Psalm 18:43-50

A Psalm of Thanksgiving for Deliverance and Victory

Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people, preserving him in the midst of all internal conflicts; and Thou hast made me the head of the heathen, the ruler over all the nations round about; a people whom I have not known shall serve me, strangers bowing to his sovereignty.

V. 44. As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me; the strangers shall submit themselves unto me. V. 45. The strangers shall fade away, like flowers or grasses withering away before a fiery wind, and be afraid out of their close places, coming out with trembling from their strongholds.

The song of David, therefore, ends in a mighty burst of triumphant praise. V. 46. The Lord liveth, in contrast to the dead idols of the heathen; and blessed be my Rock, in whom David trusted; and let the God of my salvation, who has granted him deliverance, be exalted.

V. 47. It is God that avengeth me, He had taken David’s cause in hand as His own, and subdueth the people under me, reducing them to the position of slaves: V. 48. He delivereth me from mine enemies; yea, Thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me, to a position of authority and influence; Thou hast delivered me from the violent man, this being said collectively of all David’s enemies.

V. 49. Therefore will I give thanks unto Thee, O Lord, among the heathen, for the praise of Yaweh would finally be general also among the Gentiles, as the fame of His great deeds would be made known, Rom. 15,9, and sing praises unto Thy name.

V. 50. Great deliverance giveth He to His king, making him a partaker of the fulness of His salvation; and showeth mercy to His anointed, to David, and to his Seed forever. The last words connect this psalm with the Messianic promise, 2 Sam. 7, 12-16; for in Christ, the Son of David, the fulness of God’s grace and mercy, not only upon individuals, not only upon the children of Israel, but upon the Gentiles as well, was revealed.

He who clings to this assurance in faith may safely trust in God as His Rock and the God of his salvation.