The Believers’ Exultation

“But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield.” -Psalm 5:11–12

Rejoicing, joy, and exult[ation] is the progressive theme of David’s benediction. But let us pay very careful attention to the language here. Not only do we see the very noted climactic progression of joy in the passage, but David’s joy in victory is not because of the absence of his enemies. His enemies still abound.

He rejoices because there is “refuge” for him in God. He calls on the people to “ever sing for joy,” not because their enemies are dead, but because God spreads his “protection” over them. There is great jubilation (exultation) in the camp of David because God “blesses” the righteous and covers him with favor “as with a shield.”

The language here is that of one who can rejoice, sing for joy, and be exulted, even in the midst of a raging battle to the death. Because, in God, believers have a refuge—protection—the very shield of God’s favor and blessing.

What could be safer than being behind God’s shield when the battle is raging? And, what could be more joyful than being that safe?