Commentaries:
Barnes' Notes
Behold, O God our shield - Our defense, as a shield is a defense in the day of battle. Compare Psalms 5:12, note; Psalms 18:2, note; Psalms 33:20, note. It is an appeal to God as a protector. The psalmist was an exile - a wanderer - and he looked to God as his defense.
And look upon the face of thine anointed - Look favorably upon; look with benignity and kindness. The word anointed here is the word "Messiah" - ׁ mâshı̂yach (Greek, ́ Christos , "Christ" ; see the notes at Matthew 1:1). Compare the notes at Psalms 2:2. It here refers, however, evidently to the author of the psalm; and the word used is evidence that the author was David, as the anointed of the Lord, or someone set apart to the kingly office. It is true that this word was applicable to other kings, and also to priests and prophets, but the circumstances in the case concur best on the supposition that David is referred to. The allusion here is not to Christ; and the language does not suggest or justify the use which is often made of it when prayer is offered, that "God would look upon us in the face of his anointed" - whatever may, or may not be, the propriety of that prayer on other, grounds.
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