Psalm 5:12
Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favour as with a shield.
As God blessed Abraham, Joseph, Job and other godly people, the Psalmist assures us that God blesses and prospers the righteous people. Generally in the Old Testament (OT), this word “righteous” connotes conformity to a moral and ethical standard. That ethical and moral uprightness towards the society, family, and God marks the quality of a righteous person. In the OT, the word “bless” (barek) is a powerful word. It means “to endue with power for success, prosperity, fecundity, longevity, etc. It is contrasted with the word qalal meaning “to esteem lightly, curse.” (cf. Deut. 30:1, 19). The power to produce wealth comes from God Himself (Deuteronomy 8:18), therefore it is important that we acknowledge God in our prosperity.
When a man pleases the LORD, God surrounds them with his goodwill and favourable wishes as that of a shield. The “shield” used here is a body-length shield that would provide protection from arrows and sling stones. This imagery of a shield covering the whole body is the only usage in this verse in the Psalm. All other imageries are that of small shields. In other words, God makes it sure that every part of a righteous life is well protected, provided and sheltered by his goodness and prosperity.
Prayer: Lord, bless us and surround us with your favour and providence, amen.
