TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 18:1–19. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The title gives us the occasion of penning this psalm; we had it before (Sa2 22:1), only here we are told that the psalm was delivered to the chief musician, or precentor, in the temple-songs. Note, The private compositions of good men, designed by them for their own use, may be serviceable to the public, that others may not only borrow light from their candle, but heat from their fire. Examples sometimes teach better than rules. And David is here called the servant of the Lord, as Moses was, not only as every good man is God's servant, but because, with his sceptre, with his sword, and with his pen, he greatly promoted the interests of God's kingdom in Israel. It was more his honour that he was a servant of the Lord than that he was king of a great kingdom; and so he himself accounted it (Psa 116:16): O Lord! truly I am thy servant. In these verses,
I.He triumphs in God and his relation to him.
The first words of the psalm, I will love thee, O Lord! my strength, are here prefixed as the scope and contents of the whole. Love to God is the first and great commandment of the law, because it is the principle of all our acceptable praise and obedience; and this use we should make of all the mercies God bestows upon us, our hearts should thereby be enlarged in love to him. This he requires and will accept; and we are very ungrateful if we grudge him so poor a return. An interest in the person loved is the lover's delight; this string therefore he touches, and on this he harps with much pleasure (Psa 18:2): "The Lord Jehovah is my God; and then he is my rock, my fortress, all that I need and can desire in my present distress." For there is that in God which is suited to all the exigencies and occasions of his people that trust in him. "He is my rock, and strength, and fortress;" that is, 1. "I have found him so in the greatest dangers and difficulties." 2. "I have chosen him to be so, disclaiming all others, and depending upon him alone to protect me." Those that truly love God may thus triumph in him as theirs, and may with confidence call upon him, Psa 18:3. This further use we should make of our deliverances, we must not only love God the better, but love prayer the better - call upon him as long as we live, especially in time of trouble, with an assurance that so we shall be saved; for thus it is written, Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved, Act 2:21.
II.He sets himself to magnify the deliverances God had wrought for him, that he might be the more affected in his returns of praise.
It is good for us to observe all the circumstances of a mercy, which magnify the power of God and his goodness to us in it.
1.The more imminent and threatening the danger was out of which we were delivered the greater is the mercy of the deliverance. David now remembered how the forces of his enemies poured in upon him, which he calls the floods of Belial, shoals of the children of Belial, likely to overpower him with numbers. They surrounded him, compassed him about; they surprised him, and by that means were very near seizing him; their snares prevented him, and, when without were fightings, within were fears and sorrows, Psa 18:4, Psa 18:5. His spirit was overwhelmed, and he looked upon himself as a lost man; see Psa 116:3.
2.The more earnest we have been with God for deliverance, and the more direct answer it is to our prayers, the more we are obliged to be thankful. David's deliverances were so, Psa 18:6. David was found a praying man, and God was found a prayer-hearing God. If we pray as he did, we shall speed as he did. Though distress drive us to prayer, God will not therefore be deaf to us; nay, being a God of pity, he will be the more ready to succour us.
3.The more wonderful God's appearances are in any deliverance the greater it is: such were the deliverances wrought for David, in which God's manifestation of his presence and glorious attributes is most magnificently described, Psa 18:7, etc. Little appeared of man, but much of God, in these deliverances.
(1.)He appeared a God of almighty power; for he made the earth shake and tremble, and moved even the foundations of the hills (Psa 18:7), as of old at Mount Sinai. When the men of the earth were struck with fear, then the earth might be said to tremble; when the great men of the earth were put into confusion, then the hills moved.
(2.)He showed his anger and displeasure against the enemies and persecutors of his people: He was wroth, Psa 18:7. His wrath smoked, it burned, it was fire, it was devouring fire (Psa 18:8), and coals were kindled by it. Those that by their own sins make themselves as coals (that is, fuel) to this fire will be consumed by it. He that ordains his arrows against the persecutors sends them forth when he pleases, and they are sure to hit the mark and do execution; for those arrows are lightnings, Psa 18:14.
(3.)He showed his readiness to plead his people's cause and work deliverance for them; for he rode upon a cherub and did fly, for the maintaining of right and the relieving of his distressed servants, Psa 18:10. No opposition, no obstruction, can be given to him who rides upon the wings of the wind, who rides on the heavens, for the help of his people, and, in his excellency, on the skies.
(4.)He showed his condescension, in taking cognizance of David's case: He bowed the heavens and came down (Psa 18:9), did not send an angel, but came himself, as one afflicted in the afflictions of his people.
(5.)He wrapped himself in darkness, and yet commanded light to shine out of darkness for his people, Isa 45:15. He is a God that hideth himself; for he made darkness his pavilion, Psa 18:11. his glory is invisible, his counsels are unsearchable, and his proceedings unaccountable, and so, as to us, clouds and darkness are round about him; we know not the way that he takes, even when he is coming towards us in ways of mercy; but, when his designs are secret, they are kind; for, though he hide himself, he is the God of Israel, the Saviour. And, at his brightness, the thick clouds pass (Psa 18:12), comfort returns, the face of affairs is changed, and that which was gloomy and threatening becomes serene and pleasant.
4.The greater the difficulties are that lie in the way of deliverance the more glorious the deliverance is. For the rescuing of David, the waters were to be divided till the very channels were seen; the earth was to be cloven till the very foundations of it were discovered, Psa 18:15. There were waters deep and many, waters out of which he was to be drawn (Psa 18:16), as Moses, who had his name from being drawn out of the water literally, as David was figuratively. His enemies were strong, and they hated him; had he been left to himself, they would have been too strong for him, Psa 18:17. And they were too quick for him; for they prevented him in the day of his calamity, Psa 18:18. But, in the midst of his troubles, the Lord was his stay, so that he did not sink. Note, God will not only deliver his people out of their troubles in due time, but he will sustain them and bear them up under their troubles in the mean time.
5.That which especially magnified the deliverance was that his comfort was the fruit of it and God's favour was the root and fountain of it. (1.) It was an introduction to his preferment, Psa 18:19. "He brought me forth also out of my straits into a large place, where I had room, not only to turn, but to thrive in." (2.) It was a token of God's favour to him, and that made it doubly sweet: "He delivered me because he delighted in me, not for my merit, but for his own grace and good-will." Compare this with Sa2 15:26, If he thus say, I have no delight in thee, here I am. We owe our salvation, that great deliverance, to the delight God had in the Son of David, in whom he has declared himself to be well pleased.
In singing this we must triumph in God, and trust in him: and we may apply it to Christ the Son of David. The sorrows of death surrounded him; in his distress he prayed (Heb 5:7); God made the earth to shake and tremble, and the rocks to cleave, and brought him out, in his resurrection, into a large place, because he delighted in him and in his undertaking.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
Because we are little and lowly and unable to lift ourselves up to him, the Lord stoops down to us and in his compassionate kindness deigns to hear us. In fact, because we are people and cannot become gods, God became man and inclined himself, as it is written: “He inclined the heavens and came down.”
"And He bowed the heaven, and came down" [Psalm 18:9]. And He humbled the just One, that He might descend to men's infirmity. "And darkness under His feet." And the ungodly, who savour of things earthly, in the darkness of their own malice, knew not Him: for the earth under His feet is as it were His footstool.
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Summary
Psalms 18:9 vividly portrays God's dramatic, powerful descent from His celestial dwelling to intervene on behalf of His servant, David. Employing majestic cosmic storm imagery, the verse depicts the Almighty bending the very heavens and coming down, with thick darkness serving as the very ground beneath His feet. This powerful scene underscores God's absolute sovereignty, His active engagement in human affairs, and the overwhelming, awe-inspiring nature of His presence as He draws near to deliver His people.
Context
Literary Context
Psalms 18 is a grand psalm of thanksgiving and deliverance, attributed to David as a song sung "on the day the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul" (Psalm 18:title). The psalm unfolds as a dramatic narrative, beginning with David's declaration of love for God (Psalm 18:1) and his desperate cry for help (Psalm 18:4-6). Verse 9 is part of a magnificent theophany, a description of God's awe-inspiring appearance in response to David's distress call. This section, spanning Psalms 18:7-15, uses cosmic language to depict God's powerful intervention, where the earth shakes, mountains tremble, and the heavens respond to His presence, setting the stage for His active combat against David's enemies.
Historical & Cultural Context
Composed by David, this psalm reflects the life of a king who faced relentless opposition, particularly from King Saul and later from various foreign enemies. The imagery employed in Psalms 18, including God as a divine warrior manifesting amidst storm and darkness, draws upon and recontextualizes common ancient Near Eastern (ANE) motifs of storm deities. However, unlike pagan gods, Yahweh's power is not capricious but is exercised with purpose and justice, specifically on behalf of His covenant people and their anointed king. The depiction of God's presence in thick darkness, clouds, and fire is also reminiscent of His appearance at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:16-18), signifying both His majestic transcendence and His terrifying immanence.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalms 18 and the broader Psalter. Foremost is the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Power, showcasing God's absolute control over creation and His ability to manipulate cosmic forces to achieve His purposes. It highlights God's Active Intervention in human history, demonstrating that He is not a distant deity but one who "comes down" to deliver His faithful servants. The imagery also emphasizes the Theophany or divine appearance, portraying God's presence as both overwhelming and awe-inspiring, often associated with judgment and deliverance. Furthermore, it reinforces the theme of God as a Divine Warrior, who fights on behalf of His people, a concept seen throughout the Old Testament, from the Exodus narrative to the prophetic books where God battles against injustice and evil.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This Hebrew verb (H5186) means "to stretch out," "to incline," or "to bend away." In this context, it is a powerful anthropomorphism, depicting God physically bending or lowering the vast expanse of the heavens. This is not a gentle inclination but a forceful, deliberate act, indicating God's condescension and readiness to intervene. It dramatically conveys the idea that the transcendent, all-powerful God is actively bringing His celestial realm into direct contact with the earthly, demonstrating His willingness and ability to act decisively.
This verb (H3381) means "to descend" or "to go down." While simple, its placement immediately after "bowed the heavens" emphasizes the direct and tangible nature of God's descent. It contrasts sharply with the notion of a distant, uninvolved deity, highlighting God's immediate and personal engagement in the affairs of His people, making His presence palpable and His intervention imminent.
This term (H6205) refers to "gloom," "thick darkness," or "dense storm clouds." It is not merely an absence of light but a palpable, often oppressive obscurity. In biblical contexts, ʻărâphel' is frequently associated with the terrifying and majestic presence of God, particularly during theophanies (e.g., Exodus 19:16, Deuteronomy 4:11). Here, its position "under his feet" signifies God's absolute control over these powerful and awe-inspiring elements, portraying them as His very footstool or the ground upon which He treads, underscoring His sovereignty and the overwhelming nature of His power as He descends.
Verse Breakdown
"He bowed the heavens also, and came down"
This opening clause describes God's deliberate and dramatic descent from His celestial dwelling. The act of "bowing the heavens" suggests a physical bending or lowering of the sky itself, emphasizing the immense power required for the transcendent God to condescend and intervene in the earthly realm. It portrays an active, engaged deity, who is not confined to a distant heaven but is willing to enter human history and experience to deliver His people. This phrase sets a tone of unparalleled divine might and purposeful action.
"and darkness [was] under his feet"
This imagery further intensifies the depiction of God's majestic and fearsome presence. The "darkness" (Hebrew, ʻărâphel') is not just an absence of light but a thick, impenetrable gloom, often associated with storm clouds and divine manifestations. Having it "under his feet" signifies God's absolute control over these powerful, awe-inspiring elements, as if they are His very footstool or the ground upon which He treads. It underscores His absolute sovereignty and the overwhelming nature of His power as He descends, making His very presence a source of awe and, for His enemies, terror.
