Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 5:12

"For thou wilt bless the righteous; O Jehovah, thou wilt compass him with favor as with a shield." — Psalms 5:12 (ASV)

For thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous - It is one of the characteristics of God that, while he will punish the wicked, he will show favor to the righteous; while he brings deserved punishment upon the one, he will show his favor to the other.

With favor wilt thou compass him as with a shield - That is, as a shield is thrown around or before one in the day of battle to protect him, so will you throw your protection around the righteous. For a description of a “shield,” see the notes at Ephesians 6:16. Compare the notes at Psalms 3:3. On these accounts, David felt that he might trust in God in the day of trouble and danger; and, on the same account, all who are righteous may put their trust in him now.