A Siege of Mercy: The Angel of the Lord and the Gates of Hell

“The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them.” — Psalm 34:7

This verse is often read as a promise of comfort and protection, and rightly so. The angel of the LORD surrounds those who revere God, shielding them from danger, delivering them from harm.

But there’s another layer—a deeper and more dramatic vision hiding in plain sight.

What if the encampment is not a perimeter of defense… but a siege?

What if those who fear the LORD are not huddled safely inside His fortress, but are instead captive within enemy territory? What if they are trapped inside a city—a kingdom that hates God—and the angel of the LORD has surrounded that city, not to protect it… but to tear it down?

Imagine the people of God, exiled behind enemy walls, surrounded by the culture, systems, and spiritual forces that oppose Him. They are in the city, but not of it. And they cry out. Not for comfort, but for rescue.

And the angel of the LORD encamps.

He surrounds the stronghold. He lays siege to the city of rebellion—Hell itself. The battering ram is raised. The gates tremble. The Kingdom of God has come, and the gates of Hell will not prevail.

This is not protection—it is liberation.

God’s people are not delivered because they escape—they are delivered because He breaks in. He lays siege to the darkness with the light. He invades the grave with life. He surrounds Death with the armies of Heaven and tears it open from the outside in.

This is the Gospel.

God is not far off, waiting for us to climb our way out of captivity. He enters. He fights. He breaks down the walls. And He delivers those who fear Him.

So yes—fear the LORD. Revere Him. Stand in awe of His power. Because the One who encamps around you is not only your protector—He is your Deliverer, your Warrior, your King.

And when His siege is complete, joy will flood the streets of the city He has redeemed.