Psalm 18

 


Psalm 18 is one of the longer psalms, filled with powerful poetic language of God's deliverance.  It is considered a royal psalm that was likely sung at various times in David's life, such as his deliverance from Saul early on, all the way to near the end of his life as recorded in 2 Samuel 22.  David begins with his declaration of deep love for the LORD, with images of God as his rock, fortress, shield, horn of salvation, etc. (vs 1-3).  Then, vivid anthropomorphic language depicting theophany, which is a manifestation of God's presence detectable by human senses, is used to describe how God powerfully and magnificently delivers him from death and destruction by his enemies (vs 4-19).  David is not boasting in verses 20-26; but is describing how he has sought to live righteously, cleansed by God.  Also, he anticipates God enabling his continued deliverance and victories in the future (vs 27-45).  The closing praises include prophetic reference to the Messiah, the Lord's anointed in the line of David (vs 46-50).

Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm:

  • Verses 1-3:
    • David starts the psalm with "I love you, O LORD, my strength."  Take time now to express your love for God, whether it be through prayer, singing a love song to Him, writing a love letter to Him, symbolically offering Him a gift, doing something you know would please Him, or any other creative expression of your love for God, "who is worthy to be praised."
  • Verses 4-19:
    • Reflect on the powerful and magnificent demonstration of God's presence in these verses, and consider how He is more than able to deliver us from any distress we might be facing in our lives. 
  • Verses 20-26:
    • What do these verses show me about living righteously, in a way that the Lord would delight in?
  • Verses 27-45:
    • Verse 28 says that "the LORD my God lightens my darkness."   In what ways has God been and will continue to be a light in these dark times?
    • David uses many military images because of his background and experiences; but, if you were to describe God's deliverance in your life, what sort of pictures would you paint?
  • Verses 46-50:
    • These verses prophetically point to Jesus the Messiah.  Offer praises to the LORD for our greatest deliverance, which is salvation from sin and death.
If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following are some links to YouTube videos:
  • "I Will Call Upon the Lord" (Psalm 18:3, 46) by Marty Nystrom - Integrity's Hosanna! Music:  Link
  • "He Delights in Me" (Psalm 18) from The Psalms Project:  Link

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