Pete Hegseth Quotes Psalm 144 Over U.S. Troops as America Wages War on Iran

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth Reads Psalm 144 and Prays Over American Troops During Operation Epic Fury

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth invoked the Word of God at the Pentagon this week, quoting Psalm 144 over American service members as the United States military campaign against Iran continues under Operation Epic Fury.

Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday, March 10, Hegseth opened Scripture and read from the psalm attributed to King David:

"Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle. He is my loving God, and my fortress. My stronghold and my deliverer, my shield in whom I take refuge."

The Secretary had just returned from Dover, Delaware, where he attended the dignified transfer of a fallen American service member. Seven U.S. troops had given their lives in the conflict by that date.

Hegseth then closed his remarks with a powerful prayer over the men and women in uniform deployed across the Middle East:

"May the Lord grant unyielding strength and refuge to our warriors, unbreakable protection to them and our homeland, and total victory over those who seek to harm them. Amen."

The Scripture reading came during a week of intensifying military operations. Hegseth reported that more than 15,000 targets had been struck since Operation Epic Fury began. He stated that Iran's air defenses, air force, and navy have been rendered combat ineffective, and that all of Iran's ballistic missile production companies and defense innovation centers have been destroyed.

Hegseth also declared that "the providence of our almighty God is there protecting those troops," framing the mission as one under divine covering.

Pete Hegseth Invokes Scripture at Pentagon Briefing as U.S. Strikes Against Iran Intensify

General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, joined Hegseth at the briefing and confirmed that a KC 135 tanker had crashed in Iraq, killing four service members. Caine noted the crash occurred in friendly territory and was not the result of hostile fire.

The operation, now entering its third week, has marked a significant escalation in American military engagement in the Middle East.

The Crusader's Opinion

While the world mocks a man for daring to pray in public, Secretary Hegseth did exactly what King David did before going to war: he called on the living God. Psalm 144 is not a polite suggestion. It is a warrior's cry for divine strength. Our troops are not fighting for oil or politics. They are defending a civilization built on the foundation of Christ. Every leader who has ever led men into battle and bowed his head before God first understood something the secular world never will: victory belongs to the Lord. Pray for our warriors. Pray without ceasing.

Take Action

• Pray daily for American troops deployed in Operation Epic Fury. Set a daily alarm and intercede for their safety and strength.
• Send care packages and letters of encouragement to deployed service members through Operation Gratitude.
• Support military families and wounded warriors through The Shepherd's Shield (www.TheShepherdsShield.org).
• Contact your representatives and urge them to support our troops. U.S. Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224 3121.
• Share Psalm 144 with your church community and organize a prayer vigil for our service members this week.