Psalms 18 - Introduction

A.M. 2944. B.C. 1060.

This Psalm, which, with some few and small variations, occurs in the second book of Samuel, chap. 22., was composed by David, on the occasion here mentioned, in gratitude to God for the many deliverances he had wrought for him, and the many signal blessings, both temporal and spiritual, which he had conferred upon him: of which David desired always to retain a grateful remembrance, and the knowledge of which he wished to communicate to others, that they also might be encouraged to have recourse to God in their difficulties and distresses, and to trust in him. We have here,

(1,) A solemn acknowledgment of God as David's powerful protector, and only refuge in danger, Psalms 18:1.

(2,) The distresses he had been in, and his recourse to God in prayer, Psalms 18:4.

(3,) The wonderful manner in which God had delivered him, by taking vengeance on his enemies, which he describes by the most sublime images and lofty expressions, Psalms 18:6.

(4,) His own integrity, in his adherence to God and strict observance of his law, to which God had borne testimony by thus delivering him, Psalms 18:20.

(5,) A declaration that God's conduct toward him, in rewarding him according to his righteousness, was agreeable to the settled method of his providence, and that all truly upright and righteous men might expect frequent marks of his protection and favour, Psalms 18:25.

(6,) An acknowledgment that all his military power, his strength, and prudence, his victories, successes, the enlargement of his dominions, and the destruction and submission of his enemies, were owing to the goodness of God toward him, Psalms 18:28.

(7,) A solemn thanksgiving for the mercy God had shown him, and the settlement of the crown and kingdom of Israel in his family for ever, Psalms 18:49; Psalms 18:50.

Title. David, the servant of the Lord Who esteems it a greater honour to be Jehovah's servant than to be king of Israel. In the day the Lord delivered him, &c. After the death of Saul, and the conquest of his succeeding enemies, and his own firm establishment in his kingdom.