Psalms 140:7
O God the Lord, the strength of my saluation: thou hast couered my head in the day of battell. Psalms 140:7 (KJV)
Psalm 140 is a prayer of David, seeking deliverance from his enemies. In this lamentation David expresses his distress and earnestly asks for God’s intervention against those who pursue him. The verse reads, “O GOD the LORD, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle,” and in the broader context David also cries, “hear my prayer, and give ear unto my cry.”
David begins by addressing God as “O GOD the LORD.” This phrasing emphasizes his recognition of God’s sovereignty and divine rulership. By invoking the title LORD, David acknowledges that the supreme power over all things belongs to God alone.
He then declares God to be “the strength of my salvation.” This statement highlights that David’s deliverance and victory are rooted entirely in God. It underscores the belief that without God’s intervention and support, David would be powerless before his foes.
The imagery of God “covering my head in the day of battle” portrays a protective sheltering presence. Just as a helmet shields the head, David perceives God’s protection as a divine covering that safeguards him amid conflict and adversity. The language conveys a sense of God’s shielding and defending hand, providing the necessary defense when enemies press in.
Finally, David’s plea, “hear my prayer, and give ear unto my cry,” reflects his deep dependence on God’s attentive listening. It reinforces the intimate relationship between the psalmist and the Lord, where the believer trusts that God not only protects but also heeds the heartfelt petitions of the faithful.
In studying this verse, believers are reminded to acknowledge God’s supreme authority, to rely on Him as the source of strength and salvation, and to trust in His protective covering during life’s battles. The psalm invites us to bring our cries before the Lord, confident that He hears and responds to the prayers of those who seek Him earnestly.
