Down to Earth But Heavenly Minded

What does Psalms Chapter 18 mean?

Psalm 18 is the fourth longest psalm in the book of Psalms. Second Samuel chapter 22 contains a nearly identical speech; the text found here may be an adapted version of David’s praise, to be used for worship. The introduction refers to the fact that David made this statement as an expression of his love for God (Psalm 18:1).

The first section in David’s song of praise thanks God for providing rescue. At times in David’s life, he was hunted and persecuted. The imagery in this section relates those experiences to the feeling of being tied up or drowning. In response to David’s prayers for help, God intervened. David evokes images of earthquakes, fire, storms, and lightning to depict the power of the Lord’s intercession. The result of that rescue was David’s victory and security (Psalm 18:2–19).

David credits God with rescuing him and praises the Lord for rewarding his righteousness. While not a perfect man, the pattern of David’s life was to honor and obey God (1 Samuel 13:14). This part of Psalm 18 declares that David’s intent was to humble himself before God. In response to those who are merciful, God shows mercy. Those who are arrogant and proud can expect to be ruined (Psalm 18:20–27).

After thanking the Lord for rescue, David turns to a celebration of his God-empowered victories (2 Samuel 22:1). Scripture certainly supports the idea that David’s military success was impressive (2 Samuel 8:1–8, 14). This passage uses metaphors such as being agile as a deer, strong enough to bend a bronze bow, having a wide and clear path, and so forth. While God responded to David’s pleas, those who hated God saw no help when facing destruction. As a result of this divine intervention, Israel was safe from her enemies, and many avoided war entirely by submitting to David (Psalm 18:28–45).

The psalm closes by summarizing the themes already mentioned. God is the ultimate foundation of David’s life, and the reason for all his success. In response, David will praise and celebrate the Lord (Psalm 18:46–50).

Chapter Context
This psalm is David’s prayer to the Lord in which David praises the Lord for making him victorious over his enemies. Second Samuel 5, 8, and 10 are companion chapters, and 2 Samuel 22 provides another version of this psalm. Second Samuel 22:1 tells us David composed Psalm 18 on the day the Lord delivered him from his enemies and Saul. Second Samuel 19 reports David’s victorious return to Jerusalem after David vanquished his enemies.

Verse by Verse

Verse 1. I love you, O Lord, my strength.

The introduction to this psalm credits it to David, who gave the first version of this praise in 2 Samuel chapter 22. David was motivated by God’s immense help in rescuing him from Saul and his many other enemies.

In this verse David tells God he loves Him. Deuteronomy 6:5 gives Israel the command to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, and might, and Jesus identified this command as “the great and first commandment” (Matthew 22:37–38). David’s love for the Lord honored this commandment. His love for God was deep. David recognized the Lord as the one who made him victorious over his foes.

After rising from the grave, Jesus met His disciples and asked Peter whether Peter loved Him. Peter had previously denied the Lord three times but now he confessed three times that he loved the Lord as the Lord restored him (John 21:15–17). Like David and restored Peter, we, too, should love the Lord; and we can show our love for Him by keeping His commandments (John 14:15).

Context Summary
Psalm 18:1–19 expresses David’s love for the Lord and his praise to God for delivering him from his enemies. This is very similar—perhaps an updated version—of David’s song of praise recorded in 2 Samuel chapter 22. Psalms 3—5 recall David’s prayer for deliverance from his foes and his trust in the Lord to deliver him from them. Psalms 48:1; 96:4; 145:3; and 150 also express praise to the Lord. An account of David’s deliverance from his enemies is found in 2 Samuel 19—21. Other passages of Scripture that reveal God’s deliverance of His people include Exodus 14; Joshua 10; Judges 7; 2 Kings 19:20–37; and Revelation 19:11–21.

Verse 2. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

David uses five metaphors in this verse to describe God’s relationship with him. He views God as his rock, his fortress, his shield, the horn of his salvation, and his stronghold. These metaphors identify David as a warrior. As he fought his enemies, he relied on God for protection.

About twenty times in Psalms the Lord is referred to as a Rock because of the security He provides for those who trust in Him (for example, Psalm 19:14; 28:1; 62:2; 94:22).

As David’s fortress, God was his refuge. A fortress is meant to protect against hostile enemies—no fortress built by human hands provided as much protection for David as the fortress that was the Lord.

The Lord was also David’s shield (Psalm 3:3). As his shield, the Lord protected David from his foes. He covered David as a shield covers a soldier.

In David’s era, horns were symbolic of strength, which is why they are often used as metaphors for kings and rulers (Daniel 7:8; Revelation 17:12). As David’s horn of salvation, the Lord empowered and delivered him.

As David’s stronghold, God provided protection, much as a high, safe place provides refuge and protection for a soldier. Believers today have the Lord Jesus Christ as our refuge and shield. The apostle Paul referred to our lives as “hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3).

Verse 3. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,and I am saved from my enemies.

David attributes his deliverance from his enemies, including Saul (1 Samuel 19:11–12; 2 Samuel 22:1), to the Lord. To be “delivered,” in this context, means to be rescued or saved. The Hebrew root word is yasha’, which implies someone who brings freedom or enables an escape. Scripture records many instances of the Lord’s deliverance, such as:

• The Hebrews from the Egyptian cavalry (Exodus 12:51; 15:19).
• The city of Gibeon from five kings and their forces (Joshua 10:6–11).
• Israel from the oppression of the Midianites (Judges 7:15–25).
• Jerusalem from the Assyrians (Isaiah 37:33–36).
• Daniel from the lions’ den (Daniel 6:19–23).
• Peter from prison and execution (Acts 12:6–17).
• Christian believers from sin (Romans 6:17–18), the law of Moses (Romans 7:24–25), “the present evil age” (Galatians 1:4), and “from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:10).
• He also delivers us from temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Certainly, given all of that, we ought to agree with David that the Lord is worthy to be praised!

Verse 4. The cords of death encompassed me;the torrents of destruction assailed me;

In the wilderness, when Saul and his forces pursued David (1 Samuel 23:15), David experienced great distress. At times he felt surrounded with no way to escape. This feeling is symbolized as cords—ropes or strings—that are wrapping around him. In those situations, it seemed death was imminent. Using another analogy, David compares this to the feeling of being caught in a flood or crashing waves. The sense of being overwhelmed and on the verge of death is terrifying. If it were not for God’s rescue, David would surely have died.

The book of Job includes comments from three of Job’s companions, whose words are mostly unhelpful. Eliphaz, one of these “comforters” (Job 2:11) told Job, “Snares are all around you, and sudden terror overwhelms you, or darkness, so that you cannot see, and a flood of water covers you” (Job 22:10–11). Of course, trouble came like a flood to both Job and David, not because they were guilty of some horrendous sin. They were both upright in God’s sight, but testing caused them to see the Lord more clearly as their rescuer and Redeemer (Job 19:24–25).

Believers may become severely distressed by persecution and/or trials, but the Lord never forsakes His people. Isaiah 43:1–2 promises: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by my name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you” (Isaiah 43:1–2).

Those who trust fully in God have a promise to cling to in tough times. Hebrews 13:5 quotes the Lord as saying, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Verse 5. the cords of Sheol entangled me;the snares of death confronted me.

