Psalms 18 - Printer Friendly

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.