Psalms 144:7

KJV

Send thine hand from above; rid me, and deliver me out of great waters, from the hand of strange children;

KJV (with Strong's)

Send {H7971} thine hand {H3027} from above {H4791}; rid {H6475} me, and deliver {H5337} me out of great {H7227} waters {H4325}, from the hand {H3027} of strange {H5236} children {H1121};

Complete Jewish Bible

Reach out your hands from on high; rescue me; save me out of deep water, out of the power of strangers,

Berean Standard Bible

Reach down from on high; set me free and rescue me from the deep waters, from the grasp of foreigners,

American Standard Version

Stretch forth thy hand from above; Rescue me, and deliver me out of great waters, Out of the hand of aliens;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 144:7 is a fervent prayer from King David, pleading for divine intervention and rescue from overwhelming peril. He cries out for God to extend His powerful hand from heaven, to deliver him from the metaphorical "great waters" of adversity, and to protect him from the oppressive influence of "strange children," referring to foreign, hostile adversaries. This verse encapsulates a profound reliance on God's omnipotence in the face of seemingly insurmountable human and external threats.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 144 is a royal psalm, attributed to David, that seamlessly blends elements of praise, wisdom, and petition. It opens with David blessing God as his strength and trainer for battle, acknowledging the Lord as his rock and fortress in [Psalm 144:1-2](/psalms/144-1 "Psalm 144:1-2 - God, My Strength and Fortress"). The preceding verses (3-6) reflect on the fleeting nature of humanity and contrast it with God's enduring majesty and power, setting the stage for David's urgent plea for divine action. He asks God to "bow thy heavens, O Lord, and come down: touch the mountains, and they shall smoke" in [Psalm 144:5](/psalms/144-5 "Psalm 144:5 - God's Descent and Power"), illustrating the magnitude of the intervention he seeks. Verse 7, therefore, is a direct continuation of this desperate appeal, specifying the nature of the deliverance desired.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the psalm does not specify a particular historical event, it reflects a common theme in David's life: warfare and the constant threat from surrounding nations. David, as king, frequently engaged in military campaigns against various foreign peoples who posed a threat to Israel's security and sovereignty. The "strange children" likely refers to these non-Israelite, often pagan, nations who did not share Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. Culturally, the concept of God's "hand" reaching down from "above" signifies direct, supernatural intervention, a common motif in ancient Near Eastern thought for divine power and authority. The imagery of "great waters" as a metaphor for overwhelming danger or chaos was also prevalent, evoking the destructive power of floods or the perilous depths of the sea.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Psalm 144 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Deliverance**, underscoring the belief that God is the ultimate rescuer from all forms of peril, whether physical, military, or existential. David's prayer is a testament to his absolute dependence on God's power rather than human strength or strategy, as seen throughout his life and in passages like [1 Samuel 17:47](/1_samuel/17-47 "1 Samuel 17:47 - The Lord Saves"). Secondly, it emphasizes the **Vulnerability of Humanity** in the face of overwhelming adversity, contrasting human weakness with divine omnipotence. David, despite being a mighty warrior, recognizes his limitations and cries out for help beyond his own capabilities. Finally, the verse touches upon the theme of **Protection from External Enemies**, a recurring concern for Israel as God's covenant people living amidst hostile nations. The "strange children" represent those who stand in opposition to God's purposes and His people, necessitating divine safeguarding, a theme echoed in [Psalm 59:1-2](/psalms/59-1 "Psalm 59:1-2 - Deliverance from Enemies").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_ H3027):** This primitive word, distinct from _kaph_ (the open palm), refers to the closed hand, indicating power, means, direction, and authority. In this context, "thine hand from above" signifies God's direct, active, and powerful intervention. It is not merely a passive presence but an outstretched arm of divine might, capable of executing deliverance and judgment. The hand of God is often associated with His creative power, His sustaining work, and His mighty acts of salvation throughout Scripture.
* **waters (Hebrew, _mayim'_ H4325):** A dual noun used in a singular sense, literally meaning "water." Figuratively, as used here, "great waters" (paired with H7227 _rab_, meaning "abundant" or "great") is a common biblical metaphor for overwhelming danger, chaos, deep distress, or powerful, destructive enemies. It evokes imagery of a flood that threatens to engulf and drown, signifying peril that feels inescapable and life-threatening. This metaphor highlights the intensity and magnitude of the threat David faces.
* **strange (Hebrew, _nêkâr'_ H5236):** Derived from a root meaning "to be foreign" or "to be estranged," this word describes something or someone as foreign, alien, or belonging to heathendom. When combined with "children" (H1121 _bên_, "son"), "strange children" refers to foreign peoples, often implying those who are not part of God's covenant people, are hostile to Israel, and may embody ungodly practices or ideologies. It emphasizes their alien identity and their opposition to David and his kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Send thine hand from above;":** This is a direct, urgent imperative prayer. David implores God to extend His powerful "hand" (symbolizing divine power, intervention, and action) from "above" (from heaven, signifying God's transcendent dwelling place and supreme authority). It is a plea for immediate, supernatural intervention from the highest source of power.
* **"rid me, and deliver me out of great waters,":** This clause specifies the nature of the desired intervention. "Rid me" (from H6475 _pâtsâh_, meaning "to rend, open, deliver") and "deliver me" (from H5337 _nâtsal_, meaning "to snatch away, rescue, save") are synonymous pleas for rescue. The object of this rescue is from "great waters," a powerful metaphor for overwhelming dangers, deep distress, or powerful, numerous enemies that threaten to engulf David.
* **"from the hand of strange children;":** This final phrase identifies the source of the "great waters" or the specific nature of the threat. It is "from the hand" (again, symbolizing power and control) of "strange children." These are foreign, alien peoples who are hostile to David and Israel, emphasizing their non-covenantal, potentially idolatrous, and oppressive nature. David seeks protection from their power and influence.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 144:7 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey David's desperate plea and profound trust. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, particularly in the phrase "great waters," which vividly represents overwhelming adversity, chaos, or powerful enemies. This imagery evokes a sense of being submerged and threatened with drowning, powerfully communicating the depth of David's peril. The phrase "strange children" also functions as a **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "children" (sons) stands for the entire foreign nation or people, emphasizing their alien and hostile nature. The appeal to "Send thine hand from above" is a powerful **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human characteristic (a hand) to God to convey His active power and intervention. This also functions as **Symbolism**, where the "hand" symbolizes God's omnipotence, His ability to act decisively, and His saving strength. The entire verse is an urgent **Supplication**, a direct and fervent prayer, demonstrating David's complete reliance on divine rescue.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 144:7 profoundly articulates a core biblical truth: that in moments of overwhelming crisis, humanity's ultimate recourse is to the sovereign power of God. David's prayer is not merely for physical deliverance but for a divine intervention that transcends human capability, recognizing that true salvation comes only from "above." This verse underscores God's active involvement in the affairs of His people, His willingness to extend His mighty hand to rescue those who call upon Him, and His role as the ultimate protector against all forms of opposition, whether natural or human. It speaks to the theological truth that God is both transcendent (from "above") and immanent (sending His "hand" into human affairs).

