You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse isn't just addressing Israelites, but expands to include "those who fear the LORD," a phrase that could encompass anyone, even non-Jews, who sincerely revere God. This highlights God's desire to be a "help and shield" not just for a chosen people, but for all who turn to Him with a genuine heart.
You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage comes after the psalmist has vividly contrasted the impotence of idols with the power of the living God. Following this, the text issues a three-part call to trust in the Lord, first to Israel, then to the house of Aaron (the priests), and finally to "those who fear the LORD," which likely includes devout Israelites and even Gentile converts. This verse, "You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield," is the final exhortation, emphasizing that God is the source of aid and protection for all who revere Him, regardless of their background.
The verse calls out to 'those who fear the LORD.' But who exactly are they? And does it include people beyond the nation of Israel?
A Wider Circle of Worship
The psalm addresses Israel and the house of Aaron specifically, but then broadens its scope to "ye that fear the LORD." This isn't just about native Israelites.
We hear "He is their help and their shield." What do these powerful images of help and shield really communicate about God's relationship with us?
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God: Our Active Defender
The words "help" and "shield" paint a vivid picture of God's engagement in our lives.
Understand the original words
yare' · Hebrew Verb
A state of reverential awe, respect, and submission before God. It involves recognizing His holiness, majesty, and power, which results in a life characterized by obedience and trust in Him.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The covenant name of God in the Old Testament, representing His personal, faithful, and self-existent nature as the God who keeps His promises to His people.
batach · Hebrew Verb
A settled reliance on God's character, promises, and power. It is the active response of faith where one places their confidence fully in Him rather than in human strength or idols.
ezer · Hebrew Noun
God’s active intervention, assistance, and support for His people in times of need. It denotes a relationship where God is the provider of relief and deliverance.
magen · Hebrew Noun
A metaphor for God's protective presence and defense. He guards His people against the attacks of enemies, serving as a barrier between them and harm.
This passage speaks of God as a helper and shield, echoing the language of Psalms 115:11 and emphasizing God's protective provision for His people.
Proverbs 3:5-6This verse directly links trusting in the Lord with Him directing our paths, paralleling the exhortation to trust and the promise of divine help in Psalms 115:11.
Isaiah 41:10This prophecy assures believers that God is with them, will strengthen them, help them, and uphold them, mirroring the 'help and shield' concept for those who trust in Him.
Acts 13:26This New Testament passage describes people who 'fear God' and are told that the 'word of this salvation' was sent to them, suggesting the broader audience ('ye that fear the LORD') beyond just Israel.
Ephesians 6:16This verse refers to the 'shield of faith' as a spiritual defense, connecting the physical imagery of a shield in Psalms 115:11 with the believer's reliance on faith in God.
poolePsalms 115:11: "Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield."
All and every one of you who worship the true God, not only Aaronites and Israelites, but even Gentile proselytes, who are said to come to trust under the wings of the God of Israel , Ruth 2:12 . And such there were many at this time in the church of Israel, whom therefore he fitly invites to trust God, because he is no less their than the Israelites’ help and shield, as it follows.
calvinPsalms 115:9-15: "O Israel, trust thou in the LORD: he is their help and their shield."
- O Israel! Trust [371] thou in Jehovah: he is their help and their shield. 10. O house of Aaron! trust ye in Jehovah: he is their help and their shield. 11. Ye that fear Jehovah! trust in Jehovah: he is their help and their shield. 12. Jehovah has been mindful of us; he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron. 13. He will bless them that fear Jehovah, both the sma…
The verse isn't just addressing Israelites, but expands to include "those who fear the LORD," a phrase that could encompass anyone, even non-Jews, who sincerely revere God. This highlights God's desire to be a "help and shield" not just for a chosen people, but for all who turn to Him with a genuine heart.
This passage comes after the psalmist has vividly contrasted the impotence of idols with the power of the living God. Following this, the text issues a three-part call to trust in the Lord, first to Israel, then to the house of Aaron (the priests), and finally to "those who fear the LORD," which likely includes devout Israelites and even Gentile converts. This verse, "You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield," is the final exhortation, emphasizing that God is the source of aid and protection for all who revere Him, regardless of their background.
This passage comes after the psalmist has vividly contrasted the impotence of idols with the power of the living God. Following this, the text issues a three-part call to trust in the Lord, first to Israel, then to the house of Aaron (the priests), and finally to "those who fear the LORD," which likely includes devout Israelites and even Gentile converts. This verse, "You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield," is the final exhortation, emphasizing that God is the source of aid and protection for all who revere Him, regardless of their background.
"You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield." — The verse isn't just addressing Israelites, but expands to include "those who fear the LORD," a phrase that could encompass anyone, even non-Jews, who sincerely revere God. This highlights God's desi…
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Last reviewed October 2026