Scripture Reading

Psalm 34:7 The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

Insight on the Word

The covering and protection that the Lord gives to His children is wonderful indeed. Not only do angels watch over us before the Father but they in fact, “encamp” round about us. In the Hebrew the word “encamp” literally means: “to incline; to decline, to pitch a tent;” that is to pitch a tent for an encampment as in a military battle! This idea of military service is further understood by the Lord giving “his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.” (Psalm 91:11) In addition angels also assist and empower us to do the work of the Christian ministry. “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14)

Angelic ministry is promised to those who “fear” the Lord. To “fear” the Lord is to reverence Him. To fear God means to avoid evil as Job did. For Job “feared God, and eschewed evil.” (Job 1:1) It is to walk in God’s ways. (Psalm 128:1)

As we eschew evil, walking in God’s ways blessings come our way. “Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord.” (Psalm 112:1) “Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee.” (Psalm 31:19) “for there is no want to them that fear him.” (Psalm 34:9) To those who fear God He promises “to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.” (Psalm 103:11) “He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him.” (Psalm 145:19)

God is worthy of all praise, but also in a respectful and reverent way, he is to also be feared. As we walk in the fear of the Lord we can be confident this day that “the angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.”

Speak the Word — Angels of God are encamped round about me! (Psalm 34:7)

Daily Bible Reading — Joshua 13 – 15