Fear Not, I Am Your Shield

The word of the LORD came to Abram, a prophet, reaffirming what He has already promised him.

• "The word of the LORD" occurs 255x in scriptures (239 OT+ 16 NT)
• Fear not-An encounter with God or even one of his angels, typically starts with "Fear Not" because it is terrifying to be in the presence of one so powerful! It was the same with Isaac, and he promised him "I am with you." God reassures so many of his servants throughout redemptive history with these same promises.
• I am-the LORD reassures Abram not just with what God is going to do but who he is, with his hesed (covenant love and faithfulness)
• Shield (magen)-warfare armor, smaller for tactical hand to hand combat. This terminology and theme saturates the Psalms, as does our right response to it, trusting in God.