Psalm 144:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: who gives victory to kings, who rescues David his servant from the cruel sword.

NIV: to the One who gives victory to kings, who delivers his servant David. From the deadly sword

NASB: Who gives salvation to kings, Who rescues His servant David from the evil sword.

CSB: the one who gives victory to kings, who frees his servant David from the deadly sword.

NLT: For you grant victory to kings! You rescued your servant David from the fatal sword.

KJV: It is he that giveth salvation unto kings: who delivereth David his servant from the hurtful sword.

NKJV: The One who gives salvation to kings, Who delivers David His servant From the deadly sword.

Psalm 144:5–11 reflects on Israel's history, when the Lord descended at Sinai in a dramatic display of power and glory. David asks the Lord to use lightning to scatter his enemies. He also vows to praise the Lord with singing and music for making him victorious over his enemies.

David begins by praising the Lord for ability, protection, and success in battle. This is amazing because humanity is so frail and temporary compared to God. Still, David asks for the Lord's intervention. Enemy nations and those who make false promises plague David. Yet he confidently plans to praise the Lord for the anticipated victory. The song ends with a prayer for the nation of Israel to experience prosperity. This is expected when the king is preserved, and such blessings are part of being God's chosen people.

Psalm 18 contains many of the same ideas and phrases as this song. There (Psalm 18:50), as here (Psalm 144:10), David also refers to himself by name. The psalm may be connected to David's defeat of Goliath (1 Samuel 17:51), his ascension to the throne (2 Samuel 2:4; 5:3), or one of his many combat victories (1 Samuel 18:5, 14). The right hand would have been raised to make an oath; those whose right hands lie are making false vows.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.

Accessed 4/16/2025 4:38:20 PM