Psalms 18:2

The imagery which David uses is derived from the features of a country abounding in cliffs and caves and natural strongholds, with which he had become familiar in his flight from Saul. The rock, or cliff (sela) where he had been so unexpectedly delivered from Saul (1 Samuel 23:25-28): the fortressor stronghold in the wilderness of Judah or the fastnesses of En-gedi (1Sa 22:4; 1 Samuel 23:14; 1 Samuel 23:19; 1 Samuel 23:29; 1 Samuel 24:22); "the rocks of the wild goats" (1 Samuel 24:2; 1 Chronicles 11:15); were all emblems of Him who had been throughout his true Refuge and Deliverer.

my God El, and so in Psalms 18:30; Psalms 18:32; Psalms 18:47. See note on Psalms 5:4.

my strength&c. Lit., my rock in whom I take refuge. Here first in the Psalter occurs the title Rock (tsûr), so often used to describe the strength, faithfulness, and unchangeableness of Jehovah. See Psalms 18:31; Psalms 18:46; Deuteronomy 32:4; Deuteronomy 32:15; Deuteronomy 32:18; Deuteronomy 32:30-31; 1 Samuel 2:2; Psalms 19:14; Psalms 28:1; &c. Here, as the relative clause shews, the special idea is that of an asylum in danger. Cp. Psalms 94:22; Deuteronomy 32:37.

my buckler&c. As my shield He defends me: as the horn of my salvationHe drives my enemies before Him and gives me the victory. The horn is a common symbol of irresistible strength, derived from horned animals, especially wild oxen. See Deuteronomy 33:17; and note the use of the phrase in Luke 1:69. Cp. Psalms 28:7-8.

my high tower See note on Psalms 9:9; Psalms 9:2 Sam. adds, "and my retreat, my saviour, who savest me from violence."