Psalms 18:14

Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them.

Yea, he sent out {H7971} his arrows {H2671}, and scattered {H6327} them; and he shot out {H7232} lightnings {H1300}, and discomfited {H2000} them.

He sent out arrows and scattered them, shot out lightning and routed them.

He shot His arrows and scattered the foes; He hurled lightning and routed them.

And he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; Yea, lightnings manifold, and discomfited them.

Psalm 18:14 (KJV) powerfully depicts God's majestic and overwhelming intervention on behalf of His servant, David. This verse reads: "Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them." It is a vivid testament to the Lord's omnipotence and His role as a divine warrior.

Context

Psalm 18 is a profound psalm of thanksgiving attributed to King David, celebrating his deliverance from all his enemies, particularly from the hand of Saul. The entire psalm is a magnificent ode to God's faithfulness and power. Verses 7-15 describe a dramatic theophany, an appearance of God accompanied by awe-inspiring natural phenomena. This imagery underscores the supernatural nature of David's rescue, portraying the earth trembling, smoke ascending, and fire devouring as God descends to fight for His anointed. This specific verse highlights the direct and forceful nature of God's intervention in battle.

Key Themes

  • Divine Warrior and Judge: The imagery of "arrows" and "lightnings" portrays God not merely as a protector but as an active, formidable warrior who directly engages and defeats His adversaries. This highlights His role as the ultimate judge over all creation.
  • Overwhelming Power: The natural elements — arrows (perhaps symbolizing thunderbolts or divine judgment) and lightning — emphasize the irresistible and sudden nature of God's power. No enemy, no matter how strong, can stand against His might when He acts decisively.
  • Guaranteed Deliverance: For those who trust in Him, this verse offers assurance of God's active involvement in their struggles. Just as He "scattered" and "discomfited" David's enemies, He is able to bring about victory for His people. This concept is beautifully echoed in Psalm 68:1, "Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered."

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew words used in this verse convey intense action and divine force:

  • The word for "arrows" (חֵצִים - chetsim) can refer to literal arrows but in this context, alongside "lightnings," it strongly suggests divine projectiles or bolts of judgment.
  • "Scattered" (וַיָּפֶץ - vayafets) implies a complete dispersion, breaking up the enemy's formation and morale.
  • "Lightnings" (בְּרָקִים - b'rakim) signifies blinding flashes of divine fire, often associated with God's presence and judgment, as seen in Psalm 29:3 describing the voice of the Lord.
  • "Discomfited" (וַיְהֻמֵּם - vay'humem) means to throw into confusion, to rout, or to cause a noisy panic. It describes the utter dismay and defeat of the enemies by God's direct intervention.

Practical Application

Psalm 18:14 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today. When faced with overwhelming opposition, spiritual battles, or seemingly insurmountable challenges, this verse encourages us to remember that God is actively engaged on our behalf. He possesses infinite power to "scatter" and "discomfit" anything that stands against His will or His people. It calls us to place our trust in His mighty hand, knowing that He is our ultimate deliverer, just as He was for David. This confidence in God's protective power is a cornerstone of faith, echoing the sentiment found in Romans 8:31: "If God be for us, who can be against us?"

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 144:6

    Cast forth lightning, and scatter them: shoot out thine arrows, and destroy them.

  • Habakkuk 3:11

    The sun [and] moon stood still in their habitation: at the light of thine arrows they went, [and] at the shining of thy glittering spear.

  • Isaiah 30:30

    And the LORD shall cause his glorious voice to be heard, and shall shew the lighting down of his arm, with the indignation of [his] anger, and [with] the flame of a devouring fire, [with] scattering, and tempest, and hailstones.

  • Numbers 24:8

    God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce [them] through with his arrows.

  • Job 6:4

    For the arrows of the Almighty [are] within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me.

  • Deuteronomy 32:23

    I will heap mischiefs upon them; I will spend mine arrows upon them.

  • Psalms 77:17

    The clouds poured out water: the skies sent out a sound: thine arrows also went abroad.

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