Today’s Superverse is Psalms 84:11 – For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
The Bible contains many profound truths, yet its interpretation can often be unclear and overwhelming. Therefore, reading and reflecting upon it daily are vitally important. Bible journaling can also help facilitate your understanding of its contents by drawing pictures or writing notes about what the text says – you could even use your Bible as part of sermons or Sunday School classes! Just ensure you get yourself an appropriate notebook and pen or pencil!
As part of your Bible studies, it is crucial to keep in mind the culture from which its writing dates. A passage written four millennia ago may have different connotations for you than for someone living in another country and culture altogether. By studying the Bible itself and books about ancient history you can gain invaluable insights into their society and history.
Psalms 84:11 has often been taken as evidence that God will provide for our needs as long as we believe in Jesus, but this interpretation misleads readers into thinking faith alone can save us from repentance and obedience to Christ’s commands. Scripture such as 1 Corinthians 3:13-15 shows otherwise. Followers will be judged based on the quality of their works rather than just belief in him alone.
Psalm 84:11 makes clear that God’s promise can only be realized under one condition: that we walk righteously. The Hebrew term for “shield,” SHmSH shemesh, can also be understood as meaning the sun itself; both Septuagint and Chaldean translations translate it as “sun.” So if you walk rightly, God will protect and reward you; otherwise He won’t provide for all your needs.
The Psalmist had such devotion for God’s house that he was willing to endure any difficulty or sacrifice for it, like an exhausted traveller eagerly awaiting homecoming after long travels. He knew that even tiny insects like sparrows and swallows have their place at God’s altar (vs. 2). God desires that he and all His creation live together harmoniously in His house of worship, viewing the altar. There he can rejoice at God’s gifts to him (vs. 3), knowing that their journey was indeed worthwhile (Herman Bavinck termed this understanding “theomorphic creation.) Creatures reflect something about God who created them, and He uses these creatures to teach us about Himself. Therefore, it’s vital that we see him everywhere He created – for only then can we appreciate his goodness and grace fully!
