us that this angel of the Lord “encamps” around those who fear God. The word “encamp” suggests a military metaphor. An encampment was normally a gathering of soldiers in a camp who were preparing for battle. So, the idea is that the angel of the Lord comes as a solder to encamps around those who fear God in order to protect them, rescue them, and deliver them from the enemy.

To “fear” God in this sense is not to cower in a corner, but to come before God with reverential awe. Those who fear God are those who love Him, worship Him, and submit their lives to Him.

With these understandings, what we understand David to say here is that the God we serve is trustworthy, and that He will take care of His children who call on Him in their need. Verse 17 further below reads, “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He saves those crushed in spirit.” The idea is, thus, that we can trust ourselves totally to the Lord to take care of us and provide for us.

Lord, What a great comfort it is to us to know that You take care of us, and that we can trust You completely. Guide us through each day that we may serve You well. Amen.

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