Psalm 18/Overview/Introduction
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Author
- David
Book
- Book 1 of the Psalter (Chapters 1–41)
Psalm 18: A Brief Summary
- In Psalm 18, the psalmist goes through the depths of despair, due to approaching threats of death and destruction, but he finishes in the heights of triumph as every last enemy of the psalmist falls defeated at his feet. In the end, enthusiastic praise bursts forth from the psalmist's mouth: “YHWH lives! And my rock is blessed! The God who rescues me is exalted!”
"YHWH: My strength and deliverer" This title is a memorable phrase that helps remember the unique character and content of this psalm.
- The phrase, “YHWH: My strength and deliverer,” summarizes both what the psalmist needs as he faces difficulty, and the solution to his crisis. David was in desperate need of strength and deliverance, and YHWH supplied both in abundance. He equipped David with strength and delivered him from all his enemies. YHWH responded to David’s love with covenant loyalty that delivered him from all trouble, just when he needed it.
Purpose The Purpose was the psalmist's probable intent or reason for writing this psalm.
- To express confidence in YHWH as the strength and deliverer of his loyal ones.
Content The Content is a concise summary of the whole psalm's content.
- YHWH shows his loyalty toward David (v. 50) by being perfectly just (vv. 26-27). David shows his love towards YHWH (v. 2) by being righteous and faithful (vv. 21-250. That's why YHWH delivers David by strengthening him (vv. 31-43) and fighting cosmic forces on his behalf (vv. 8-20).
Message The Message is the main idea the psalmist probably wanted the audience to remember upon or after hearing the psalm.
- YHWH treats people according to their loyalty.