Psalms 18:1

¶ To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David, the servant of the LORD, who spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day [that] the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said, I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.

To the chief Musician {H5329}, A Psalm of David {H1732}, the servant {H5650} of the LORD {H3068}, who spake {H1696} unto the LORD {H3068} the words {H1697} of this song {H7892} in the day {H3117} that the LORD {H3068} delivered {H5337} him from the hand {H3709} of all his enemies {H341}, and from the hand {H3027} of Saul {H7586}: And he said {H559}, I will love {H7355} thee, O LORD {H3068}, my strength {H2391}.

For the leader. By David the servant of ADONAI, who addressed the words of this song to ADONAI on the day when ADONAI delivered him from the power of all his enemies, including from the power of Sha'ul. He said: "I love you, ADONAI, my strength!

I love You, O LORD, my strength.

I love thee, O Jehovah, my strength.

Commentary

Psalm 18:1 serves as the crucial superscription to one of David's most powerful psalms of thanksgiving and praise. It sets the stage for the entire chapter, revealing the author, the context, and the immediate, profound declaration of David's heart.

Context and Background

This verse introduces Psalm 18, identifying it as "A Psalm of David, the servant of the LORD." The title "servant of the LORD" highlights David's humble yet privileged relationship with God, a designation often given to key figures in Israel's history who faithfully carried out God's will. The historical setting is explicitly stated: "in the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul." This points to a significant period of David's life, likely after he had secured his kingdom and was established on the throne, having overcome numerous threats, including the relentless pursuit by King Saul. This psalm is a nearly identical parallel to the song recorded in 2 Samuel 22, underscoring its historical authenticity and importance as David's reflection on God's mighty acts of salvation throughout his tumultuous life.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Deliverance: The primary theme is God's active intervention and salvation. David attributes his survival and triumph not to his own might but to the LORD's powerful hand, emphasizing God's faithfulness in protecting His anointed one from all adversaries.
  • Profound Love for God: David's opening declaration, "I will love thee, O LORD, my strength," is a heartfelt expression of devotion. It's not merely intellectual assent but a deep, emotional bond of affection and gratitude, a response to God's steadfast love and mercy. This echoes the very essence of the greatest commandment to love the Lord with all one's heart, soul, and mind.
  • God as Strength and Refuge: By calling God "my strength," David acknowledges God as the source of his resilience, protection, and ability to overcome impossible odds. This sets the tone for the rest of the psalm, where God is portrayed as a rock, fortress, deliverer, and shield.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "love" in "I will love thee" is racham (רָחַם), which conveys a deep, tender affection, compassion, or mercy. It's a profound emotional attachment, often associated with parental love or a strong bond of pity and care. This is a powerful and intimate declaration from David, expressing not just obedience but a deep, personal devotion to God. The word for "strength" is ḥizqî (חִזְקִי), derived from a root meaning to be strong, firm, or courageous. It highlights God as the unwavering, reliable source of David's power and stability in the face of immense pressure and opposition.

Practical Application

Psalm 18:1 invites believers today to reflect on God's faithfulness in their own lives. Just as David experienced deliverance from his enemies, we too can acknowledge God as our ultimate strength and deliverer in times of trouble, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. This verse encourages us to cultivate a deep, active love for God, not just as a duty but as a natural response to His consistent goodness and protection. It reminds us that our faith is not merely intellectual but involves a heartfelt devotion to the One who is truly our refuge and strength in every circumstance. When we face challenges, we can declare with David, "I will love thee, O LORD, my strength," rooting our hope in His unwavering power and compassion.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 22:1 (24 votes)

    ¶ And David spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day [that] the LORD had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul:

  • 2 Samuel 22:51 (24 votes)

    [He is] the tower of salvation for his king: and sheweth mercy to his anointed, unto David, and to his seed for evermore.

  • Colossians 1:11 (23 votes)

    Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

  • 1 John 4:19 (18 votes)

    We love him, because he first loved us.

  • Philippians 4:13 (14 votes)

    I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

  • Isaiah 12:1 (14 votes)

    ¶ And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.

  • Isaiah 12:6 (14 votes)

    Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great [is] the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.