* [Psalm 18:16](/psalms/18-16 "Psalm 18:16 - God's Deliverance from Many Waters")
* [Isaiah 43:2](/isaiah/43-2 "Isaiah 43:2 - God's Presence in Waters and Rivers")
* [Psalm 121:1-2](/psalms/121-1 "Psalm 121:1-2 - My Help Comes from the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 144:7 offers a timeless model for believers facing contemporary challenges. When we find ourselves "under great waters"—whether it's financial ruin, emotional despair, relational brokenness, or spiritual oppression—this verse encourages us to adopt David's posture of desperate dependence on God. It reminds us that human solutions often fall short, and true deliverance, especially from overwhelming and seemingly inescapable perils, ultimately comes from the Lord. Our prayer should be characterized by raw honesty about our situation and an unwavering trust in God's omnipotence. We are called to look "above" for our help, acknowledging that the same mighty hand that delivered David is available to us. This spiritual perspective shifts our focus from the magnitude of our problems to the infinitude of God's power, fostering hope and resilience even in the darkest valleys.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "great waters" are you currently facing that feel overwhelming and beyond your control?**
* **How does David's plea to "Send thine hand from above" challenge your own reliance on human strength or solutions?**
* **In what ways do "strange children" (ungodly influences, worldly ideologies, spiritual adversaries) threaten your faith or well-being today, and how can you pray for deliverance from them?**
* **How can remembering God's past acts of deliverance strengthen your faith to call upon His "hand from above" in your present circumstances?**

### FAQ
**What does "great waters" symbolize in this verse?**

Answer: In Psalm 144:7, "great waters" is a powerful metaphor for overwhelming danger, profound distress, or powerful, numerous enemies. It evokes the imagery of a destructive flood or the perilous depths of the sea, signifying a situation that feels inescapable, life-threatening, and beyond human control. This metaphor is common in the Old Testament to describe chaos, affliction, and the forces of evil or opposition that threaten God's people, as seen in [Psalm 69:1-2](/psalms/69-1 "Psalm 69:1-2 - Sinking in Deep Mire").

**Who are the "strange children" David refers to?**

Answer: The "strange children" (Hebrew: _b'nei nekâr_) refer to foreign, alien peoples who are hostile to Israel and do not share in God's covenant. These would typically be the pagan nations surrounding Israel that frequently engaged in conflict with them, such as the Philistines, Edomites, or other adversaries. The term emphasizes their non-Israelite identity, often implying their idolatrous practices and their opposition to God's people and His purposes. David seeks deliverance from their oppressive power and influence, as they represent a threat to the peace and security of his kingdom, as also referenced in [Nehemiah 13:23-27](/nehemiah/13-23 "Nehemiah 13:23-27 - Marrying Foreign Women").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 144:7 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the very "hand from above" sent by God to deliver humanity from the "great waters" of sin, death, and spiritual alienation. The psalmist's cry for rescue from overwhelming peril foreshadows the world's desperate need for a Savior. Jesus, the Son of God, descended from "above" (heaven) to enter into the chaos of human existence, confronting the spiritual "strange children"—the forces of darkness, sin, and the devil—who held humanity captive. His life, death, and resurrection represent God's definitive act of "sending His hand from above" to "rid" and "deliver" us. Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus plunged into the "great waters" of God's wrath against sin, emerging victorious, thereby offering true deliverance to all who believe. He is the one who truly takes away the sin of the world, as proclaimed in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His victory over death and the grave ensures that His followers are rescued from the ultimate "strange children"—spiritual enemies who seek to enslave and destroy. As [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness") declares, God "hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins." Thus, David's ancient prayer for physical deliverance becomes a prophetic echo of the spiritual salvation accomplished by Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 69:1

¶ To the chief Musician upon Shoshannim, [A Psalm] of David. Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto [my] soul.

Psalms 69:2

I sink in deep mire, where [there is] no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me.

Psalms 18:16

He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters.

Revelation 17:15

And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.

Psalms 54:3

For strangers are risen up against me, and oppressors seek after my soul: they have not set God before them. Selah.

Matthew 27:43

He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.

Psalms 93:3

The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves.