I will love thee, O Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid.
The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me.
In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.
Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth.
There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.
He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet.
And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.
He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies.
At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed, hail stones and coals of fire.
The Lord also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire.
Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them.
Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O Lord, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils.
He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters.
He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me.
They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the Lord was my stay.
He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.
The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.
For I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God.
For all his judgments were before me, and I did not put away his statutes from me.
I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity.
Therefore hath the Lord recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight.
With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright;
With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward.
For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks.
For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.
For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall.
As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
For who is God save the Lord? or who is a rock save our God?
It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.
He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places.
He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.
Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.
Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.
I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed.
I have wounded them that they were not able to rise: they are fallen under my feet.
For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me.
Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me.
They cried, but there was none to save them: even unto the Lord, but he answered them not.
Then did I beat them small as the dust before the wind: I did cast them out as the dirt in the streets.
Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people; and thou hast made me the head of the heathen: a people whom I have not known shall serve me.
As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me.
The strangers shall fade away, and be afraid out of their close places.
The Lord liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.
It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me.
He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.
Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.
Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.
Psalms 18, a powerful testament to God's deliverance and David's unwavering faith, stands as a beacon of hope for all who seek refuge in the Lord. This psalm, also found in 2 Samuel 22, is attributed to David and expresses his profound love and gratitude to God for delivering him from his enemies, including Saul. Understanding the context of Psalms 18 enriches our appreciation for its message. Companion chapters like 2 Samuel 5, 8, and 10 paint a vivid picture of David's battles and victories, providing a backdrop for this song of triumph. 2 Samuel 22:1 specifically mentions that David composed this psalm on the day the Lord rescued him from all his enemies and from Saul. This psalm is not just a historical account but also a template for our own expressions of faith and reliance on God.
A King's Love and God's Strength (18:1-3)
David begins by declaring his deep affection for God: "I love you, LORD, my strength" (Psalms 18:1). This is not merely a statement of duty but a heartfelt expression of love. As the divinely appointed king of Israel, David recognized his dependence on God. This relationship, rooted in love, fueled his confidence in God as his deliverer and source of salvation. He proclaims, "The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold" (Psalms 18:2). These powerful metaphors illustrate the multifaceted protection and security God provides.
Entangled and Heard (18:4-6)
David vividly describes his perilous situation, comparing it to being trapped and ensnared by death. "The cords of death entangled me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me" (Psalms 18:4-5). He felt overwhelmed and hopeless, yet in his distress, he turned to the Lord. "In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears" (Psalms 18:6). This verse offers immense encouragement. Even when we feel trapped by our circumstances, God is attentive to our cries and ready to intervene. Our dire situations can become opportunities for God to demonstrate His unique power and provide solutions only He can offer.
God's Dramatic Intervention (18:7-15)
These verses poetically depict God's response to David's plea, using powerful imagery of earthquakes, smoke, thunder, and lightning. "The earth trembled and quaked, the foundations of the mountains shook; they trembled because he was angry. Smoke rose from his nostrils; consuming fire came from his mouth, burning coals blazed out of it" (Psalms 18:7-8). This is not a literal description but a symbolic representation of God's awesome power and righteous anger against injustice. It's as if creation itself erupted on David's behalf, showcasing God's commitment to his servant. The Lord hurled lightning bolts and routed the enemy, revealing the depths of His power and commitment to answering David's cry for help.
Intimacy and Deliverance (18:16-19)
David emphasizes the intimate relationship he shared with God, which led to God's delight in him and a massive intervention to deliver him from his powerful enemies. "He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me" (Psalms 18:16-17). This passage highlights the importance of close fellowship with God. When we cultivate intimacy with Him, we are more likely to witness His dramatic interventions in our lives. God delivered David because He delighted in him, setting him in a safe place.
Righteousness Rewarded (18:20-24)
David acknowledges that God rewarded him according to his righteousness. "The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me" (Psalms 18:20). While David was not perfect, his life was characterized by a general desire to honor and obey God. This passage underscores the importance of faithfulness and obedience, which lead to blessings and victory. Living blamelessly before God, striving to maintain a pure heart, brings forth rewards we cannot fully comprehend.
God's Character and Our Mindset (18:25-29)
David reflects on God's consistent character, noting that He is faithful, blameless, and pure with those who deal with Him in the same way. "To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the devious you show yourself shrewd" (Psalms 18:25-26). This demonstrates God's justice and impartiality. He rewards obedience and humbles the proud and crooked. Knowing that God was on his side empowered David to face any opposition. This should be our mindset as well: with God, we can overcome any enemy.
Equipped for Victory (18:30-45)
David rejoices in God's perfect character and trustworthiness. "As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him" (Psalms 18:30). He then details how God equipped, enabled, and strengthened him for battle, leading to victory over his enemies. Though David's enemies cried for help, there was no one to save them. This highlights the futility of relying on anything other than God in times of crisis.
Praise for the Living God (18:46-50)
The psalm concludes with David praising God for delivering him from his enemies, proving that He is the living God. "The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior!" (Psalms 18:46). God is David's source of security and safety. Remembering His covenant with David to establish a royal dynasty, God showed steadfast love to His anointed king and his descendants, even extending blessings to the Gentiles. This psalm serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the enduring nature of His promises. It encourages us to praise Him continually for His deliverance and unwavering love.
