keeper” as it is often rendered (שֹׁמְרֶךָ; s.v. Ps. 12:7), referring to the LORD. Here the participle as a substantive stresses the idea of “protecting” and all that it involves. The prayer, then, is that the divine protector be vigilant in his care. Because this word “protect / keep” (שָׁמַר) is used six times in these eight verses it is clearly the focus of the passage. God’s protection of his people at times came through direct, divine intervention, such as through angels who were given charge