* Titled "Christ in Glory" from a book by Cranach, Lucas, (1472-1553). This woodcut depicting Saint John the Apostle's vision from the first chapter of Revelations of a Christ with flaming eyes, surrounded by seven candlesticks and holding seven stars, with a sword emerging from his mouth. The image appears in the September Testament, Martin Luther's first printing of his German New Testament.
Courtesy of the Digital Image Archive, Pitts Theology Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University: http://www.pitts.emory.edu.
>1. What is the reasons were this psalm written? (intro, 1-2)
* Psalm 18:1-2 "I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."
* The title is, "For the director of music. Of David the servant of the LORD. He sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said".
* "I love you" -"Raham" in the original Hebrew, a primitive root verb.
* "LORD" -"YHWH" in the original Hebrew, a noun from the word, "haya". "Haya" is a primitive verb translated as "exist", "was", "has been", "came to pass", and "became".
* "my strength... my rock... my fortress... my deliverer... my stronghold" -David expresses his sure confidence in his God.
* "my rock, in whom I take refuge" -Rock is "sela" in the original Hebrew from an unused root meaning to be lofty and a craggy rock.
* "my shield and the horn of my salvation" -A shield is a warrior's defense. A horn is an animals defense.
* Who is worthy of praise? If anyone is worthy of praise because of strength, glory, prowess, wisdom, ferocity, love, compassion, and truth, then the Lord Jesus is worthy by an eternity more.
When to praise the one who deserves loving exultation? David, the servant of the Lord sang praises to Jesus when he delivered David from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. More than deliverance the time to sing songs of praise is when oppressed, overpowered, and a soul depressed. David did and was delivered and relieved.
David experienced the Lord Jesus' rock strength. Though one pounds their fists on a rock mountain it will not move, falter, or give way. David experienced the Lord Jesus' fortress protection. Though assaulted on every side by a determined enemy, those who take refuge in a mighty fortress will rest at ease. Jesus is a rock fortress.
A shield is a defense that protects. A horn is a strong offense. Together they are personal salvation that wins the battle against an obsessed foe. Jesus is a stronghold. A stronghold is a kingdom's best fortress that holds its most precious, elite, and elect.
When delivered from enemies whether physical, personal, or practical I will sing songs of praise to Jesus.
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 18:1-2.
>What truths does David know about the LORD his God as stated in verse 3?
* Psalm 18:3 "I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies."
* "I call to the LORD" -Meaning verbal prayer.
* "who is worthy of praise" -David is about to tell why the LORD is worthy of praise.
* "I am saved from my enemies." -The LORD saved David with a powerful attack like a ram's horn.
* David states the reason for praising his Lord. His acclimation is because the LORD, whom he prayed to is worthy of praise. All should have a reason to praise the LORD. This reason is best and always true; Jesus is worthy. If for no other reason, I can and will praise the Lord Jesus who is worthy of praise and honor.
The physical world is not all that exists. Realms and entities exist that transcend the physical universe. Extensions of creation exist that are beyond current human comprehension. Even known creations such as time, light, and consciousness have yet to be defined and understood properly by mankind. (John 1:1-4, 14) Even the universal constants discovered and used in mathematics, physics, and science (i.e. speed of light, tau, gravitational constant, Planck constant, etc.) were created by the One True God, Jesus. Thus, he is worthy of praise.
The known physical world in all its vast array is full of wonder and awe. Jesus created them all - fluorescent sunsets, kaleidoscope mornings, flickering fires, infant eyes, gentle touches, spice aroma, fruit's tang, romantic orchestral, I love you whispers, joy, hope, and love. He is indeed worthy of all praise. Do I need any more reasons? No. But I have them just as well.
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 18:3.
>2. What was the circumstance of David's life that preceded this psalm? (4-6)
* Psalm 18:4-6 "The cords of death entangled me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears."
* "The cords of death entangled me" -Death is personified.
* "the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me" -Destruction is personified.
* "The cords of the grave coiled around me" -Grave is personified.
* "the snares of death confronted me." -Death is personified.
* "In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help."
* "From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears."
* Mortal danger is poetically personified. Deep sorrow is like cords entangling and pulling one down to death. Melancholy emotions weigh one down immobilizing the soul till death becomes one's closest attendant, waiting for me to willing follow to the end. Some live in a state of numbness. Invisible cords keep one from moving.
Some turn to alcohol, others to drugs. Solitude, dark rooms, and sleep push away visitors who help for a short while and then leave when the funds end. Even long-term friends and family stay away. Loneliness is all that is wanted.