I will love thee, O Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid.
The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me.
In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.
Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth.
There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.
He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet.
And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.
He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies.
At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed, hail stones and coals of fire.
The Lord also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire.
Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them.
Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O Lord, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils.
He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters.
He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me.
They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the Lord was my stay.
He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.
The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.
For I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God.
For all his judgments were before me, and I did not put away his statutes from me.
I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity.
Therefore hath the Lord recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight.
With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright;
With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward.
For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks.
For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.
For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall.
As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
For who is God save the Lord? or who is a rock save our God?
It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.
He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places.
He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.
Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.
Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.
I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed.
I have wounded them that they were not able to rise: they are fallen under my feet.
For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me.
Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me.
They cried, but there was none to save them: even unto the Lord, but he answered them not.
Then did I beat them small as the dust before the wind: I did cast them out as the dirt in the streets.
Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people; and thou hast made me the head of the heathen: a people whom I have not known shall serve me.
As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me.
The strangers shall fade away, and be afraid out of their close places.
The Lord liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.
It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me.
He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.
Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.
Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.
Psalms 18, a powerful testament to God's deliverance and David's unwavering faith, stands as a beacon of hope for all who seek refuge in the Lord. This psalm, also found in 2 Samuel 22, is attributed to David and expresses his profound love and gratitude to God for delivering him from his enemies, including Saul. Understanding the context of Psalms 18 enriches our appreciation for its message. Companion chapters like 2 Samuel 5, 8, and 10 paint a vivid picture of David's battles and victories, providing a backdrop for this song of triumph. 2 Samuel 22:1 specifically mentions that David composed this psalm on the day the Lord rescued him from all his enemies and from Saul. This psalm is not just a historical account but also a template for our own expressions of faith and reliance on God.
A King's Love and God's Strength (18:1-3)
David begins by declaring his deep affection for God: "I love you, LORD, my strength" (Psalms 18:1). This is not merely a statement of duty but a heartfelt expression of love. As the divinely appointed king of Israel, David recognized his dependence on God. This relationship, rooted in love, fueled his confidence in God as his deliverer and source of salvation. He proclaims, "The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold" (Psalms 18:2). These powerful metaphors illustrate the multifaceted protection and security God provides.
Entangled and Heard (18:4-6)
David vividly describes his perilous situation, comparing it to being trapped and ensnared by death. "The cords of death entangled me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me" (Psalms 18:4-5). He felt overwhelmed and hopeless, yet in his distress, he turned to the Lord. "In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears" (Psalms 18:6). This verse offers immense encouragement. Even when we feel trapped by our circumstances, God is attentive to our cries and ready to intervene. Our dire situations can become opportunities for God to demonstrate His unique power and provide solutions only He can offer.
God's Dramatic Intervention (18:7-15)
These verses poetically depict God's response to David's plea, using powerful imagery of earthquakes, smoke, thunder, and lightning. "The earth trembled and quaked, the foundations of the mountains shook; they trembled because he was angry. Smoke rose from his nostrils; consuming fire came from his mouth, burning coals blazed out of it" (Psalms 18:7-8). This is not a literal description but a symbolic representation of God's awesome power and righteous anger against injustice. It's as if creation itself erupted on David's behalf, showcasing God's commitment to his servant. The Lord hurled lightning bolts and routed the enemy, revealing the depths of His power and commitment to answering David's cry for help.
Intimacy and Deliverance (18:16-19)
David emphasizes the intimate relationship he shared with God, which led to God's delight in him and a massive intervention to deliver him from his powerful enemies. "He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me" (Psalms 18:16-17). This passage highlights the importance of close fellowship with God. When we cultivate intimacy with Him, we are more likely to witness His dramatic interventions in our lives. God delivered David because He delighted in him, setting him in a safe place.
Righteousness Rewarded (18:20-24)
David acknowledges that God rewarded him according to his righteousness. "The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me" (Psalms 18:20). While David was not perfect, his life was characterized by a general desire to honor and obey God. This passage underscores the importance of faithfulness and obedience, which lead to blessings and victory. Living blamelessly before God, striving to maintain a pure heart, brings forth rewards we cannot fully comprehend.
God's Character and Our Mindset (18:25-29)
David reflects on God's consistent character, noting that He is faithful, blameless, and pure with those who deal with Him in the same way. "To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the devious you show yourself shrewd" (Psalms 18:25-26). This demonstrates God's justice and impartiality. He rewards obedience and humbles the proud and crooked. Knowing that God was on his side empowered David to face any opposition. This should be our mindset as well: with God, we can overcome any enemy.
Equipped for Victory (18:30-45)
David rejoices in God's perfect character and trustworthiness. "As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him" (Psalms 18:30). He then details how God equipped, enabled, and strengthened him for battle, leading to victory over his enemies. Though David's enemies cried for help, there was no one to save them. This highlights the futility of relying on anything other than God in times of crisis.
Praise for the Living God (18:46-50)
The psalm concludes with David praising God for delivering him from his enemies, proving that He is the living God. "The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior!" (Psalms 18:46). God is David's source of security and safety. Remembering His covenant with David to establish a royal dynasty, God showed steadfast love to His anointed king and his descendants, even extending blessings to the Gentiles. This psalm serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the enduring nature of His promises. It encourages us to praise Him continually for His deliverance and unwavering love.