At times, when Saul was pursuing David in the wilderness (1 Samuel 23:15), David felt doomed. Here, he echoes the same imagery used in the prior verse (Psalm 18:4). The feeling of being trapped, tied up, or entangled in ropes parallels David’s sense of being helplessly caught by his enemies. The term Sheol is derived from an ancient term for “hollowness,” but it came to mean “the underworld or the grave, the realm of all the dead.” David was so hemmed in by Saul’s men that he felt the grave was reaching out for him.

Years later, the prophet Jonah would report a similar feeling of entrapment and terror. He cried out to the Lord from the belly of a great fish and said, “I called out to the LORD, out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice” (Jonah 2:2).

For a Christian death poses no ultimate threat. By His death and resurrection Jesus removed the sting of death. When born-again Christians die, they simply pass from life on earth with all its troubles and trials to heaven with all its joys and blessings. The apostle Paul regarded death not as loss, but as gain (Philippians 1:21).

Verse 6. In my distress I called upon the Lord;to my God I cried for help.From his temple he heard my voice,and my cry to him reached his ears.

It has been observed that, when you are on your back, you can look up. David faced a crisis in which he felt doomed. Saul’s forces had hemmed him in, and he was flat on his back (1 Samuel 23:15). But David looked up. In his distress he prayed. He called out to God for help, and the Lord answered him from heaven.

Jeremiah 33:2–3 holds God’s invitation to call on Him and His promise to answer (Matthew 7:7–11). Hannah is a good example of what happens when a person in distress calls to the Lord for help. Ridiculed by her husband’s other wife because she was barren, Hannah entered the tabernacle and silently but fervently asked the Lord to give her a son. First Samuel 1:1–20 reveals that Hannah was “deeply distressed” (1 Samuel 1:10) and “troubled in spirit” (1 Samuel 1:15) and prayed out of “great anxiety and vexation” (1 Samuel 1:16). The Lord answered her cry for help, and gave her a son, whom she named Samuel, meaning “asked or heard of God.”

For all who feel distressed, God is “a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

Verse 7. Then the earth reeled and rocked;the foundations also of the mountains trembledand quaked, because he was angry.

So far in this psalm, David has praised God for His help and deliverance (Psalm 18:1–5). He recalled when he had cried out to God for rescue (Psalm 18:6). Now David begins to describe God’s response to his cry.

This passage uses dramatic imagery to describe the power of God. In His anger with Saul, the Lord came to David’s defense like a massive earthquake. Just as a mighty tremor ruptures and rocks the earth violently, so God’s fury targeted Saul and other enemies of David.

After witnessing the Lord’s destruction of Pharaoh’s cavalry in the Red Sea, Moses and the people of Israel sang to the Lord. In their song of praise, they observed, “Your right hand, O LORD, glorious in power, your right hand, O LORD, shatters the enemy. In the greatness of your majesty you overthrow your adversaries; you send out your fury; it consumes them like stubble” (Exodus 15:6–7). The writer of Hebrews 10:31 warned, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”

The Lord knew David was suffering, and He knew Saul was causing the suffering. In a furious display of His anger He judged Saul (1 Samuel 31:1–4).

Verse 8. Smoke went up from his nostrils,and devouring fire from his mouth;glowing coals flamed forth from him.

David continues his description of God’s anger against his enemies (Psalm 18:7). The prior verse compared God’s powerful response to an earthquake. Volcanic activity is often connected to quakes, and here David suggests imagery related to an erupting volcano. David poetically describes the scene as smoke rising from the Lord’s nostrils, with all-consuming flames shooting out of His mouth. The “glowing coals” are probably a description of lava. Just as an erupting volcano’s lava flow destroys everything in its path, so the Lord’s erupting anger engulfs and destroys the wicked.

About 500 years before David wrote Psalm 18, Moses and the people of Israel sang praises to God for destroying the Egyptian cavalry in the Red Sea. They gave a poetic description of God much like David’s description in this verse. They sang: “At the blast of your nostrils the waters piled up; the floods stood up in a heap” (Exodus 15:8). Near the end of his life, Moses warned the Israelites about the consequences of rebelling against the Lord. He quoted the Lord as saying, “For a fire is kindled by my anger, and it burns to the depths of Sheol, devours the earth and its increase, and sets on fire the foundations of the mountains” (Deuteronomy 32:22).

It is frightful to rebel against the Lord as Saul did by seeking to kill David, the Lord’s anointed king.

Verse 9. He bowed the heavens and came down;thick darkness was under his feet.

A poetic description of God’s powerful response (Psalm 18:7–8) to David’s pleas continues. David portrays the Lord as descending from heaven like a black cloud. The imagery suggests the sky was dropping down to the earth, engulfing it in an ominous darkness. Earlier passages compared God’s wrath to an earthquake, and possibly to a volcanic eruption. This verse might follow that pattern, depicting the dust, smoke, and ash of such an event. An alternative image might be that of a massive tornado.

When God judges the wicked in the tribulation, the seven-year period that follows His removal of Christians from the earth (1 Thessalonians 4:13–17), thick darkness will fall upon the earth. Joel 2:2 describes this period as “a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness.” Revelation 16:10 prophesies that during the fifth bowl judgment the kingdom of the beast will be plunged into darkness and people will gnaw their tongues in anguish. Whereas the events of Revelation 16:10 are at least partially literal, David’s description of God’s descending like a black cloud is figurative. Nevertheless, both descriptions provide a terrifying account of God’s furious judgment.

Verse 10. He rode on a cherub and flew;he came swiftly on the wings of the wind.

David depicts his rescue from enemies, thanks to the Lord, as rapid. He pictures the Lord as coming to his defense and riding on a cherub and on the wings of the wind. This portrayal views God as a mighty warrior in a chariot charging the enemy swiftly.

In Scripture, cherubim—the plural term for a cherub—are angels that guard God’s holiness. Modern culture tends to use terms like “angel” and “cherub” to describe something wholesome or cute. Angels like cherubim, however, are spiritual beings of incredible power. God appointed cherubim to guard the garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24), making it impossible for our first parents to return to the tree of life.

Ezekiel 10:8–14 describes the cherubim as having hands like human hands, wings, and four faces. Ezekiel 10:15 calls them, “living creatures.” This identification seems to identify them as the living creatures the apostle John saw around God’s throne and heard saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (Revelation 4:6–8). Two golden cherubim were mounted on top of the ark of the covenant with their faces looking down on the mercy seat and their wings spread over its top (Exodus 25:17–22). Hebrews 9:5 refers to them as “the cherubim of glory.” Cherubim were also woven into the curtain of the tabernacle and the veil (Exodus 26:1, 31).

Verse 11. He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him,thick clouds dark with water.

Adding to his description of how the Lord delivered him from enemies such as Saul, David writes that the Lord covered Himself with darkness like thick rain clouds. Invisible to the human eye, the Lord was working out His purpose to rescue David. We cannot see God, but the eye of faith perceives that He has a purpose for our lives. Romans 8:28 assures us that all things, including hard trials, work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.

Joseph, a major figure in the Old Testament, is a classic example of how God works behind the scenes. God’s purpose for Joseph was to put him in high command in Egypt so he would save the lives of God’s chosen people. When a severe famine struck that part of the world (Genesis 41:53–54), Joseph had already counseled the Egyptians to store grain in the years of bountiful harvest so it would be available in the lean years (Genesis 41:46–49). His wise plan kept the descendants of Jacob alive when they came to Egypt in search of grain (Genesis 42:1–3). Later Joseph reflected on his brothers’ malicious treatment of him that had taken him from Canaan to Egypt (Genesis 37:23–28). Joseph remarked, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today” (Genesis 50:20). The Lord works in secret, mysterious ways, but His ways always lead to the right conclusion.

