But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
But - against the enemy's denial of God's power and will to save him, which, indeed, seems confirmed by the trouble on every side in which he is, faith recalls past deliverances, and relies on God's Word. So the Antitype "committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously" (1 Peter 2:23).
Thou art shield - as to Abraham (Genesis 15:1), and to Israel (Deuteronomy 33:29). A favourite designation of God in David's Psalms.
For me, х ba`ªdiy (H1157)] - rather, as margin, 'around me.' Not merely as a common shield, protecting me in front, but encompassing me on every side against the "many that rise up against me" (Psalms 139:3; Psalms 139:5).
My glory - whereas they think to put me to shame. The honour which God has put on me heretofore is a pledge that He will not now disgrace me for ever. Nay, God Himself is "my glory."
The lifter up of mine head - in times past; for instance, when thou didst lift me up from following the flocks to be King of Israel; again, from the persecutions of Saul; so now wilt thou be my 'lifter up' from the unnatural revolt of Absalom. Compare Genesis 40:13: another type of Christ lifted up from the tomb after three days.