Psalms 144 - Introduction

This psalm is also ascribed to David. It is almost entirely a compilation of passages from other psalms - particularly Psalms 18 - newly arranged. Compare Psalms 18:34, with Psalms 144:1; Psalms 18:2, Psalms 18:46, with Psalms 144:2; Psalms 18:9, with Psalms 144:5; Psalms 18:14, with Psalms 144:6; Psalms 18:16, with Psalms 144:7. Compare also Psalms 8:4, with Psalms 144:3; Psalms 104:32, with Psalms 144:5; Psalms 33:2, with Psalms 144:9; Psalms 33:12, with Psalms 144:15; Psalms 128:3, with Psalms 144:12. In itself considered there is nothing improbable in the supposition that David himself should have made such a selection, or should have employed language which he had used before, adapting it now to a new purpose, and making such additions as would fit it for the new occasion for which it was intended. It would not be possible now, however, to ascertain the occasion on which this arrangement was made, or its specific design. There is, evidently, a remembrance of former mercies; there was impending danger; there is an earnest prayer that God would interpose as he had done in former times; there is a promise of new songs of praise if God would interpose; there is a looking forward to the prosperity - the joy - which would result if God did thus interpose and save the nation.

In regard to the occasion on which the psalm was written, perhaps the conjecture of Kimchi is the most probable, that it is a prayer against the attempts of foreign nations to overthrow the Hebrew people, in some of the numerous wars in which David was engaged after he had come to the possession of the crown. The different parts of the psalm can be better explained on this supposition than perhaps on any other. This would make proper all the expressions in regard to the past Psalms 144:1; the uncertainty and instability of earthly things and the weakness of man Psalms 144:3; the necessity of the divine interposition as in former times Psalms 144:5; the reference to foreigners Psalms 144:7, Psalms 144:11; the purpose to praise God Psalms 144:9; the allusion to the happiness of a people whose God is the Lord, and to the prosperity which would follow his interposition Psalms 144:12.