In distress, there is one who can help. The Almighty Love and Strength will deliver if asked. From his temple, he will hear a desperate voice. The despondent voice is heard by Jesus. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest," he promises. "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
"Come now, let us reason together," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." (Isaiah 1:18)
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 18:4-6.
>3. What proceeded the Lord God's arrival? (7-9)
* Psalm 18:7-9 "The earth trembled and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains shook; they trembled because he was angry. Smoke rose from his nostrils; consuming fire came from his mouth, burning coals blazed out of it. He parted the heavens and came down; dark clouds were under his feet."
* "The earth trembled and quaked" -As if it was alive and in awe, both terrified and excited.
* "the foundations of the mountains shook" -The mountains are now known to float on the earth's molten core.
* "they trembled because he was angry" -In fear.
* "Smoke rose from his nostrils; consuming fire came from his mouth, burning coals blazed out of it."
* "He parted the heavens and came down; dark clouds were under his feet."
>How was the descending Lord God adorned and what does this imply about his being? (10-12)
* Psalm 18:10-12 "He mounted the cherubim and flew; he soared on the wings of the wind. He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him-- the dark rain clouds of the sky. Out of the brightness of his presence clouds advanced, with hailstones and bolts of lightning."
* "He mounted the cherubim and flew; he soared on the wings of the wind." -Isaiah saw and described the seraphs at in the beginning of his book (Isaiah 6:4). Ezekiel also saw the "Living Creatures" and the Lord's chariot (Ezekiel 1) God is on the move.
* "He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him-- the dark rain clouds of the sky." -Power an majesty. These rain clouds have lightning. Isaiah also describes this.
* "Out of the brightness of his presence clouds advanced, with hailstones and bolts of lightning."
* This is a prophecy repeated in the books of the prophet Daniel and in the Apostle John's book Revelation.
>How is his voice described? His attack? How did the earth respond? What does this reveal about the Most High?
* Psalm 18:13-15 "The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded. He shot his arrows and scattered [the enemies], great bolts of lightning and routed them. The valleys of the sea were exposed and the foundations of the earth laid bare at your rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of breath from your nostrils."
* "The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded."
* "He shot his arrows and scattered [the enemies], great bolts of lightning and routed them."
* "The valleys of the sea were exposed and the foundations of the earth laid bare at your rebuke"
* "O LORD, at the blast of breath from your nostrils."
* The oppressed have a day of gladness and celebration to look forward to. Those ridiculed and harassed because of their steadfast faith in God can rest assured that their fear and tears are answered. Those excluded and reviled by the powerful wicked can be assured that their hope in Jesus is not misplaced. The start of this day of delight and rejoicing is described in these verses. The day is the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus, the Anointed One.
The coming of the Lord to his servant's rescue is a fearful theophany. The divine manifestation of the heavenly Warrior is descending in a wrathful attack upon the enemies of God's people. Ancient Egypt and Pharaoh's army experienced the power and might of God, but not to this excellence. The earth will tremble and quake. The strong foundations of the mountains shake. God is coming.
God's fierce majesty is like a dragon or mighty leviathan (Job 41:19-21) - smoke from his nostrils, fire from his mouth, burning coals blaze past his teeth. He opens the gates of heaven and descends to the earth on his quest to free the oppressed. He commands the darkness. Thunder and lighting his crown. Clothed in brilliant illumination. Glory his clothes.
The Lord's Word is his weapon. His voice thunders. The Most High chords are a thousand trumpets. There is nowhere to hide, even the valleys of the sea are exposed and the foundations of the earth are laid bare at his rebuke. No place is safe for the wicked. The faithful rejoice as arrows scatter enemies. Energy as lightning separates sheep and goats. No place safe for the wicked. The vile are no more on the earth. Their power is gone. Their names are forgotten. God Most High is coming.
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 18:7-15.
II. The LORD Lifted Me (18:16-29)
* Titled "Evil Shall Hunt the Violent" this woodcut by an unknown artist is in public domain. Psalm 104:11 is cited.
>4. How does David describe the Lord's rescue and how is this fulfilled when Jesus comes gain?
* Psalm 18:16-19 "He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LORD was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me."
* "He reached down from on high and took hold of me"
* "He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me."
* Acts 1:9 "After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight."
* 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 "But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him."
* 1 Corinthians 15:50-52 "I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed-- in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed."
>Why does David say the Lord rescued him? (16-19)
* "They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LORD was my support."
* "He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me."
