Psalm 18:32 - Printer Friendly

ESV: the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless.

NIV: It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.

NASB: The God who encircles me with strength, And makes my way blameless?

CSB: God—he clothes me with strength and makes my way perfect.

NLT: God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect.

KJV: It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.

NKJV: It is God who arms me with strength, And makes my way perfect.

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).

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.

In 2 Samuel chapter 22, David expresses praise for all the times in his life where God gave him victory. That prayer or song is copied almost identically here. Psalm 18, itself, might have been adapted for use in public worship. David remembers dire situations where God rescued him. He dramatically recounts how God provided rescue and power. David also credits God with rewarding his obedience by making him a powerful and successful military leader. For these reasons, David commits himself to the praise and worship of the Lord.

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.

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.