Tyndale Open Study NotesPsalms 18

The psalms in this section emphasize integrity and purity (Psalms 17:15; 18:20–26; 19:13–14). They describe people as living in God’s presence (Psalms 16:9–11; 17:15) and remaining steadfast (15:5; 16:8).

This psalm describes a royal story of God rescuing his king. A similar version of this psalm appears in 2 Samuel 22:1–51. The psalm encourages those who hear the earlier prayers for help in Psalms 16 and 17.

The psalmist describes the dramatic nature of God’s rescue in three different ways (Psalm 18:7–15, 16–19, 30–36). The psalm also offers hope that a future Son of David will completely defeat evil (Psalm 18:43–50; compare Psalm 2).

• The servant of the Lord was given the duty to establish God's kingdom on earth (see Psalm 78:70; 132:10; 144:10).

• The Lord rescued David from all his enemies by helping him defeat them (see 2 Samuel 8:1–14).

A shield symbolizes protection, salvation, and victory (Psalms 7:10; 18:2, 30, 35; 84:11; 91:4; 115:9, 10, 11; 119:114; 144:2). It inspires trust, patience, and confidence in God.

God deserves praise for his greatness and faithfulness (Psalms 48:1; 96:4; 145:3).

God lives in his sanctuary, the heavenly temple (Psalm 102:19; see 14:2–3). He knows everything and sees every person. He will defend and vindicate those who live in a faithful and righteous way (see Psalm 11:3–7).

The psalmist describes the Lord coming down from heaven to earth. This moment includes powerful signs such as earthquakes, fire, smoke, darkness, and rain. All creation trembles when God appears.

The psalm shows God as the Divine Warrior (a title that describes God fighting for his people, see Psalm 97:2–5) and as the Judge who rules with justice (see 50:1–6).

The destabilization of the whole earth will be a means of God’s judgment (Psalm 77:17–18; 96:9; 97:4; 99:1; 104:32; Isaiah 29:6; Micah 1:3–4; Nahum 1:2–6; Haggai 2:7, 21).

• His nostrils … His mouth: The psalmist compares God to an angry person or a fierce creature (see Job 41:12–22).

• The frightening images of smoke, flames, and glowing coals show God’s anger against sin.

The Lord rules over all of nature (see Psalm 104:2–4; 148:5–6).

a cherub: See study notes on 1 Chronicles 28:18; 2 Chronicles 3:10–13.

God loves and delights in the psalmist (see Psalm 18:1), so he will save him (37:23; 41:11; 91:14–16).

The psalmist states that loyalty brings rewards. He trusts in the Lord (see Psalm 16:1) and promises to live with integrity (see Psalms 1, 15, 24; see also 19:12–14).

• kept the ways of the LORD: The psalmist follows God's instructions faithfully (see Psalm 25:8–10).

• have not wickedly departed: The psalmist avoids foolishness (see Psalms 1 and 14) and chooses wisdom (see Psalms 1 and 15).

The faithful God remains true to his character. He loves faithfulness, innocence, and purity, and he hates wickedness (see Psalm 1:6).

• The pure have clean hands (see Psalm 18:20–24).

• to the crooked You show Yourself shrewd: The Lord understands everyone's character and responds to them fairly.

haughty: The Lord hates pride (Psalm 101:5; 131:1; see Proverbs 6:16–17; 21:4; 30:13).

light my lamp: The Lord renews the psalmist's life, helping him overcome the darkness of difficult times (see Psalms 112:4; 119:105).

scale a wall: God helps his servants fight their battles.

The psalmist experiences God’s rescue and provision of victory.

• perfect: God’s character is full of integrity. He is completely trustworthy (see Psalm 18:26).

• God promises to protect his people, and he keeps this promise.

• Seeking God's protection requires trust and faith. Despite his feelings or external circumstances, the psalmist makes a deep commitment to the Lord. He experiences joy (Psalms 5:11; 64:10) as he waits for the Lord's rescue (Psalm 57:1).

The psalmist’s victories come from the Lord. He completely depends on God.

A wide path represents freedom and safety (see Psalms 4:8; 119:35).

With help from the Divine Warrior, the psalmist experienced victory over his enemies.

Placing a foot on the necks of the enemy represents total victory (see Joshua 10:23–26).

With God’s help and victory, the psalmist gained success in battle and in ruling the nation. In this way, the psalm reflects the promise about David’s royal line in Psalm 2.

This psalm also answers some of the earlier prayers for help. The laments in earlier psalms begin to find resolution here.

The psalmist again reflects on the Lord’s victories. God’s amazing rescue and the king’s victory are cause for celebration.

God defends and vindicates his servant. In this way, God fulfills the mission he gave him (Psalm 2; see 47:3; 144:2).

The psalmist's vision of praise among the nations inspired Paul in his mission to the Gentiles (Romans 15:9).

God appointed David, his chosen leader, to bring order to God's world (see Psalm 2). Both David and his descendants received this responsibility.