* The Lord God had anointed David to be the next king of Israel when he was but an unrecognized lad. (1 Samuel 16:13) The fulfillment of the promise began looking possible when he was moved from being the family shepherd boy to the court musician and armor-bearer in the household of King Saul. (1 Samuel 16:21-23)
When the Spirit enabled David to kill the giant Goliath the promise of being the next king seemed possible until Saul became jealous of David's growing popularity. Saul tried to kill David many times. (1 Samuel 18:8-11; 19:11, 18) David fled and was pursued for many years. He lived in lonely deserts and slept in caves. Through all the cold nights and hot days, David never lost his faith in the Lord God who promised that he would become king.
These verses relive David's alienated life. They tell of the Lord's eventual rescue from King Saul's hate. He reached down from on high and took hold of David. He drew him out of deep waters. The Lord God rescued him from his powerful enemy, a foe who was too strong for him. Even after Saul's death, Saul's supporters fought against the forces of David for many years. They confronted him in the day of his disaster. Through all his troubles the Lord God was David's support.
The Lord God has made several promises to me many years ago. Like David, I have been pursued by people who hate me. The enemy Satan has many who blindly follow his evil ways. I am inspired by men like David to have faith in God for many years though the promise seems far off. The Lord God is my support. I have not lost faith like many. Jesus will bring me to a spacious place where I am free to roam unconfined by the threats and dangers that had hem me in. Do not lose faith. Jesus' promise is true.
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 18:16-19.
>5. What can be learn about what to do as we wait for the Lord to answer our prayers from verse 20 to 24?
* Psalm 18:20-24 "The LORD has dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me. For I have kept the ways of the LORD; I have not done evil by turning from my God. All his laws are before me; I have not turned away from his decrees. I have been blameless before him and have kept myself from sin. The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight."
* "The LORD has dealt with me according to my righteousness"
* "according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me."
* "For I have kept the ways of the LORD; I have not done evil by turning from my God."
* "All his laws are before me; I have not turned away from his decrees."
* "I have been blameless before him and have kept myself from sin."
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 18:20-24.
* Titled "David and the Sleeping King" this painting by an unknown artist is in public domain. Psalm 104:11 is cited.
>How did David keep his hand's clean during the time that Saul and his army hunted him down? (1 Samuel 24 & 26)
* "The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight."
* "my righteousness" -Considering the psalm's subject, David was thinking of the times that he did not kill Saul. David was not stating that he was sinless.
* While David was on the run from Saul and his army David made sure to inquire of the Lord (1 Samuel 22:1-6) and follow the Lord's ways (21). David did not harm Saul even when he could have killed him twice. (1 Samuel 24 & 26) The temptation was great for his men said, "This is the day the LORD spoke of when he said to you, 'I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.'" But David kept the laws of God. He spared Saul's life.
While hiding in barren places, David and those who followed him were often in need of food and shelter. Even then David was blameless before the Lord. He kept from sin. He stopped from killing Nabal who disrespected David. Instead of robbing Nabal, David protected him and his flock. Nabal repaid this with disgrace and humiliation. He did not pay David for this kindness. Even then David kept the laws of God. He did not shed blood to avenge himself. (1 Samuel 25)
God tests the heart of all. (Deuteronomy 8:2; 1 Chronicles 29:17; 2 Chronicles 32:31; Jeremiah 11:20) He refines the soul. (Jeremiah 9:1; Zechariah 13:9) Just as gold, silver, and iron are refined by fire, so God allows trouble, temptation, and distress to occur in my life so that I may be a better person and improve my character. Just as many reheats impure metals even more, so I find that the same hard life circumstances are repeated in my life.
Jesus also repeated verbal and life event teachings with his disciples. I should not be surprised that I am in a fire purification yet again. Speaking of Jesus' first coming the prophet Malachi wrote, "But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness." (Malachi 3:2-3)
Why again? This is why. When I keep his way while being heated eventually "The LORD will reward me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight." (24)
>6. How and why does God interact with each person according to their life choices? (25-26)
* Psalm 18:25-26 "To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd."
* "To the faithful you show yourself faithful"
* "to the blameless you show yourself blameless"
* "to the pure you show yourself pure"
* "but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd."
>What was David referring to when he referred to his lamp and his darkness?
* Psalm 18:27-29 "You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty. You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall."
* "You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty."
* "You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light."
* "With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall."
* God reveals his character to all; yet to each, he reveals himself in his own way. Those who are faithful to the Lord God and his ways, the Lord God is faithful to them. He does not leave them. Jesus promised, "All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away." (John 6:37)
To those who are blameless in dealing with others, the Lord God is blameless, that is upright. Jesus promised, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." (Matthew 5:7)
When a person is pure of heart, the Lord God reveals his pure self. Jesus taught, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." (Matthew 5:8) Being in the Lord God's presence and His purity within a pure heart is an unforgettable experience.
God is shrewd when dealing with the devious, crooked, stubbornly contrary, and disobedient. Jesus declared, "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done." (Matthew 16:25-27)
David learned this when the Lord God removed his enemies from before him. He sang, "You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall."
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 18:25-29.
III. The Word of the LORD is Flawless (18:30-45)
>7. Though by keeping the law of God by not killing saw made his life hard what can be learned by David who said God's way is perfect?
* Psalm 18:30 "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him."
* 2 Samuel 5:12 "And David knew that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel."
* 1 Chronicles 14:2 "And David knew that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and that his kingdom had been highly exalted for the sake of his people Israel."
* "As for God, his way is perfect;"
* "the word of the LORD is flawless."
* "He is a shield for all who take refuge in him."
>Why did David ask the two questions in verse 31?
* Psalm 18:31 "For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God?"
* Rhetorical questions with the purpose to make the listener examine their heart and mind.
>8. What did David recognize about his skills and life style choices? (32-34)
* Psalm 18:32-34 "It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze."
* "It is God who... He makes... he enables... He trains"
* "arms me with strength "
* "makes my way perfect."
* "my feet like the feet of a deer"
* "me to stand on the heights"
* "my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze."
>Why should we credit God for everything? (John 3:20-21)
* Psalm 18:35-36 "You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn."
* John 3:20-21 "Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."
*
* David publicly acknowledged in this Psalm the depths of his soul's firm belief that the Lord God's blessing had made freedom from his enemy's oppression a reality. This Psalm was written sometime between Saul's suicide (1 Samuel 30-31; 1 Chronicles 10) and when David's kingship over all of Israel was finally fully established (2 Samuel 5; 1 Chronicles 14). 2 Samuel 5:12 and 1 Chronicles 14:2 declare the truth, "David knew that the LORD had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel."
Remembering and believing the Lord God's promise for many years against all known possibilities, and then seeing it fulfilled by faith through grace David proclaims, "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him." When the promise became a reality God reminded him through the prophet Nathan, "This is what the LORD Almighty says: I took you from the pasture and from following the flock to be ruler over my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men of the earth." (2 Samuel 7:8-9)
David's rhetorical question, "For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God?" establishes the believer's hope for the future, whose present life events have proven bleak and barren; meaningless and forgotten. God strengthens me so that I can continue. God makes my way and that way is perfect though currently not pleasant. His eventual victory makes a joyous dance in the elegance of a deer's vaulted springs begin. It enables a stable stance on a rocky mount height in the assurance of a ram's confidence.
All the life engagements' victories are made possible by the Lord God. He trains me for battle. He protects with his shield. He stoops down to make me great. He broadens the path and keeps the ankle from turning. Everything that leads to the sure jubilance is all because of God. I should never forget and always proclaim this truth.
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 18:30-36.
>9. Why does God sometimes not answer prayers according to verses 37 to 42?
* Psalm 18:37-42 "I pursued my enemies and overtook them; I did not turn back till they were destroyed.
38 I crushed them so that they could not rise; they fell beneath my feet.
39 You armed me with strength for battle; you made my adversaries bow at my feet.
40 You made my enemies turn their backs in flight, and I destroyed my foes.
41 They cried for help, but there was no one to save them-- to the LORD, but he did not answer.
42 I beat them as fine as dust borne on the wind; I poured them out like mud in the streets."
*
* David prayed and trusted in God. He waited for God for many years to rescue him from a life he did not want to live. God did not send an army of immortal spiritual beings we call angels to strike down all his enemies so David could be king of Israel. Instead, God enabled him to pursue his enemies and overtake them.
After King Saul committed suicide in a battle with the Philistines, David's house and the house of Saul fought for many years. (2 Samuel 3:1) David did not just sit idle as he waited for God's promise to become a reality.
First, there was something that David had to refrain from doing. He must not kill God's anointed King Saul. This would have been a sin. The continual decision to hide from Saul was not easy. It meant he had to live the life of a fugitive and in exile. Yet he knew he should not sin by killing King Saul.
Second, there was something David had to do. His house had to fight the battles with Saul's house after Saul and his son died. The civil war lasted for many years. David understood and acknowledged that the victories were possible only because of the Lord God in these verses. David pursued and crushed the enemy. God armed him and made his enemies turn back. The enemy cried for help, but the Lord did not answer their pleas. David beat them.
When I pray to God for help and deliverance I know there are things to do and not do on my part. First, I have faith always no matter how hard life gets. Second, I have to refrain from sin even though it means life circumstances can be hard. Third, I need to engage in the work God has for me.
