Psalms 18:16

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

He sent {H7971} from above {H4791}, he took {H3947} me, he drew {H4871} me out of many {H7227} waters {H4325}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"He sent from on high, he took me and pulled me out of deep water;

Berean Standard Bible

He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters.

American Standard Version

He sent from on high, he took me; He drew me out of many waters.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 18:16 is a profound declaration of divine intervention, capturing King David's testimony of God's mighty and personal rescue from overwhelming peril. Following a dramatic depiction of God's majestic descent, this verse vividly portrays the Lord's direct action, reaching from heaven to extract His servant from life-threatening dangers, symbolically represented as "many waters," thereby affirming His supreme power and unwavering commitment to deliver His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 18 is a magnificent psalm of thanksgiving and deliverance, attributed to David "in the day that the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul." It is also recorded almost identically in [2 Samuel 22](/2_samuel/22 "2 Samuel 22 - David's Song of Deliverance"), underscoring its significance as a foundational testimony of divine rescue. The preceding verses (Ps 18:7-15) paint a vivid picture of a divine theophany—God's majestic appearance as a cosmic warrior, responding to David's desperate cry with earthquakes, smoke, fire, and thunder. Verse 16 serves as the climactic outcome of this awe-inspiring display, shifting from the cosmic upheaval to the direct, personal act of God's intervention in David's specific plight, demonstrating that the divine power unleashed is precisely for the salvation of His servant.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm's superscription links it directly to David's tumultuous life, particularly his escapes from King Saul's relentless pursuit ([1 Samuel 19](/1_samuel/19 "1 Samuel 19 - David Flees Saul") to [1 Samuel 27](/1_samuel/27 "1 Samuel 27 - David in Ziklag")) and other formidable enemies. The imagery of "many waters" as a metaphor for overwhelming danger, chaos, or hostile forces is deeply rooted in ancient Near Eastern thought and biblical tradition. It evokes the primeval chaos from which creation emerged ([Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - Spirit Hovering Over Waters")) and the destructive power of floods. Culturally, the idea of a deity reaching down from the heavens to intervene in human affairs was understood as a profound display of both transcendence (God's exalted dwelling) and immanence (His active presence in the world), affirming divine sovereignty over all earthly powers and perils.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the psalm and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Deliverance** as an act of God's sovereign initiative and omnipotence; salvation comes "from above," not from human strength or ingenuity. Secondly, it emphasizes God's **Personal Relationship with His Servant**, as evidenced by the intimate verbs "took me" and "drew me out," signifying a specific and caring rescue tailored to David's desperate need. Thirdly, the **Metaphor of "Many Waters"** underscores the theme of overwhelming danger and chaos, portraying situations that are utterly beyond human capacity to overcome. This imagery is frequently employed throughout scripture to describe profound distress or the power of wicked forces, as seen in [Isaiah 43:2](/isaiah/43-2 "God's Presence in Trouble"), where God promises to be with His people even when they pass through waters.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sent from above (Hebrew, _shalach min marom_):** This phrase emphasizes God's transcendent nature and sovereign initiative. "From above" (מִמָּרוֹם, _mimmarom_) literally means "from height" or "from on high," referring to God's heavenly dwelling. The verb "sent" (שָׁלַח, _shalach_) indicates a deliberate and purposeful action. Together, they convey that God's intervention is not a reaction coerced by human distress, but a proactive, powerful decision originating from His exalted throne, demonstrating His supreme authority and ability to act decisively in the affairs of humanity.
* **Drew (Hebrew, _mashah_):** This verb (מָשָׁה, _mashah_) is highly significant and carries a profound echo within the biblical narrative. It is famously the same verb used in [Exodus 2:10](/exodus/2-10 "Exodus 2:10 - Moses Drawn Out of the Water") to describe Pharaoh's daughter drawing Moses "out" of the water. This linguistic connection reinforces the idea of a miraculous, deliberate, and forceful extraction from a perilous, life-threatening situation, often against overwhelming odds. It implies a rescue that is utterly impossible by human means, requiring divine power to accomplish.
* **Many waters (Hebrew, _mayim rabbim_):** This phrase (מַיִם רַבִּים, _mayim rabbim_) is a powerful and recurring metaphor in the Old Testament. It universally symbolizes overwhelming danger, chaos, deep trouble, the destructive power of hostile enemies, or the imminent threat of death. Just as one might drown in a flood, David faced situations that threatened to consume him entirely. The imagery evokes a sense of being submerged, helpless, and on the brink of destruction, from which only a supernatural power can provide deliverance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He sent from above":** This clause establishes the divine origin and initiative of the rescue. God, from His exalted position in heaven, actively dispatches His power and presence. It signifies that salvation is not a human achievement but a sovereign act of God.
* **"he took me":** This phrase emphasizes the personal and direct nature of God's intervention. It's not a general act of salvation but a specific, intimate reaching down to grasp and secure David. The verb "took" (לָקַח, _laqach_) suggests a firm, purposeful grasp, indicating God's unwavering commitment to His servant.
* **"he drew me out":** Building on "took me," this clause describes the powerful act of extraction. The verb "drew" (מָשָׁה, _mashah_) implies a forceful, deliberate, and miraculous pulling to safety, akin to pulling someone from drowning. It highlights the impossibility of self-rescue and the necessity of divine power.
* **"of many waters":** This final phrase identifies the nature and magnitude of the peril. The "many waters" metaphorically represent the overwhelming dangers, enemies, or life-threatening circumstances David faced. It paints a picture of being submerged and helpless, from which only a divine hand could provide escape.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 18:16 is rich with literary artistry that amplifies its message of divine deliverance. The most prominent device is **Metaphor**, specifically the use of "many waters" to represent overwhelming danger, chaos, or hostile forces. This vivid image allows the reader to grasp the intensity of David's peril and the magnitude of God's rescue. **Anthropomorphism** is also evident, as God is described with human-like actions: "He sent," "he took me," "he drew me out." These descriptions, while not literal, effectively convey God's active, personal, and forceful involvement in David's salvation. The verse also functions as a powerful **Climax** to the preceding description of God's theophany (Ps 18:7-15), demonstrating the immediate and tangible result of God's majestic descent. The repetition of "he" (referring to God) at the beginning of each clause creates a sense of **Anaphora**, emphasizing God's singular agency in the deliverance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly speaks to the biblical truth of God's active and personal involvement in the lives of His people, particularly in times of extreme distress. It underscores His sovereignty over all forms of chaos, evil, and death, affirming that no situation is too overwhelming for His power. Theologically, it reinforces the concept of salvation as fundamentally a divine rescue, initiated and accomplished by God alone, highlighting His faithfulness to those who cry out to Him. It also connects to the broader theme of God as a deliverer throughout scripture, a consistent characteristic of His covenant relationship with humanity.