Verse 12. Out of the brightness before himhailstones and coals of fire broke through his clouds.

According to David’s poetic description of how the Lord rescued him, brightness went before the Lord and hailstones and coals of fire broke through the clouds. The biblical account of David’s battles with Saul, or his other enemies, don’t refer to literal earthquakes or fire (Psalm 18:7–8), nor hail, nor pulling David out of the water (Psalm 18:16). This is part of David’s continuing imagery about the power God expressed in rescuing David. Coals of fire breaking through the clouds might be a depiction of bolts of lightning or even a meteorite shower.

Hail is rare in that area of the world, but the Bible mentions hail occurring in connection with God’s judgment. The Lord sent heavy hail onto the land of Egypt as the seventh plague (Exodus 9:18–19). He also sent hailstones on the five kings of the Amorites and their forces who came against Joshua and Gibeon (Joshua 10:11). Haggai 2:17 attributes a judgment of hail to the Lord to persuade His backslidden people to return to Him, but they did not turn to Him. Revelation 16:21 reports that under the seventh bowl judgment in the tribulation hailstones weighing about one hundred pounds each fall from heaven upon the wicked.

Verse 13. The Lord also thundered in the heavens,and the Most High uttered his voice,hailstones and coals of fire.

David continues his poetic description of how the Lord rescued him from Saul, and all of David’s other enemies (2 Samuel 22:1). This extends the symbolic message David has used so far, including earthquakes, smoke, fire, darkness, and so forth (Psalm 18:7–12).

In his speech to Job, Elihu referred to the Lord’s voice as sounding like thunder and rumbling accompanied by lightning (Job 37:2–5). Psalm 29:3–5 states “the God of glory thunders…The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty…[it] breaks the cedars.” These descriptive statements show how awesome and powerful God is.

Unbelievers have every reason to fear the Lord’s voice when He pronounces judgment on them, but believers cherish the voice of the Lord. He speaks comforting and assuring words to believers (2 Peter 1:3–4).

Verse 14. And he sent out his arrows and scattered them;he flashed forth lightnings and routed them.

Looking back on how God rescued him from his enemies (2 Samuel 22:1), David continues to poetically describe the power of God (Psalm 18:7–13). Here he evokes the frightening aspect of lightning. The sudden burst of light, heat, noise, and destruction makes lightning a useful symbol of God’s unstoppable power.

When Elihu addressed Job, he said, “Behold, [God] scatters his lightning about him” (Job 36:30). He added that the Lord “covers his hands with the lightning and commands it to strike its mark. Its crashing declares his presence” (Job 36:32–33). Fear of lightning may cause people to take shelter, but the Lord owns the lightning and wears it like a glove. The victory David obtained over his enemies was like a fierce display of God’s anger and power, as if it were lightning aimed at the enemy.

Of course, we should not think every lightning storm is aimed at those who oppose God, and people are not wrong to seek shelter in a lightning storm. However, lightning should remind us that God possesses awesome power and merits our praise.

Verse 15. Then the channels of the sea were seen,and the foundations of the world were laid bareat your rebuke, O Lord,at the blast of the breath of your nostrils.

In this passage, David has used dramatic metaphors to explain the awesome power of God (Psalm 18:7–14). This is part of David’s song of praise, thanking the Lord for victory over David’s enemies (2 Samuel 22:1).

The imagery given here implies God’s rebuke. His breath can blast the waters of sea apart to the point that the sea floor is exposed. This connects to the description of Israel’s miraculous rescue at the Red Sea, where God exposed the land, allowing the people to walk across (Exodus 14:15, 22). That was accomplished, in part, by a blast of wind (Exodus 14:21).

Psalm 29 indicates that God’s voice breaks the strong cedars of Lebanon, causes Lebanon to skip like a calf, shakes the wilderness, and strips the forests bare. This description agrees with David’s description of the powerful changes to sea and land that occur at the Lord’s rebuke and at the blast of His nostrils. Heaven and earth serve God’s purposes, and He has complete authority and control over them.

The judgments described in Revelation include those that involve the Lord’s use of the sea, rivers, springs, wind, crops, sun, and moon, as the Lord releases His wrath on the wicked (Revelation 6).

Verse 16. He sent from on high, he took me;he drew me out of many waters.

This continues David’s praise for God’s rescue during hard times (2 Samuel 22:1). As surely as the Lord drew Moses out of the waters of the Nile (Exodus 2:10), so the Lord drew David out of many waters. David was surrounded by his enemies and felt as doomed as a drowning man, but the Lord pulled him to safety. Earlier in this passage (Psalm 18:4–6), David compared his hardships to torrents of destruction and death. In those moments, he cried out for help and God answered his prayer.

Now David testifies to the fact that God delivered him from “many waters.” This continues the theme implied by the word “deliver,” translated from a Hebrew term which implies rescue (Psalm 18:2).

Matthew 8:23–27 tells the story about Jesus’ terrified disciples and how He rescued them. They were all in a boat on the Sea of Galilee when a powerful storm suddenly whipped up the sea and sent waves crashing into the boat. Fearing for their lives, the disciples woke Jesus and asked Him to save them. They believed they were perishing. Jesus rebuked them for their lack of faith, arose, and, with just a word, calmed the wind and the sea. His power over nature caused the disciples to ask, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”

We may find ourselves drowning in a sea of disappointments and/or difficulties, but the Lord is able to deliver us. We need to trust Him.

Verse 17. He rescued me from my strong enemyand from those who hated me,for they were too mighty for me.

David continues his testimony of the Lord’s intervention on his behalf. He describes his enemy as strong and hateful. Further, he admits they were too mighty for him, but they were not too mighty for the Lord. He rescued David from his enemy. David had spent ten years as a fugitive in the wilderness when Saul sought to kill him, but the Lord brought those years to a happy conclusion (2 Samuel 22:1). After David became king he still fought enemies. Later in his reign that even included fleeing from his own son, Absalom, who had conspired to overthrow his father (2 Samuel 15—19; Psalm 3).

Regardless of how desperate our circumstances seem, we can wait patiently on the Lord and He will bring everything to a happy conclusion. Our enemy, the Devil, is too mighty for us, so we dare not try to defeat him in our own strength. The apostle Paul told Timothy to be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 2:1). And he told the Ephesians to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might” (Ephesians 6:10). Further, he exhorted them to “put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). The apostle John assured us that He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).

Verse 18. They confronted me in the day of my calamity,but the Lord was my support.

The overall context of these verses is David’s rescue from his enemies, for which he credits God’s deliverance (2 Samuel 22:1). David’s foes confronted him when he felt that his situation was desperate. He confesses that the Lord was his support, so his enemies were unable to kill him. Obviously, David maintained a close, trusting relationship with the Lord throughout his ordeal in the wilderness when a fugitive from Saul, and in other situations against different enemies, and the Lord honored that relationship.

If we depend upon our own wisdom and strength to defeat our enemy, the Devil, we will fail, but if we depend on the Lord for victory, we will enjoy a successful outcome.

We can derive an important lesson on this subject from the life of Samson. When the Spirit of the Lord empowered him, he experienced victory over his enemies. For example, in the power of the Spirit he killed 1,000 Philistines with a donkey’s jawbone (Judges 15:15). Soon after the victory, he addressed the Lord and said, “You have granted this great salvation by the hand of your servant” (Judges 15:18).

However, Samson failed to protect his relationship with the Lord. He allowed Delilah, a pagan woman, to deceive him, causing him to place his confidence in himself instead of in the Lord (Judges 16:15–19). When Samson heard the Philistines had gathered in Delilah’s home to seize him, he said, “I will go out as at other times and shake myself free,” however, “he did not know that the LORD had left him” (Judges 16:20); therefore his enemies captured and humiliated him (Judges 16:21). When we stop depending on God, and start taking pride in our own security, we risk dire consequences.

Verse 19. He brought me out into a broad place;he rescued me, because he delighted in me.

David reflects on the fact that the Lord freed him from a harsh life in the wilderness and gave him liberty (2 Samuel 22:1). He cites the reason the Lord did this as “he delighted in me.”

As believers, we owe our salvation and every blessing to the fact the Lord delights in us. However, we cannot pat ourselves on the back. We cannot understand why the Lord loved us enough to give His Son to die on the cross for us. Romans 5:8 declares, “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Ephesians 1:3 says the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ “has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing.” These blessings do not come to us because we deserve them. They come to us by God’s grace: God’s unmerited favor. Ephesians 2:8–10 explains that we have been saved by grace and are God’s workmanship.

Verse 20. The Lord dealt with me according to my righteousness;according to the cleanness of my hands he rewarded me.

David credits the Lord with rescuing him in accordance with David’s righteousness. This does not imply that David was sinless, or perfect. Rather, David sees his rescue as a reward from the Lord for his integrity.

In a sense, there are parallels between this idea and the account of Daniel. Several centuries after David, Daniel had faithfully honored the Lord, and the Lord rewarded him by rescuing him from the lions. God rescued Daniel from the lions’ den, whereas his enemies became meals for the lions (Daniel 6:21–24).

Prophetically, David’s words here apply to the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. He was thoroughly righteous in word and deed (1 Peter 2:22), and three days after He died for our sins, God responded by raising Him from the dead (Romans 4:24–25). In Psalm 16:10 David declares: “For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.” At Pentecost, when Peter addressed a crowd of Jews, he applied David’s words in Psalm 16 to Christ. He said, “He [David] foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption” (Acts 2:31).

Context Summary
Psalm 18:20–27 describes David’s relationship with the Lord as the reason God rescued him. Second Samuel 22:21–26 presents a slight variation of the words found in this passage. Most likely, the words David originally spoke, as recorded in 2 Samuel 22, were adapted for use in a worship setting, as presented in Psalm 18. David began this psalm by telling the Lord he loved Him. Next, he described dire circumstances, such as when Saul and his men pursued him in the wilderness. He closed the first section of the psalm with a poetic description of how the Lord rescued him from his enemies.

Verse 21. For I have kept the ways of the Lord,and have not wickedly departed from my God.

Obedience to God’s commands is a sign of someone who loves and honors Him (John 14:15). David testifies in this verse that he has kept the ways of the Lord and did not wickedly depart from his God. David can’t be credited with perfection (1 Kings 15:5), but his habit was to follow God with sincerity (1 Samuel 13:14).

This commitment to godly principles was very different from that of the previous king, Saul. When Saul was selected to be Israel’s king, he was humble. He said to the prophet Samuel: “Am I not a Benjaminite, from the least of the tribes of Israel? And is not my clan the humblest of all the clans of the tribe of Benjamin?” (1 Samuel 9:21). When the day came to crown Saul, he was hiding (1 Samuel 10:22). However, late in Saul’s reign he lost his humility and disobeyed the Lord’s command: to utterly slay the Amalekites and their livestock. As a result of his disobedience, Saul was rejected by the Lord to continue as Israel’s king (1 Samuel 15:26–29).

Jesus said, “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:11). Saul and David show clearly what happens when humility is either absent from or present in a person’s life.

Verse 22. For all his rules were before me,and his statutes I did not put away from me.

David testifies in this verse that he has obeyed God’s rules and statutes. He knew the Law and followed it devotedly. The rough life of being a fugitive in the wilderness did not cause David to rebel against the Lord. He steadfastly obeyed Him. Unfortunately, David was not perfect in his spiritual life (1 Kings 15:5), but his consistent pattern was to follow and honor God (1 Samuel 13:14).

The prophet Samuel had a testimony of intense devotion to God (1 Samuel 12:1–5). He told all Israel he was old and gray and well-known by the Israelites for his integrity. He had never defrauded or oppressed anyone. Nor had he stolen or taken a bribe. He called upon the Lord to be his witness. Years later, as King Hezekiah lay on his death bed, he prayed: “Now, O LORD, please remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight” (2 Kings 20:3).

The testimonies of David, Samuel, and Hezekiah should encourage us to obey God’s Word all the days of our lives.

Verse 23. I was blameless before him,and I kept myself from my guilt.

In the context of a person’s life, the term “blameless” does not imply absolute perfection. The concept involves a person not leaving any room for others to criticize their behavior. In this passage of Scripture, David praises God for rescuing him from his enemies. David partly credits that deliverance to his obedience to God’s commands (Psalm 18:22). Especially in his early life, David’s commitment to the Lord’s will was tremendous (1 Samuel 13:14). He led an upright life because he wanted to do what was right in the Lord’s eyes. He practiced self-discipline. No sin overwhelmed him or even caused him to slip from the path of righteousness. Later in life, some of David’s choices would be tragic (1 Kings 15:5), yet the overall pattern of his life was to honor God.

Proof of David’s uprightness and self-discipline includes his kind treatment of Saul. Saul, the prior king of Israel, persecuted David and tried to have him murdered. At one point, Saul entered the very cave where David and his men were hiding, and David’s men suggested this was the chance to assassinate their enemy. Instead, David “arose and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul’s robe” (1 Samuel 24:4). He explained to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the LORD‘s anointed, to put out my hand against him, seeing he is the LORD‘s anointed” (1 Samuel 24:6).

David’s men were ready to attack Saul, but David would not permit them to do so (1 Samuel 24:7). Instead, David demonstrated his mercy in an effort to soften Saul’s hatred (1 Samuel 24:8–11). Later David had another opportunity to kill Saul and again refused to do so, again stating that it was not for him to kill the LORD‘s anointed. Instead, David trusted that God Himself would strike Saul or that Saul would die in battle (see 1 Samuel 26).

Verse 24. So the Lord has rewarded me according to my righteousness,according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight.

David repeats his claim that the Lord delivered him from his enemies in part as a reward for righteousness. Part of this celebration involves David’s victory over Saul (2 Samuel 22:1). Even against that enemy, David demonstrated a “clean” approach, deliberately passing up at least two opportunities to assassinate Saul (1 Samuel 24:4–11; 26:1–25).

The Lord is gracious; He grants righteousness to those who believe on His Son (2 Corinthians 5:21). He rewards the righteous—though eternal salvation comes only through faith (Titus 3:5). Addressing the church at Smyrna, the risen Lord promised, “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). Psalm 84:11 promises: “The LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.” Proverbs 25:22 promises a reward to the person who treats his enemy kindly.

Believers who honor the Lord by leading a life of righteousness can anticipate a reward when Jesus comes again. The apostle Paul expected to receive the crown of righteousness at Christ’s return (2 Timothy 4:8), and Jesus promised, “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my [reward] with me, to repay each one for what he has done” (Revelation 22:12).

Verse 25. With the merciful you show yourself merciful;with the blameless man you show yourself blameless;

In this statement, David explains that some parts of our relationship with the Lord are reciprocal. If we are merciful to others, the Lord will be merciful to us. In celebrating God’s mercy to him, David might have recalled how he showed mercy to his own enemies. David had shown mercy to his persecutor, Saul, by sparing his life (1 Samuel 24:4–11; 26: 1–25), and in turn the Lord extended mercy to David. God rescued David from Saul (2 Samuel 22:1) and made him king of Israel. David had been loyal to the Lord, and the Lord was faithful to David.

Though we clearly cannot earn our eternal salvation through our own good works or supposed righteousness (Titus 3:5; Romans 11:6; Ephesians 2:8–10), God does respond to our actions. Galatians 6:7 assures us that “whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” Matthew 5:7 states: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” Christ’s model prayer for us contains a reciprocal relationship: we are to ask God to “forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). Jesus likewise says “if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:14–15).

Verse 26. with the purified you show yourself pure;and with the crooked you make yourself seem tortuous.

David testifies that the Lord shows Himself pure to those who are purified. The purified are those whose sins have been forgiven, and they are therefore led to pursue a clean life before God (John 14:15). Matthew 5:8 promises that the pure in heart will see God. Believers have the assurance that they will see God in heaven because the blood of Jesus has made them pure. The apostle John writes praise “to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood” (Revelation 1:5).

Still, “purified” believers must decide to maintain that purity of life. The apostle John said whoever entertains the hope of seeing Jesus at His appearing “purifies himself as he [Jesus] is pure” (1 John 3:3). And Paul counseled Timothy to keep himself pure (1 Timothy 5:22). Those whose hearts are pure discover that the Lord is pure, but those whose lives are perverse will learn that God will deal harshly with them.

Saul’s actions toward David were perverse (2 Samuel 22:1), and the Lord harshly punished Saul by allowing the Philistines to destroy him (1 Samuel 31:1–4).

Verse 27. For you save a humble people,but the haughty eyes you bring down.

In this context, being “humble” is a reference to having a low position or status, as well as an attitude which recognizes one’s limitations. The Lord saves poor or afflicted people, but He often acts to bring down the arrogant. He saved David when David was afflicted, but He defeated Saul, David’s arrogant adversary.

Around the dawn of human history, Lucifer, a shining angel near God’s throne, became haughty. He looked arrogantly at God’s throne and decided to capture it for himself. He said in his heart, “I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High” (Isaiah 14:13–14). The Lord responded: “But you are brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit” (Isaiah 14:15).

All who follow the example of Lucifer will ultimately find that sinful pride goes before a fall. James 4:6 assures us that “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:10 promises those who humble themselves before the Lord that the Lord will exalt them.

Verse 28. For it is you who light my lamp;the Lord my God lightens my darkness.

God receives credit and ample praise from David in this section of Scripture. David thanks the Lord for keeping him alive during the wilderness years. During that long period, being hunted by Saul (2 Samuel 22:1), David was confident the Lord would preserve his life. He held similar confidence in other situations where danger lurked.

Light symbolizes life, goodness, and truth in Hebrew culture. Job 18:5–6 and 21:17 allude to the death of the wicked as God putting out their lamps. In Psalm 27:1 David testified: “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

When the kingdom of Israel divided, the Lord promised to preserve the tribe of Judah. He explained, “that David my servant may always have a lamp before me in Jerusalem” (1 Kings 11:36). In Psalm 132:17 we find the Lord’s promise regarding Zion, which is another name for Jerusalem: “There I will make a horn to sprout for David; I have prepared a lamp for my anointed.”

Context Summary
Psalm 18:28–45 celebrates the Lord’s goodness to David during his wilderness experience (2 Samuel 22:1). Second Samuel 22:29–46 is a companion passage, and 2 Samuel chapter 8 features several of David’s victories. Other passages that focus on the victory God gives His people are Romans 8:28–39, 1 Corinthians 15:50–58, 2 Corinthians 1:8–11, 2:14–17, Ephesians 6:10–20, Philippians 1:12–26, 1 Peter 1:3–9, and 1 John 5:1–5.

Verse 29. For by you I can run against a troop,and by my God I can leap over a wall.

David depended upon the Lord for victory over the enemy and for strength to accomplish amazing feats. He trusted in the Lord to enable him to scatter the enemy and to scale walls. In the ancient world, cities were protected by walls which were difficult to climb, and there were not yet cannons to knock them down. A large part of military strategy was overcoming the defense provided by walls. So, in this verse, David credits God with giving him military skill and success.

In our own strength we cannot be victorious over the Devil or difficult circumstances, but we can be victorious by trusting the Lord for success. When the Lord commissioned Joshua to lead the Israelites into Canaan and rout its strong inhabitants, He told Joshua not to fear but to obey Him and His Word. He promised: “Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). Jesus declared, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). However, if we abide in Christ and His words abide in us, we can ask whatever we wish, and the Lord will grant our request (John 15:7).

Reliance on the Lord makes us victorious just as it made David victorious.

Verse 30. This God — his way is perfect;the word of the Lord proves true;he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.

David states categorically that God’s way is perfect, and His Word proves true. He does not say God’s way is easy, but it is perfect. David’s years of evading Saul and his men brought hardship, as did subsequent conflicts with other enemies. But through it all God was true to His word and perfectly used every trial to mold David into a faithful servant (2 Samuel 22:1). Also, during those years of testing, the Lord was David’s shield, and David writes that the Lord “is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.”

The Christian life is not easy—anyone who claims that salvation brings an easier life is lying (John 16:33). The apostles certainly faced hardship and opposition for the sake of Christ, and we should not expect anything different (2 Timothy 3:12). Nevertheless, the Lord uses every difficulty we encounter to develop Christlike character in us (Romans 5:3–5; 8:28–30; James 1:2–4; 1 Peter 1:6–9). Romans 8:35–39 guarantee that even harsh adversities are not indicators that God no longer loves us.

Writing from a prison, the apostle Paul testified: “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:12–13). Indeed, God’s way is perfect, and He is a shield for all who look to Him for protection!

Verse 31. For who is God, but the Lord?And who is a rock, except our God? —

In David’s era, pagans worshiped many false gods. The Canaanites often referred to their false gods as their rock; this follows the theme of a foundation or a sturdy base on which to stand. Moses said, “their rock is not our Rock” (Deuteronomy 32:31). David contends in Psalm 18:31 that Israel’s God is the Lord and the only Rock, the provider of salvation and security.

Later in Israel’s history, when Ahab was king, the worship of the false god Baal flourished. Ahab’s wife Jezebel had imported Baal worship and promoted it. She personally provided for Baal’s false prophets and tried to exterminate the Lord’s prophets. But Elijah, the fiery prophet of the Lord , championed His cause by challenging the Baal prophets to a contest that would determine whether the God of Israel or Baal was real (1 Kings 18:20–39). He gathered the 450 Baal prophets and the people of Israel at Mount Carmel and told the false prophets to prepare a sacrifice and call on Baal. He, too, would prepare a sacrifice and call on the Lord. Whoever answered the call by fire would be declared the true God.

Despite the frantic actions of Baal’s prophets, and their prolonged calling on Baal, no fire fell. Yet when Elijah called on the Lord, He answered with fire that consumed the sacrifice and even the torrent of water that Elijah poured on it. When the people saw what had happened, they declared, “The LORD, he is God; the LORD, he is God” (1 Kings 18:39).

In the modern world, so-called-tolerance demands that whatever or whomever a person worships be considered as valid as whatever or whomever anyone else worships. But David’s declaration of one true God stands correct (John 14:6). David’s God is our God, and He alone is God.

Verse 32. the God who equipped me with strengthand made my way blameless.

War is an unpleasant necessity in some cases. Neither Christians of the modern era, nor believers of the Old Testament, are required to be pacifists. On the contrary, David credits God with preparing him for battle.

When David was just a youth, the Lord enabled him to slay a lion and a bear as David protected his flock. And the Lord gave him victory over the giant Goliath (1 Samuel 17:34–37, 45–47). When Saul looked for someone to play soothing music, one of his servants recommended David. He was described as skillful in playing the lyre as well as being a brave man of war with whom the Lord was present (1 Samuel 16:14–18). Further, in Psalm 18:32, David credits God with making his “way,” including his military path, flawless.

The Lord has also prepared Christians for warfare against the Devil and his minions, which is where our true battles lie (Ephesians 6:12). Ephesians 6:10–18 describes the spiritual armor and valuable resource He has provided. If we avail ourselves of this armor and prayer, we will “be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11).

Verse 33. He made my feet like the feet of a deerand set me secure on the heights.

In many cultures, animals such as gazelles, antelope, or deer are symbols of agility. David acknowledges God’s assistance in escaping enemies, using that imagery. One can picture a speedy, sure-footed deer outrunning a predator. Likewise, high ground is an advantage in battle. The security David feels through God is like being settled into a high, defended area.

Like David, the apostle Paul acknowledged the Lord as his strength. He was aware of his human weakness but received strength from God to overcome his trials. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 12:10, “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Christ invites everyone to set aside the burden of trying to “save” themselves; in contrast, His yoke is easy (Matthew 11:28–30). A yoke joins two animals together for plowing, and similarly believers are “yoked” to Christ. Alone, a Christian would easily tire, but yoked to Christ the believer draws strength from Him. If the Lord calls us to perform a specific task, He will give us the strength to accomplish it. It is no wonder Paul tells Timothy, a young pastor, to “be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:1)!

Verse 34. He trains my hands for war,so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

Again, David gives God the credit for his battle skills. Contrary to what some think, pacifism is not an inherently godly trait. While the Bible speaks of peacemaking (Matthew 5:9; Romans 12:18–19), ignoring insults (Matthew 5:39; Proverbs 12:16), and avoiding conflict (Proverbs 15:1; 1 Peter 3:17), it also notes that evil must sometimes be resisted physically (John 2:13–17; Genesis 9:6). David did not gain his military skill by accident, or despite his relationship to God. It was God, working to prepare David, who helped him develop those abilities (2 Samuel 8:1–8).

Bows are most often made of wood, but even in the ancient world, there were composite bows that included horn and sinew. Stronger materials made for a more powerful weapon, but also made the bow harder to use. David’s reference here is not literal—bronze is not suitable for archery. The point of the metaphor is power—much as the reference in the prior verse was to speed and agility (Psalm 18:33).

The Hebrew root word nachuwshah is used in this verse and is related to metals like copper and bronze. This is also connected to a name eventually given to the serpent formed by Moses in the wilderness (Numbers 21:4–9; 2 Kings 18:4). The 17th century translators of the KJV rendered this as “steel.” Though that metal existed in rare instances in David’s era, it does not seem to fit this verse well.

Scripture provides reasons why God made such provision to keep David alive: it was part of the prophecy surrounding the Messiah. This Promised One was predicted to descend from David (2 Samuel 7:12–13). God even moved the Roman emperor Caesar Augustus to make a decree that took Jesus’ adoptive earthly father, Joseph, from Nazareth to Bethlehem (Luke 2:1–4), where it was prophesied that the Messiah would be born. Micah 5:2 prophesies: “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose goings forth is from old, from ancient days.” Luke 2:6–7 and 11 reveal the fulfillment of Micah’s prophecy. Mary gave birth in Bethlehem, the city of David, to the Savior, Christ the Lord.

Verse 35. You have given me the shield of your salvation,and your right hand supported me,and your gentleness made me great.

David explains that he owes everything to God. God reached down to David and saved him. Also, God stretched out His mighty hand to support David, as he defended himself from enemies such as Saul (2 Samuel 22:1). In ancient literature, the right hand was symbolic of someone’s greatest power and ability. Being “shielded” from harm and upheld by the power of God gave David tremendous confidence.

Interestingly, after making so many references to power and strength (Psalm 18:32–34), David says it was God’s gentleness which made him great. In this context, that refers to David becoming the king of Israel. The Hebrew word translated as “gentleness” here can also imply “goodness, meekness, or humility.” Another possible meaning is “condescension,” which means to “look down” on someone. When two people are equals, condescension is insulting. When someone of vast power “condescends” to a less-formidable person, it’s an act of charity. Certainly, God was good to do for David what He did, and He condescended to look down to David and make him great.

Even more so, God has also condescended to come to our assistance by providing salvation for us. Although He created the universe and everything it and sustains it, He bent down to us (Philippians 2:5–8), met our most critical need, and has made us “great.” Our greatness is the status we enjoy by grace as “heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17).

Verse 36. You gave a wide place for my steps under me,and my feet did not slip.

Narrow surfaces are hard to walk on. Olympic athletes compete on a balance beam only as wide as a hand. Even more difficult is to move along a wire or cord, also known as “walking a tightrope.” Rough terrain is also tough to navigate, with few places on which a person can set his or her feet. When the path is narrow, blocked, or unstable, it becomes almost impossible to make progress. In contrast, flat, clear surfaces such as a running track allow for incredibly fast movement.

As part of praising God for enabling his victories (Psalm 18:31–35), David poetically refers to God giving him a clear, stable path to success.

This concept of having a “wide place” to travel also acknowledges the liberty David received from God. The Lord has given liberty to Christians too. He redeemed us from the enemy and gives us the privilege of walking by faith. The apostle Paul addressed the churches of Galatia about this freedom that the Lord has given us. False teachers had wormed their way into the churches of Galatia and insisted that salvation depended upon their becoming Jews. They taught the Gentile believers in Galatia to be circumcised and adhere to the law of Moses (Galatians 5:7–12).

To the contrary, Paul taught the Galatians that Christ freed believers from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13). He urges the Christians in Galatia to “stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1). Jesus promised, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31–32). We are not free to sin, but we are free to serve and enjoy God.

Verse 37. I pursued my enemies and overtook them,and did not turn back till they were consumed.

David tells us in this verse that he chased down his enemies, overtook them, and obliterated them. This is a reference to David’s past wars (2 Samuel 8:1–8, 14). In 2 Samuel 22:38–43 David also reports his victories in war. He sang a song to the Lord after the Lord had “delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul” (2 Samuel 22:1). That speech seems to have been adapted for public worship, here in Psalm 18. This is an expression not only of David’s commitment to God, but to God’s work in making David successful.