Literary Devices
Psalms 18:9 is rich with Anthropomorphism, attributing human-like actions and body parts to God, such as "He bowed the heavens" and "darkness [was] under his feet." These vivid descriptions help human readers grasp the otherwise incomprehensible power and presence of God. The verse also employs powerful Metaphor and Symbolism, where "darkness under his feet" symbolizes God's absolute dominion and control over the chaotic and awe-inspiring elements of the cosmos. It suggests that even the most formidable natural phenomena are subservient to His will, serving as a mere platform for His majestic descent. Furthermore, the description borders on Hyperbole, using exaggerated cosmic responses to emphasize the immense scale of divine power and the profound impact of God's intervention. This entire section is a classic example of Theophany, a literary convention describing a visible manifestation of God to humankind, often accompanied by natural phenomena that underscore His power and majesty.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse profoundly speaks to the dual nature of God's presence: His transcendence and His immanence. While God dwells in unapproachable light and majesty, far above creation, He is also willing and able to "bow the heavens and come down" to engage directly with His people and their circumstances. This highlights God's active, personal involvement in the lives of believers, demonstrating His covenant faithfulness and His commitment to deliverance. The imagery of darkness under His feet underscores that even the most terrifying or chaotic elements of existence are under His sovereign control, serving His purposes. It assures the believer that the God who intervened with such cosmic power for David is the same God capable of intervening in any human situation, no matter how dire or "dark."
Reflection and Application
Psalms 18:9 offers a breathtaking vision of God's power and His willingness to engage with His creation. For the believer, this verse is a profound source of comfort and assurance. It reminds us that our God is not a distant, passive observer of our struggles, but an active, mighty deliverer who can bend the very fabric of the cosmos to come to our aid. When we face overwhelming opposition, feel surrounded by "darkness" – whether it be despair, fear, or injustice – this imagery invites us to remember that the same God who descended in cosmic majesty for David is present and powerful enough to intervene for us. His presence, though awe-inspiring and sometimes mysterious, is ultimately the source of our deliverance and victory. We are called to trust in His sovereign power, knowing that even the most formidable obstacles are mere dust beneath His feet.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is the imagery in Psalms 18:9 meant to be taken literally?
No, the imagery in Psalms 18:9 is highly metaphorical and poetic. It employs anthropomorphism and hyperbole to convey the immense power, majesty, and active intervention of God. While God is truly powerful and does intervene in human affairs, the descriptions of Him physically "bowing the heavens" or having "darkness under his feet" are vivid literary devices designed to help human beings grasp the otherwise incomprehensible nature of divine action and presence. They communicate God's sovereign control over all creation and His ability to manipulate cosmic forces to achieve His purposes, rather than a literal physical bending of the sky.
What does "darkness [was] under his feet" signify?
The phrase "darkness [was] under his feet" is rich in symbolic meaning. First, it signifies God's absolute sovereignty and control over even the most formidable and awe-inspiring elements of nature, such as thick storm clouds or impenetrable gloom (Hebrew, ʻărâphel'). These are not independent forces but are subservient to Him, serving as His very footstool or the ground upon which He treads. Second, it conveys the majesty and awe-inspiring nature of God's presence. Divine manifestations in the Old Testament are often accompanied by clouds, darkness, and fire (e.g., Exodus 19:16, Deuteronomy 4:11), signifying both His hidden glory and the overwhelming power that accompanies His coming. For His people, this presence is a source of deliverance; for His enemies, it is a source of terror and judgment.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalms 18:9, with its dramatic portrayal of God "bowing the heavens and coming down" with darkness under His feet, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The very act of God descending to earth, bridging the infinite chasm between the divine and human, is the essence of the Incarnation. As John 1:1 declares, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God," and then John 1:14 reveals, "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." This is the ultimate "bowing of the heavens," where the Son of God, though existing in the form of God, "emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" (Philippians 2:6-7). He came down not merely to deliver from physical enemies, but to conquer the ultimate "darkness" of sin and death. Christ, through His crucifixion and resurrection, triumphed over all spiritual powers and principalities, having them "under his feet" (Colossians 2:15). His first coming was in humility, but His second coming will be with even greater cosmic power and glory, as He returns on the clouds, and "every eye shall see him" (Revelation 1:7). Thus, the psalmist's vision of God's majestic descent points forward to the divine warrior who truly came down, conquered darkness, and will one day return to establish His eternal reign.