Day #110

Sermon - Audio
Pslam 18 - Audio
Pslam 18 - Reading

Daily Insights - Please Comment


Psalm 18 is a Psalm of thanks, praise and confidence in God. This Psalm can also be found (with minor changes) in the 2 Samuel 22
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18 : The Psalm is a reflection on the years of goodness and deliverance of God. As such it comes from the later part of David’s reign. It is a fitting conclusion to his reign.

18.2: “rock” represents a secure defense that is impregnable.

18.2: “horn” represents strength. Picture two rams butting horns and the power conveyed in that.

18.4: “chords of death…” (2 Samuel has "waves of death) the picture is of chaos that will overwhelm not just David but all of creation. In rescuing David, God rescues his entire creation from chaos.

18.5: “chords of the grave...snares of death” is the picture of a noose on the ground. Death/Sheol is the hunter that is coming after David.

18.6: Distress is associated with being in a confined space, to be rescued is to be brought out into a spacious place.

18.7-15: God does battle for David unleashing the forces of nature on his behalf.

18.13: “burning coals” cf. Romans 12.20, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, given him something to drink. In doing this you will heap burning coals on his head.” David’s son Solomon said these words in Proverbs 25. Did he get them from the time David had the opportunity to kill Saul, was encouraged by his men to do so but didn’t? The result being that Saul declared that David was more righteous than he (1 Samuel 24).

18.14: Arrows = bolts of lightening

18.17: David admits that those against him were stronger. He needed the rescue of God to become king--therefore he is forever in his debt. It is a theme that David spoke in 2 Samuel 7.18 when he said, “Who am I?”.

18.20-24: David is not declaring he has no sin (see Psalm 51). What he is saying is that God delights to bless those who are living for him.

18.30: David acknowledges the great theme of the covenant that God knows how life is to be done and we are wise to follow in it (See Dt. 32.47; Psalm 1)

18.36: This is a vivid picture. Many paths in Israel are very narrow and on steep slopes. It is easy to slip off the path and sprain or break your ankle. David speaks of a God who makes the path wide so that he does not slip down the slope.

18.37: “did not turn back until they were consumed” so showing himself faithful to the covenant where God commanded that the enemies of Israel/God be completely destroyed. Unlike Saul who let those who were supposed to die, live (see 1 Samuel 15.7-9).

18.43: “the people” a possible reference to Saul and Absalom.
18.46: A concluding cacophony of praise.
18.50: “steadfast love” is literally “hesed” or covenant faithfulness
18.50: “his annointed” is literally “his messiah”

18.50: “forever” David is assured that God will be faithful from generation to generation and therefore the people of Israel can be assured of their future as well.