It should be noted that David did not initiate land-grabbing invasions of other nations. He did not lead soldiers into foreign countries, engaging armies in military conflict so he could acquire their territory. However, when a foreign power invaded Israel, David attacked that enemy and thoroughly subdued it. Nations who were hostile to Israel were defeated and left intact, but as subordinates to Israel.

As Christians we live in a culture that is neither friendly to God, nor to us. Jesus predicted that in the world we would have tribulation, but He told us to take heart because He has overcome the world (John 16:33). Unlike David, who fought to defend a physical kingdom using physical war (Psalm 144:1; 1 Samuel 17:50; 2 Samuel 5:18–20), the primary battle of a Christian is spiritual (John 18:36; Ephesians 6:12). Even so, we can declare our commitment to God and praise Him for victory in advance (Romans 8:37).

Verse 38. I thrust them through, so that they were not able to rise;they fell under my feet.

God gave David many victories over his enemies (1 Samuel 17:50; 2 Samuel 5:18–20; 2 Samuel 8:1–8). Over the last several verses, David has poetically described the ways in which God has empowered his success (Psalm 18:31–37). Here, David expands upon this description.

Years before he first wrote this song of praise (2 Samuel 22:1), David had slain the giant Goliath (1 Samuel 17). It wasn’t David’s skill with a sword that won the battle. Rather, it was God’s provision, acting through David’s ability with a sling: a whip-like cord used to hurl rocks at high speed. David’s stone was launched with such power and precision that it caved in the giant’s skull. David seized the opportunity to rush at Goliath, using the enemy’s own sword to cut off his head.

Later in life David, continued to show military skill in striking down Israel’s enemies. Despite what’s depicted in movies and television shows, few weapons—ancient or modern—cause instant death. Landing such a strike is devastating and impressive. Boxers competing in a match typically endure dozens of blows. To “thrust them through” is to land an immediately crippling strike. For a boxer, this is the “knockout” blow; in ancient warfare, it might literally mean piercing an enemy front-to-back with a blade.

While David’s battles were often physical, the Devil is a Christian’s main enemy (John 18:36; Ephesians 6:12). We can ward off his attacks by using “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). How skillfully do we use our “sword” (Hebrews 4:12)?

Verse 39. For you equipped me with strength for the battle;you made those who rise against me sink under me.

David’s victories (2 Samuel 8:1–8) led him to praise God—however, they didn’t make him arrogant or self-centered. The acknowledgement David has offered in this Psalm is that the Lord is the ultimate source of his success (Psalm 18:1–3; 32–36). David remained humble and grateful to the Lord for the success he realized. It was God, not David, who originated the strength needed to obtain victory. Because the Lord equipped him with strength, David saw his foes fall under his feet.

The apostle John pays tribute to the Lord and His Word for the victories his readers realized in their spiritual lives. He addresses the young men as those who “have overcome the evil one” (1 John 2:13). He adds in 1 John 2:14 “I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.”

When we experience victory over a temptation, we need to be humble and grateful to the Lord for the victory. It is presumptuous and dangerous to think we were victorious in our own strength. First Corinthians 10:12 warns: “Let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” Proverbs 16:18, too, warns, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” David did not fall at the feet of his enemies because he humbly credited God with his strength.

Verse 40. You made my enemies turn their backs to me,and those who hated me I destroyed.

Continuing his praise of God for his victories, David recalls how God arranged for him to be victorious.

This verse uses a Hebrew expression which is not easily translated into English. An extremely literal rendering would be similar to “give the back of the neck to me.” This presents several closely related possible meanings. In any form of combat, being behind the enemy is a tremendous benefit, which might be David’s main meaning. Another possibility, connected to the prior verses, is an enemy who has been beaten down such that David can strike, grasp, or push down on their neck. Most likely, it is meant to depict an enemy turning to run away at top speed, as seen in Exodus 23:27. In any case, David’s point is that God provided him with outstanding advantages against his foes.

As Christians, if we yield ourselves to God and turn down solicitations to do evil, our enemy, the Devil, will flee from us as surely as David’s enemies fled from him. James 4:7 counsels us: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

David also refers to his physical enemies as those who hated him. Jesus told us we should not be surprised if the world hates us because the Lord chose to separate us from the world (John 15:18). Of course, while David’s battles were often physical, those of a Christian are primarily spiritual (John 18:36; Ephesians 6:12). The “world” Jesus refers to is not the material world but the evil world system that follows the dictates of the Devil. Romans 12:2 commands us not to be conformed to the evil world system, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.

If we choose not to conform to the world but to confront its evil thought patterns and practices, we will be as victorious over the world that hates us as David was over those who hated him.

Verse 41. They cried for help, but there was none to save;they cried to the Lord, but he did not answer them.

David’s enemies cried out for help, knowing they were on the verge of destruction. The early verses of this psalm depict a similar plea for rescue (Psalm 18:1–6). Unlike the deliverance provided to David, those who were enemies of God found no help.

It’s important to note that even these enemies of God are said to have “cried to the LORD” when facing disaster. In desperation, otherwise unspiritual people will sometimes resort to prayer. When those requests are not granted, skeptics will claim it’s because there is no God to hear them. The truth is that God doesn’t answer because such people are not properly related to Him. John 9:31 says “we know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him.”

In a parallel example, the people of Isaiah’s day were hypocritical. They led unclean lives while observing religious holidays and bringing offerings to the temple. Despite their efforts, God saw through their hypocrisy. He said, “When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood” (Isaiah 1:15).

By opposing David, the Lord’s anointed, David’s enemies were opposing God and could not expect a positive answer to their prayers.

Verse 42. I beat them fine as dust before the wind;I cast them out like the mire of the streets.

Hyperbole is the literary term which means “exaggerating for effect.” This was an extremely common practice in ancient literature. A modern equivalent would be someone saying, “I’ve told you a million times,” or “this suitcase weighs a ton!” The speaker doesn’t mean it literally, and the one hearing them understands the metaphor.

Still praising God’s intervention, David writes that he beat his enemies “fine as dust before the wind.” Dust is no match for the wind. The wind blows dust swiftly and far according to its velocity.

David’s disdain for his enemies was equivalent to what he felt about trash or useless waste. Just as people swept garbage or grime into the gutter, David flung his enemies aside like waste. Dust and dirt thrown into the street are trampled and completely ignored by those who walk on them (Matthew 5:13). Although God loves everyone and gave His Son to die for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2), someday He will cast aside for eternity all who reject His offer of salvation (John 3:36). Revelation 20:11–15 pictures the great white throne judgment: a moment at the beginning of eternity which reveals that all whose names are not found written in the book of life will be cast into the lake of fire.

Verse 43. You delivered me from strife with the people;you made me the head of the nations;people whom I had not known served me.

Ascribing praise to the Lord, David acknowledges that the Lord delivered him from political strife. Second Samuel 22:44—likely the initial version of this modified psalm—renders David’s praise as, “You delivered me from strife with my people.” The nation of Israel experienced incidents of civil war during David’s life (2 Samuel 15:12–14). Yet God protected him and maintained his rule.

Further, the Lord brought Gentile nations into subjection to His anointed king, David. This verse has messianic overtones. Someday Jesus, David’s most prominent descendant, will become Israel’s king, and He will rule the nations from the throne of David. Isaiah 9:7 prophesies concerning Jesus: “Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.” Psalm 2:8 speaks about Jesus the Messiah’s future rule over the nations. It says, “Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.”