The apostle James wrote, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does." (James 1:2-8)
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 18:37-42.
>How did David's life change? Who did he give credit after success? How does this psalm foretell the Messiah, Jesus?
* Psalm 18:43-45 "You have delivered me from the attacks of the people; you have made me the head of nations; people I did not know are subject to me.
44 As soon as they hear me, they obey me; foreigners cringe before me.
45 They all lose heart; they come trembling from their strongholds."
*
* David endured so many threats from his own people in the days of Saul's reign. Now he was crowned king of Israel. He reigns over other nations. People he never had acquaintances with bow down to him. His commands are obeyed with trembling. David is the unquestioned premier monarch.
This psalm is a prophecy psalm relating to the Messiah. The pattern laid down in the first half relates to Jesus' first coming. The pattern of the second half relates to his second coming. Just as David experienced so Jesus the Messiah has and will experience.
The Apostle John saw and wrote of the future, "The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter." He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS." (Revelation 19:14-16)
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 18:7-15.
IV. The LORD Lives! (18:46-50)
* Titled "The Ark Brought to Jerusalem" this lithograph by an unknown artist is in public domain.
David is wearing a crown while playing a musical instrument. A man is reaching out to the ark to stabilize it which leads to his death. The ark is carried in a cart that is pulled by two oxen which is not how the LORD told Moses the ark was to be moved. The priest were to carry the ark on long poles. If David would have followed the Lord's instruction the man would not have died.
This lithograph was originally commissioned by the Providence Lithograph Company in 1896. 2 Samuel 6:1-12 is cited. "Oh Lord of Host, blessed is the man that trusts in thee," is from Psalm 82:12 and Jeremiah 17:7.
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 18:43-45.
>10. Why might verse 46 be the summary and climax of the psalm?
* Psalm 18:46 "The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior!"
* Deuteronomy 5:6
*
* The psalm's crescendo has reached its climax. The choir reaches its highest chords and exhibits the mastery of a virtuoso. The musicians' souls pour into their instruments. The limbs of the audience tingle and their torsals swell. Joyous tears moisten checks. Arms reach to the heavens in exultation, "The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior!"
Ancient Hebrew scribes pressed hard on their iron pens to thicken the ink on the scroll to reveal strong emotion. The exclamation points do the same in English. David expresses the three main cases of the psalm.
The Lord is alive and interactive in human society and people. David believed and experienced what only God could have done by what was miraculously accomplished.
The Lord is a rock that deserves praise. He is a sure foundation. He kept David from sinking into his grave. He kept him alive and exalted him.
Though many people sought to kill David, they failed to succeed. God is the Savior who is exalted above any human or spiritual being. God saves from the grave. God saves his people from evil people. God places them on a throne. God humbles his people's enemies.
God is alive. God is the only Savior. Praise be the Lord God.
Listen to the above comments on Psalm 18:46
>11. How might verses 47 and 48 refer to Jesus, the Messiah's first coming?
* Psalm 18:47-48 "He is the God who avenges me, who subdues nations under me, who saves me from my enemies. You exalted me above my foes; from violent men you rescued me."
* Deuteronomy 32:41
*
>How might verses 49 and 50 refer to Jesus, the Messiah's second coming?
* Psalm 18:49-50 "Therefore I will praise you among the nations, O LORD; I will sing praises to your name. He gives his king great victories; he shows unfailing kindness to his anointed, to David and his descendants forever."
* "his king"
* "his anointed"
* Though thinking of life, David is also prophesying about the coming Messiah.
* David, named in the last verse concludes his doxology by summing up what he has been proclaiming. David is God's king. David is God's anointed. David knows he is the Lord's chosen and anointed king. David recalls God's promise while a lad. (1 Samuel 16:13) He experienced God's grace in making it happen.
The whole song is to be understood in the context of David's official capacity and the Lord's covenant with him fulfilled. What David claims in this grand conclusion and in the whole psalm has been and is being fulfilled in Jesus Christ, David's great descendant.
Jesus' resurrected avenges the wrongful torture, crucifixion, and death. Jesus ascended to heaven and was crowned with glory. Jesus sits at the right hand of the Most High God. Jesus rules all creation. Jesus will come again in glory to claim what is his. He will drive out and punish his enemies. He will give rewards to his faithful and loving subjects.
While on trial "...the high priest asked him, 'Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?'" (Mark 14:61) "'I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.' 'Yes, it is as you say,' Jesus replied. 'But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.' Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, 'He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?' 'He is worthy of death,' they answered. Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him and said, 'Prophesy to us, Christ. Who hit you?'" (Matthew 26:63-68)
