Psalms 18:1

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 was in consideration of his

righteousness, 20-24;

and according to the tenor of God's equitable proceedings,

25-28.

To Jehovah is ascribed the glory of the victory, 29-36;

which is represented as complete by the destruction of all

his opponents, 37-42.

On these events the heathen submit, 43-45.

And for all these things God is glorified, 46-50.

NOTES ON PSALM XVIII

The title: "To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, the servant of the LORD, who spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul."

Except the first clause, this title is taken from 2 Samuel 22:1. The reader is requested to turn to the notes on 2 Samuel 22:1, for some curious information on this Psalm, particularly what is extracted from Dr. Kennicott. This learned writer supposes the whole to be a song of the Messiah, and divides it into five parts, which he thus introduces: -

"The Messiah's sublime thanksgivings, composed by David when his wars were at an end, towards the conclusion of his life. And in this sacred song the goodness of God is celebrated, 1. For Messiah's resurrection from the dead, with the wonders attending that awful event, and soon following it. 2. For the punishment inflicted on the Jews; particularly by the destruction of Jerusalem. And, 3. For the obedience of the Gentile nations. See Romans 15:9; Hebrews 2:13; and Matthew 28:2; with Matthew 24:7; Matthew 24:29."

And that the title now prefixed to this hymn here and in 2 Samuel 22:1, describes only the time of its composition, seems evident; for who can ascribe to David himself as the subject, 2 Samuel 22:5; 2 Samuel 22:8; 2 Samuel 22:21-10; 2 Samuel 22:30; 2 Samuel 22:42; 2 Samuel 22:44, c.?

In Dr. Kennicott's remarks there is a new translation of the whole Psalm, p. 178, c.

The strong current of commentators and critics apply this Psalm to Christ and to oppose a whole host of both ancients and moderns would argue great self-confidence. In the main I am of the same mind and on this principle chiefly I shall proceed to its illustration; still however considering that there are many things in it which concern David, and him only. Drs. Chandler and Delaney have been very successful in their illustration of various passages in it; all the best critics have brought their strongest powers to bear on it; and most of the commentators have laboured it with great success; and Bishop Horne has applied the whole of it to Christ. My old Psalter speaks highly in its praise: "This Psalme contenes the sacrement of al chosyn men, the qwilk doand the law of God thurgh the seven fald grace of the Haly Gast fra al temptaciouns, and the pouste of dede and of the devel lesid: this sang thai syng til God; and thankes him and says, I sal luf the Lord, noght a day or twa, bot ever mare: my strength, thurgh quam I am stalworth in thoght."

Verse Psalms 18:1. I will love thee] Love always subsists on motive and reason. The verb רחם racham signifies to love with all the tender feelings of nature. "From my inmost bowels will I love thee, O Lord!" Why should he love Jehovah? Not merely because he was infinitely great and good, possessed of all possible perfections, but because he was good to him: and he here enumerates some of the many blessings he received from him.

My strength.]

1. Thou who hast given me power over my adversaries, and hast enabled me to avoid evil and do good.