* [Isaiah 43:2](/isaiah/43-2 "Isaiah 43:2 - God's Promise in Waters")
* [Psalm 69:1-2](/psalms/69-1 "Psalm 69:1-2 - Sinking in Deep Waters")
* [Jonah 2:3-6](/jonah/2-3 "Jonah 2:3-6 - Jonah in the Depths")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 18:16 offers immense encouragement and a powerful anchor for faith in the face of life's overwhelming challenges. When we feel submerged by the "many waters" of adversity—be it financial ruin, relational breakdown, health crises, or spiritual despair—this verse reminds us that our God is not distant or indifferent. He is the active, powerful Deliverer who "sends from above" and personally intervenes. It calls us to shift our gaze from the depth of our problems to the height of His power, to cry out to Him in our helplessness, and to trust that He is able and willing to "draw us out." This passage fosters a profound sense of hope, urging us to rely not on our own diminishing strength or human solutions, but on the unfailing commitment and limitless power of the Lord to rescue His children from whatever threatens to consume them.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "many waters" are you currently facing in your life, and how do they make you feel helpless or overwhelmed?**
* **How does the imagery of God "sending from above" and "drawing you out" strengthen your faith in His personal involvement in your struggles?**
* **In what ways can you actively cry out to God and cultivate a posture of trust in His deliverance when you feel submerged by life's challenges?**

### FAQ
**What does "many waters" symbolize in the Bible?**

Answer: In the Bible, "many waters" is a powerful and frequently used metaphor for overwhelming danger, chaos, deep trouble, the destructive power of hostile enemies, or the imminent threat of death. It evokes the imagery of being submerged or drowned, signifying a situation beyond human control or ability to overcome. This symbolism is seen in various contexts, from the primeval chaos in [Genesis 1:2](/genesis/1-2 "Genesis 1:2 - Spirit Hovering Over Waters") to the personal distress described in [Psalm 69:1-2](/psalms/69-1 "Psalm 69:1-2 - Sinking in Deep Waters"), and God's protective presence promised in [Isaiah 43:2](/isaiah/43-2 "God's Presence in Trouble"). It represents any force that threatens to engulf and destroy.

**Is Psalm 18 unique, or does it appear elsewhere in the Bible?**

Answer: Psalm 18 is indeed a unique and powerful composition, but it is not found exclusively in the book of Psalms. It appears almost identically in [2 Samuel 22](/2_samuel/22 "2 Samuel 22 - David's Song of Deliverance"), where it is explicitly attributed to David "in the day that the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul." This dual presence in both the Psalms (the hymnbook of Israel) and the historical narrative of Samuel underscores its profound significance as a foundational testimony of God's mighty deliverance in the life of Israel's greatest king.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 18:16 celebrates David's personal deliverance, it ultimately points forward to the ultimate Deliverer, Jesus Christ. David's experience of being drawn out of "many waters" foreshadows Christ's triumph over the overwhelming waters of sin, death, and judgment that threatened to engulf humanity. Jesus is the one truly "sent from above" ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - God Sent His Son")), descending from heaven in the Incarnation to personally "take" and "draw out" His people from spiritual peril. He demonstrated His power over literal waters by calming the storm ([Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")), but more significantly, He entered into the depths of human suffering and death, only to be "drawn out" in resurrection, thereby becoming the source of eternal life for all who believe. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ delivers us from the "many waters" of God's righteous wrath and the power of darkness, drawing us into His light and life ([Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")). He is the true and greater Moses, leading His people through the waters of salvation, not from physical enemies, but from the ultimate spiritual bondage, fulfilling the deepest longing for divine rescue expressed in David's song.

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

2 Samuel 22:17

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

Psalms 144:7

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

Jonah 2:5

The waters compassed me about, [even] to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head.

Jonah 2:6

I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars [was] about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O LORD my God.

Psalms 57:3

He shall send from heaven, and save me [from] the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.

Psalms 18:43

Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people; [and] thou hast made me the head of the heathen: a people [whom] I have not known shall serve me.

Exodus 2:10

And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water.