PSALM XVIII _David's address of thanks to Jehovah_, 1-3. _A relation of sufferings undergone, and prayers made for_ _assistance_, 4-6. _A magnificent description of Divine interposition in behalf_ _of the sufferer_, 7-15; _and of the deliverance wrought for him_, 16-19. _That this deliverance... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:2. _THE LORD_ IS _MY ROCK_] 2. I stand on him as my _foundation_, and derive every good from him who is the source of good. The word סלע _sela_ signifies those craggy precipices which afford shelter to men and wild animals; where the _bees_ often made their nests, and whence honey w... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:3. _I WILL CALL UPON THE LORD_] When he was conscious that the object of his worship was such as he has pointed out in the above _nine_ particulars, it is no wonder that he resolves to _call_ _upon him_; and no wonder that he expects, in consequence, to be saved from his enemies; for... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:4. _THE SORROWS OF DEATH COMPASSED ME_] חבלי מות _chebley_ _maveth_, the _cables_ or _cords of death_. He was almost taken in those _nets_ or _stratagems_ by which, if he had been entangled, he would have lost his life. The stratagems to which he refers were those that were intended... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:5. _THE SORROWS OF HELL_] חבלי שאול _chebley sheol_, the _cables_ or _cords of the grave_. Is not this a reference to the _cords_ or _ropes_ with which they _lowered the corpse into the_ _grave_? or the bandages by which the dead were swathed? He was as good as dead. _THE SNARES OF... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:6. _IN MY DISTRESS I CALLED_] His enemies had no hope of his destruction unless God should abandon him. They hoped that this was the case, and that therefore they should prevail. But God _heard his cry and came down_ to his help; and this interference is most majestically described i... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:7. _THEN THE EARTH SHOOK AND TREMBLED_] "In this and the following verses David describes, by the sublimest expressions and grandest terms, the majesty of God, and the awful manner in which he came to his assistance. The representation of the storm in these verses must be allowed by... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:8. _THERE WENT UP A SMOKE OUT OF HIS NOSTRILS_] - Or, 'There ascended into his nostrils a smoke,' as the words, literally rendered, signify. The ancients placed the seat of anger in the _nose_, or nostrils; because when the passions are warm and violent, it discovers itself by the he... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:9. _HE BOWED THE HEAVENS ALSO, AND CAME DOWN_] - He made the heavens bend under him when he descended to take vengeance on his enemies. The psalmist seems here to express the appearance of the Divine majesty in a glorious cloud, descending from heaven, which underneath was substantia... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:10. _HE RODE UPON A CHERUB, AND DID FLY_] - That is, as it is immediately explained, _Yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind_. God was in the storm, and by the ministry of angels guided the course of it, and drove it on with such an impetuous force as nothing could withstand. He... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:11. _HE MADE DARKNESS HIS SECRET PLACE_] God is represented as dwelling in the _thick darkness_, Deuteronomy 4:11; Psalms 97:2. This representation in the place before us is peculiarly proper; as thick heavy clouds deeply charged, and with lowering aspects, are always the forerunners... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:12. _AT THE BRIGHTNESS_ THAT WAS _BEFORE HIM HIS THICK CLOUDS_ _PASSED_] The word נגה _nogah_ signifies the _lightning_. This _goes before him_: the _flash_ is seen before the _thunder_ is heard, and before the _rain_ descends; and then the _thick cloud passes_. Its contents are prec... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:13. _THE LORD ALSO THUNDERED IN THE HEAVENS, AND THE_ _HIGHEST GAVE HIS VOICE_] And then followed the _hail and coals of_ _fire_. The former verse mentioned the _lightning_, with its effects; this gives us the report of the _thunder_, and the increasing _storm_ _of hail and fire_ tha... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:14. _HE SENT OUT HIS ARROWS - HE SHOT OUT LIGHTNINGS_] I believe the latter clause to be an illustration of the former. _He_ _sent out his arrows_-that is, he shot out _lightnings_; for lightnings are the _arrows_ of the Lord, and there is something very like the _arrowhead_ apparent... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:15. _THE CHANNELS OF WATER WERE SEEN_] This must refer to an _earthquake_; for in such cases, the ground being rent, water frequently gushes out at the fissures, and often rises to a tremendous height. Whole rivers were poured out of the chasms made by the earthquake in Jamaica, A. D... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:16. _HE DREW ME OUT OF MANY WATERS._] Here the allusion is still carried on. The waters thus poured out were sweeping the people away; but God, by a miraculous interference, sent and drew David out. Sometimes _waters_ are used to denote _multitudes of_ _people_; and here the word may... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:17. _HE DELIVERED ME FROM MY STRONG ENEMY_] Does not this refer to his conflict with Ishbi-benob? "And Ishbi-benob, which _was_ of the sons of the giant-thought to have slain David. But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men o... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:18. _THEY PREVENTED ME IN THE DAY OF MY CALAMITY_] They took advantage of the time in which I was least able to make head against them, and their attack was sudden and powerful. I should have been overthrown, _but the Lord was my stay_. He had been nearly exhausted by the fatigue of... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:19. _HE BROUGHT ME FORTH ALSO INTO A LARGE PLACE_] He enabled me to clear the country of my foes, who had before cooped me up in holes and corners. This appears to be the allusion.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:20. _THE LORD REWARDED ME_] David proceeds to give the reasons why God had so marvellously interposed in his behalf. _ACCORDING TO MY RIGHTEOUSNESS_] Instead of being an enemy to Saul, I was his friend. I dealt _righteously_ with him while he dealt _unrighteously_ with me.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:21. _I HAVE KEPT THE WAYS OF THE LORD_] I was neither an _infidel_ nor a _profligate_; I trusted in God, and carefully observed all the ordinances of his religion.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:22. _ALL HIS JUDGMENTS_ WERE _BEFORE ME_] I kept his law before my eyes, that I might see my duty and know how to walk and please God.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:23. _I WAS ALSO UPRIGHT_] The times in which David was most afflicted were the times of his greatest uprightness. _Adversity_ was always to him a time of spiritual prosperity. _MINE INIQUITY._] Probably meaning what is generally termed _the_ _easily-besetting sin; the sin of his con... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:25. _WITH THE MERCIFUL THOU WILT SHOW THYSELF MERCIFUL_] Thou wilt deal with men as they deal with each other. This is the general tenor of God's providential conduct towards mankind; well expressed by Mr. _Pope_ in his universal prayer: - "Teach me to feel another's wo; To hide th... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:26. _WITH THE FROWARD_] עקש _ikkesh, the perverse man_; he that is crooked in his tempers and ways. _THOU WILT SHOW THYSELF FROWARD._] תתפתל _tithpattal, thou wilt set_ _thyself to twist, twine, and wrestle_. If _he_ contend, _thou_ wilt contend with him. Thou wilt follow him throug... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:27. _FOR THOU WILT SAVE THE AFFLICTED_] The afflicted are the _humble_; and those thou hast ever befriended.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:28. _FOR THOU WILT LIGHT MY CANDLE_] Thou wilt restore me to prosperity, and give me a happy issue out of all my afflictions. By the _lamp of David_ the _Messiah_ may be meant: thou wilt not suffer my family to become extinct, nor the kingdom which thou hast promised me utterly to fa... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:29. _I HAVE RUN THROUGH A TROOP_] This may relate to some remarkable victory, and the taking of some fortified place, possibly _Zion_, from the Jebusites. See the account 2 Samuel 5:6.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:30. _GOD, HIS WAY_ IS _PERFECT_] His conduct is like his nature, absolutely pure. _THE WORD OF THE LORD IS TRIED_] Literally _tried in the fire_. It has stood all tests; and has never failed those who pleaded it before its author. _HE_ IS _A BUCKLER_] A sure protection to every sim... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:31. _FOR WHO_ IS _GOD SAVE THE LORD?_] "For who is Eloah, except Jehovah?" None is worthy of adoration but the self-existent, eternal, infinitely perfect, and all-merciful Being. _OR WHO_ IS _A ROCK_] A _fountain_ emitting continual supplies of grace and goodness.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:32. _GOD - GIRDETH ME WITH STRENGTH_] The girdle was a necessary part of the Eastern dress; it _strengthened_ and _supported_ the loins; served to _confine_ the _garments_ close to the body; and in it they tucked them up when journeying. The _strength_ of God was to his _soul_ what t... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:33. _MY FEET LIKE HINDS'_ FEET] Swiftness, or _speed of foot_, was a necessary qualification of an ancient hero. This was of great advantage in pursuing, combating, or escaping from a fallen foe. Ποδας ωκυς Αχιλλευς, "the swiftfooted Achilles," is frequently given by _Homer_ as a mos... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:34. _HE TEACHETH MY HANDS TO WAR_] The success which I have had in my military exercises I owe to the Divine help. How few of the conquerors of mankind can say so! And how few among those who call themselves _Christian warriors_ dare to say so! _War_ is as contrary to the spirit of C... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:35. _THE SHIELD OF THY SALVATION_] In all battles and dangers God defended him. He was constantly safe because he possessed the salvation of God. Everywhere God protected him. _Thy_ _gentleness_, ענותך anvathecha, thy _meekness_ or _humility_. Thou hast enabled me to bear and forbear... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:36. _ENLARGED MY STEPS_] See on Psalms 18:19. From the hand of God he had continual prosperity; and while he walked with God no enemy was able to prevail against him. He details his successes in the following verses.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:40. _THE NECKS OF MINE ENEMIES_] Thou hast made me a complete conqueror. _Treading on the neck_ of an enemy was the triumph of the conqueror, and the utmost disgrace of the vanquished.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:41. _THEY CRIED_] The Philistines called upon their gods, but there was none to save them. EVEN _UNTO THE LORD_] Such as Saul, Ishbosheth, Absalom, c., who, professing to worship the true God, _called on him_ while in their opposition to David but God no more heard them than their _... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:42. _THEN DID L BEAT THEM_] God was with _him_, and _they_ had only an arm of flesh. No wonder then that his enemies were destroyed. _SMALL AS THE DUST BEFORE THE WIND_] This well expresses the manner in which he treated the Moabites, Ammonites, and the people of Rabbah: "He put the... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:43. _THE STRIVINGS OF THE PEOPLE_] Disaffections and insurrections among my own subjects, as in the revolt of _Absalom_, the _civil war of Abner_ in favour of _Ish-bosheth_, c. _THE HEAD OF THE HEATHEN_] ראש גוים _rosh goyim_, "the chief," or "governor, of the nations" all the circu... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:44. _AS SOON AS THEY HEAR OF ME_] His victories were so rapid and splendid over powerful enemies, that they struck a general terror among the people, and several submitted without a contest. _STRANGERS SHALL SUBMIT THEMSELVES UNTO ME._] Some translate this: "The children of the fore... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:45. _THE STRANGERS SHALL FADE AWAY_] בני נכר _beney nechar_, the same persons mentioned above. They shall not be able to effect any thing against me; יבלו _yibbolu_, "they shall fall as the leaves fall off the trees in winter." _AND BE AFRAID OUT OF THEIR CLOSE PLACES._] Those who h... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:46. _THE LORD LIVETH_] By him alone I have gained all my victories; and he _continueth_, and will be my _Rock_, the _Source_ whence I may at all times derive help and salvation. May his name be blessed! May his kingdom be exalted!... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:47. _GOD THAT AVENGETH ME_] The way that I took was after his own heart; therefore he sustained me in it, and did me justice over my enemies. _SUBDUETH THE PEOPLE UNDER ME._] He keeps down the spirits of the disaffected, and weakens their hands. They are subdued, and they continue u... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:48. _HE DELIVERETH ME_] That is, he _hath delivered_ me, and continues to deliver me, from all that rise up against me. _THE VIOLENT MAN._] Saul; this applies particularly to him.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:49. _WILL I GIVE THANKS UNTO THEE - AMONG THE HEATHEN_] Quoted by St. Paul, Romans 15:9, to prove that the _calling of the Gentiles_ was predicted, and that what then took place was the fulfilment of that prediction. But there is a sense in which it applies particularly to David, we... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Psalms 18:50. _GREAT DELIVERANCE GIVETH HE TO HIS KING_] David was a king of God's appointment, and was peculiarly favoured by him. Literally, _He is magnifying the salvations of his king_. He not only delivers, but follows up those deliverances with innumerable blessings. _SHOWETH MERCY - TO... [ Continue Reading ]