Psalm 18:45 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Foreigners lost heart and came trembling out of their fortresses.

NIV: They all lose heart; they come trembling from their strongholds.

NASB: Foreigners lose heart, And come trembling out of their fortresses.

CSB: Foreigners lose heart and come trembling from their fortifications.

NLT: They all lose their courage and come trembling from their strongholds.

KJV: The strangers shall fade away, and be afraid out of their close places.

NKJV: The foreigners fade away, And come frightened from their hideouts.

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!

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.