Manny Benton – Strength and Shield

Last year, up-and-coming artist Manny Benton personally requested that I review his single I Look To You, which came out in 2017.  I gave it a glowing review.  He recently requested another review for his recently released single Strength and Shield, to which I am happy to oblige!

Note to new users: This is a different kind of review site!  Read About the Berean Test and Evaluation Criteria prior to reading this review.

1. What message does the song communicate?

Manny Benton can confidently trust in God, because He is the source of his might and protection.  Benton has no reason to fear enemies, choosing instead to observe God, watching as He destroys them.

Score: 10/10

2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?

The Bible and Benton’s lyrics are in agreement with one another.

Lyrics posted with permission.*

[Verse 1]

Though wars will rise | I’m confident
I’ll lift my eyes | and trust in Him 

Benton’s faith is tested through trials and tribulations, resulting in His trust of God (Psalm 66:8-12, Acts 14:22, Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4, and 1 Peter 1:5-9)

who is my help | and source of strength 

Supported in Nehemiah 8:10, Psalm 22:19, Psalm 28:7-8, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 118:14, Isaiah 12:2, Isaiah 33:2, Isaiah 40:29-31, Habakkuk 3:19, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Ephesians 3:16, Ephesians 6:10, and Philippians 4:13.

I’m safe in His hands

That is, God is a refuge (Psalm 18:1-3, Psalm 27:1-5, Psalm 31:19-24, Psalm 46:1-3, Psalm 71:1-6, Psalm 91:1-4, Proverbs 14:26, Proverbs 18:10, and Isaiah 25:1-5).

[Chorus]

Yea, though I walk through the valley
I know you’re right there beside me
I will never fear | no I will never fear

Borrows from Psalm 23:4, concluding that God is present in Benton’s dark times.

for you Lord | are my strength and shield

That which ultimately stems from God are power (Nehemiah 8:10, Psalm 22:19, Psalm 28:7-8, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 118:14, Isaiah 12:2, Isaiah 33:2, Isaiah 40:29-31, Habakkuk 3:19, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Ephesians 3:16, Ephesians 6:10, and Philippians 4:13) and protection (Ruth 2:12, 2 Samuel 22:3-4, Psalm 3:3, Psalm 5:11, Psalm 18:30, Psalm 27:1, Psalm 32:7, Psalm 34:22, Psalm 41:2, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 57:1, Psalm 59:1, Psalm 61:3, Psalm 91:1-16, Psalm 118:8, Psalm 121:7-8, Psalm 138:7, Proverbs 18:10, Proverbs 30:5, Nahum 1:7, 2 Thessalonians 3:3, and 1 John 5:18).

[Verse 2]

He is my light | my salvation 

Quotes from Psalm 27:1, which also ties in with Chorus, line 3.

my enemies | stumble and fall

Quotes from Psalm 27:2.

He’s fighting for me | He won’t forsake me

God fights Benton’s battles (Exodus 14:14, Deuteronomy 3:22, Deuteronomy 20:4, Joshua 1:9, Joshua 23:10, Psalms 44:5, and Romans 8:31) and promises not to leave nor forsake those who are His (Deuteronomy 31:6, Psalm 118:6 and Hebrews 13:5-6).

I’m safe in His arms

Similar to Verse 1, line 4.

[Bridge]

If God is for me | and not against me

Quotes from Romans 8:31.

whom shall I fear | whom shall I fear

That is, what can man do to me (Psalm 27:1, Psalm 118:6, Isaiah 51:12, and Hebrews 13:6)?

Score: 10/10

3. How would an outsider interpret the song?

If an unbeliever cannot understand this, I cannot help them.  Benton uses simple enough language that even a child can comprehend it.

Score: 10/10

4. What does this song glorify?

Benton glorifies God through his demonstrative trust in Him, regardless of personal struggles.

Score: 10/10

Closing Comments

Manny Benton knocks it out of the park once again with his second single Strength and Shield.  Much of his statements are quoted directly from Scripture, with the rest finding Biblical support, which glorifies God.  All should find his interpretation easy.

While few recognize Benton’s music, worship leaders looking for an independent artist’s work should consider this one for their worship set.

Final Score: 10/10

Artist Info

Track: Strength and Shield (listen to the song)

Artist: Manny Benton

Album: N/A

Genre: Contemporary Christian Music (CCM)

Release Year: 2019

Duration: 3:27

Agree?  Disagree?  Don’t be shy or have a cow!  Calmly and politely state your case in a comment, below.

*Copyright ©2019 Manny Benton Music (ASCAP). All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Updates:

03/25/2021 – Updated per repetition announcement. Also, updated grammatical error in Intro.