Verse 44. As soon as they heard of me they obeyed me;foreigners came cringing to me.

David writes that foreigners chose to be in subjection to him as soon as they heard about his successful victories. This is a continuation of praise to God, for enabling David’s success (Psalm 18:31–43).

Second Samuel 8:9–10 is an example of a foreign nation responding humbly to David upon hearing of his military success (2 Samuel 8:1–8). When Toi, king of Hamath, heard about David vanquishing Hadadezer’s whole army. Toi dispatched his son on a diplomatic mission to David. Joram presented David with articles of silver, gold and bronze. That same chapter indicates that after David struck down 18,000 Edomites, he put garrisons throughout Edom, “and all the Edomites became David’s servants” (2 Samuel 8:13–14).

When Jesus the Messiah rules the planet (Revelation 20:4–6), nations will bow before him and worship him. When Jesus the Messiah rules the planet (Revelation 20:4–6), nations will bow before him and worship him. Zechariah14:16 promises, “Then everyone who survives of all the nations that have come up against Jerusalem shall go up year after year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts.”

Verse 45. Foreigners lost heartand came trembling out of their fortresses.

Scripture records that David’s military success was intimidating to foreign nations. According to this verse, military powers who had been aggressive towards Israel surrendered to David in fear and trembling. They lost their courage. Their fortresses did not provide security against David. Some, rather than attempting to fight a losing battle, voluntarily made peace with Israel—one example being Toi, king of Hamath (2 Samuel 8:9–10). Despite this reputation, David didn’t use this advantage to expand beyond the borders of Israel. He subdued those who had attacked God’s people, turning them from hostility to deference.

Ungodly men may feel secure in their wealth, political power, or military strength, but someday the Lord will judge them, and they will tremble before Him. Revelation 6:12–17 describes what happens when the sixth seal judgment begins in the tribulation period. A great earthquake, a solar eclipse, and a meteorite shower occur, and “the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains.” They call upon the rocks to fall on them and hide them from the one who is seated on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb. They recognize that great day of wrath has arrived, and no one can withstand it.

All the strength of all the nations is as nothing compared with the power of the King of kings and Lord of lords!

Verse 46. The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock,and exalted be the God of my salvation —

Pagans worship false gods. Then, as now, those imaginary beings were lifeless. Jeremiah describes them as idols that “are like scarecrows in a cucumber field, and they cannot speak; they have to be carried, for they cannot walk” (Jeremiah 10:5). Then he describes the true God. “There is none like you, O LORD; you are great in might” (Jeremiah 10:6). He further describes the Lord as “the true God; he is the living God and the everlasting King” (Jeremiah 10:10).

David worshiped this living God and proclaimed Him as his “rock.” He exalted the Lord as the God of his salvation (Psalm 18:46). David knew by experience that the God of the Bible is real and powerful; it was this God who rescued David from all his enemies (2 Samuel 22:1). David also knew that the Lord was the source of his safety and security.

This same living God is the believer’s God. Through Jesus Christ, His Son, God delivers the believer from sin and eternal death and keeps him safe from the Devil’s clutches (Colossians 1:13–14; 2 Timothy 4:18). As believers, we ought to exalt Him as the God of our salvation!

Context Summary
Psalm 18:46–50 is the closing section of this song of praise. Here, David raises a crescendo of acclaim to the Lord. He addresses the Lord as his rock and the God of his salvation. Then he rehearses what the Lord did for him. Second Samuel 22:47–51 is a parallel passage. These words of praise were written when the Lord delivered David from his enemies and from Saul (2 Samuel 22:1). Romans 15:9–12 refers to praise to the Lord, and verse 9 quotes Psalm 18:49.

Verse 47. the God who gave me vengeanceand subdued peoples under me,

Another reason David praised the living God is found here. God took vengeance on David’s enemies and brought nations into subjection to him (2 Samuel 8:1–8, 14).

Although David was hunted and persecuted, he did not take vengeance into his own hands. He trusted the Lord to do what was right. For example, Saul was the prior king of Israel and one of David’s greatest enemies. In a chance encounter, Saul became an easy target in the cave where David and his men were hiding. David’s men urged him to kill Saul, but David refused to do so. He said, to his men, “The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the LORD‘s anointed, to put out my hand against him, seeing he is the LORD‘s anointed” (1 Samuel 24:6).

In his letter to the Romans the apostle Paul counsels us to leave matters in the Lord’s hands when we are maltreated. He quotes the Lord as saying, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay” (Romans 12:19).

David witnessed nations submitting to him. This reference likely has a messianic implication. When Jesus returns to earth, nations will submit to Him. In Revelation 2:26–27 Jesus promises to give authority to overcomers to rule the nations. He points out that the Father has given Him authority over the nations.

Verse 48. who rescued me from my enemies;yes, you exalted me above those who rose against me;you delivered me from the man of violence.

Because the Lord delivered David from his enemies, it was apparent that David’s prominence exceeded that of his enemies. The Lord had made him great. Saul was an example of the violent men who hunted David, and he tried several times to kill David. Yet those efforts failed, because the Lord kept David safe (1 Samuel 18:6–11; 19:8–11).

When Jesus, the Son of David, lived on earth, there were several unsuccessful attempts to kill Him. Herod tried to kill Jesus when Jesus was an infant (Matthew 2:16). Angry Jews tried to kill Him because they thought He had committed blasphemy. They picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus eluded them (John 8:48–59). The Pharisees conspired unsuccessfully to kill Him (Matthew 12:14–15). Only when Jesus surrendered His life voluntarily on the cross, did He experience death (Luke 23:46). However, three days later God raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 4:24–25).

Verse 49. For this I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations,and sing to your name.

David continues his adoration of God in this verse. He promises to praise Him among the nations—in this context, meaning the Gentiles. He would let them know who the true and living God is.

Before ascending to heaven, Jesus commissioned believers to go into all the world and proclaim the gospel: the good news about His death, burial, resurrection, and promise to return (Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 1:8). It seems, at times, there is not much good news circulating today. Or, at least, that good news pales in comparison with the bad news published and broadcast daily. Even so, believers in Jesus have good news to share among the nations. Our God is alive and the only true God.

In his first letter to the Thessalonian church, Paul recalled how the believers had turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God (1 Thessalonians 1:9). As we proclaim the gospel among the nations, we can expect to see many people turn from idols—whatever false gods they worship—to serve the living and true God.

Verse 50. Great salvation he brings to his king,and shows steadfast love to his anointed,to David and his offspring forever.

David rejoices that God granted him salvation. Not only did God deliver him from his enemies (2 Samuel 22:1) but the Lord also brought David into a right relationship with Himself. David was rescued from his enemies, and this theme of redemption echoes in the way the Messiah saves is from our sins. Further, David praises God for his steadfast love. God never withdraws His love from those whom He saves, and His love extends to David’s offspring, his descendants, forever.

Throughout history the people of Israel have endured many intense persecutions, but they have survived because God loves them forever. In the tribulation period that follows the removal of the church from the earth, Satan will unleash his fury on Israel (Revelation 12), but God will provide an escape for His people. At the close of the tribulation a remnant of saved Jews will enter Messiah’s earthly kingdom (Micah 2:12; Zechariah 2:6–12; 8:7–8, 22–23; 13:1). God’s steadfast love also rests upon believers today. Nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38–39).

End of Psalm 18

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