Chronicles of a Journeyman

Psalm 18

This psalm is introduced as a psalm of praise written by David after the LORD had rescued him from all his enemies and from Saul. After starting with praise to the LORD, David walks us through his crises and cries, reveals the Lord’s response and rescue, describes the LORD’s just, righteous, and powerful character, details his victory over his enemies by the LORD’s help and then concludes with praise and thanksgiving to the LORD.

Part A 

1-3: Praise to the LORD Who Saves

4-6: David’s Distress and Cry for Help

7-15: The LORD’s Fearsome Response

16-19: David’s Divine Deliverance

20-24: David’s Deliverance as God’s Justice

The first half of this psalm tells the story of the LORD’s glorious deliverance of David. Beginning with praise for the LORD as his Saviour, David chronicles the depth of his distress and how he cried to the LORD for help. The LORD’s response shook the mountains, the heavens, and the seas, and routed David’s enemies. He then proceeded to deliver David, pulling him out of the deep. David highlights that his deliverance confirms that the LORD found Him righteous and blameless in His sight.

Part B

25-30: The LORD’s Just Character Revealed

31-36: The LORD’s Powerful Works Described

37-42: David’s Victorious Pursuit

43-45: Deliverance and Dominion by the LORD

46-50: Praise and Thanksgiving to the LORD

In this second half of the psalm, David continues his poetic tale of divine deliverance by describing and personalizing the character of the LORD. He acts towards people according to their actions, giving each one their just reward and empowering the righteous to win great victories. This results in David’s victorious pursuit of his enemies until he has conquered them all and they serve him fearfully. The psalm concludes with praise and thanksgiving to the LORD for His deliverance and exaltation of David – a proof of His everlasting faithfulness!