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Psalms 5:12

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 5:12 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For thou wilt bless the righteous; O Jehovah, thou wilt compass him with favor as with a shield. Psalm 6 For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments, set to the Sheminith. A Psalm of David.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For thou wilt bless the righteous; O Jehovah, thou wilt compass him with favor as with a shield. Psalm 6 For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments, set to the Sheminith. A Psalm of David.
Psalms 5:12 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 5

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
9For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; Their inward part is very wickedness; Their throat is an open sepulchre; They flatter with their tongue.
10Hold them guilty, O God; Let them fall by their own counsels; Thrust them out in the multitude of their transgressions; For they have rebelled against thee.
11But let all those that take refuge in thee rejoice, Let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: Let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
12For thou wilt bless the righteous; O Jehovah, thou wilt compass him with favor as with a shield. Psalm 6 For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments, set to the Sheminith. A Psalm of David.
← Psalms 5:11Psalms 6:1 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous.] As he has blessed him with a righteousness, even the righteousness of God imputed to him, by which he is denominated righteous, and with the forgiveness of his sins; so he will bless him with peace and prosperity, with all spiritual blessings, with the blessings of grace here, and glory hereafter. Hence he has just reason to rejoice and be glad; with favour wilt thou compass him as [with] a shield: by which is meant the free favour, love, and grace of God in Christ, which springs from his sovereign will and pleasure; is his good will to men, and the exceeding riches of his grace, shown in his kindness towards them in Christ Jesus: and the compassing…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“with favour--or, "acceptance," alluding to the favor shown to an acceptable offering and worshipper (Lev 7:18; Lev 19:7). shield--(compare Psa 3:3). Next: Psalms Chapter 6”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous - It is one of the characteristics of God that, while he will punish the wicked, he will show favor to the righteous; while he brings deserved punishment upon the one, he will show his favor to the other. With favor wilt thou compass him as with a shield - That is, as a shield is thrown round or before one in the day of battle to protect him, so wilt thou throw thy protection around the righteous. For a description of a “shield,” see the notes at Ephesians 6:16. Compare the notes at Psalms 3:3. On these accounts, David felt that he might trust in God in the day of trouble and danger; and, on the same account, all who are righteous may put their trust…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“5:12 The psalmist extends his concern beyond himself to all the godly. • A shield, here an image of God’s protection, deflects spears and arrows from its bearer.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“bless: Psa 1:1-3, Psa 3:8, Psa 29:11, Psa 112:1, Psa 115:13 wilt: Psa 32:10 compass: Heb. crown shield: Psa 3:3, Psa 84:11 Next: Psalms Chapter 6”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification