Psalms 18:17

He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me.

He delivered {H5337} me from my strong {H5794} enemy {H341}, and from them which hated {H8130} me: for they were too strong {H553} for me.

he rescued me from my powerful enemy, from those who hated me, for they were stronger than I.

He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from foes too mighty for me.

He delivered me from my strong enemy, And from them that hated me; for they were too mighty for me.

Commentary

Commentary on Psalms 18:17 (KJV)

Psalms 18:17 beautifully articulates the psalmist's profound reliance on God for salvation from overwhelming adversaries. This verse, "He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me," is a powerful declaration of God's irresistible might in the face of human helplessness.

Context

Psalm 18 is a magnificent psalm of thanksgiving attributed to King David, celebrating God's deliverance from all his enemies, especially from the hand of Saul. This same song of triumph is also found in 2 Samuel 22, underscoring its historical significance and deep personal meaning for David. The psalm vividly describes God's dramatic intervention, using majestic imagery of natural phenomena—earthquakes, storms, and fire—to depict the Lord descending to rescue His servant. Verse 17 follows this grand description, pinpointing the specific nature of the threat: enemies that were humanly insurmountable.

Key Themes

  • Divine Deliverance: The central theme is God as the ultimate rescuer. David's experience serves as a testament to the Lord's active involvement in the lives of His faithful.
  • God's Omnipotence: The phrase "He delivered me" highlights God's supreme power. He is capable of overcoming any force, no matter how formidable, when human strength fails.
  • Human Helplessness: David candidly admits, "for they were too strong for me." This confession of weakness is not a sign of defeat but an acknowledgement of his utter dependence on God, setting the stage for God's glory to be revealed.
  • Victory Over Adversity: The verse speaks to the universal human experience of facing overwhelming opposition, whether from literal enemies, difficult circumstances, or spiritual battles. It offers hope that victory comes through divine aid.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "strong" (חָזָק - chazaq) used to describe the enemy implies more than just physical power; it suggests a firm, mighty, and even violent opposition. The term "delivered" (נָצַל - natsal) means to snatch away, rescue, or pull out, indicating a forceful and decisive act of liberation by God. This emphasizes that David was not merely helped, but actively and powerfully rescued from a perilous situation by a superior force.

Practical Application

Psalms 18:17 offers timeless encouragement for believers today. When facing challenges that seem insurmountable—be they personal struggles, spiritual attacks, or overwhelming circumstances—this verse reminds us that our strength is not the measure of the outcome. Just as David experienced God's powerful hand, we can find comfort and confidence in knowing that the Lord is able to deliver us from anything that is "too strong for us." It calls us to place our trust completely in God's sovereign power, remembering that His strength is made perfect in weakness. This verse encourages us to pray for divine intervention when human efforts are insufficient and to give thanks for every past deliverance.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 35:10 (6 votes)

    All my bones shall say, LORD, who [is] like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?

  • Hebrews 2:14 (6 votes)

    ¶ Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

  • Hebrews 2:15 (6 votes)

    And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

  • Psalms 142:6 (6 votes)

    Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger than I.

  • Job 16:9 (5 votes)

    He teareth [me] in his wrath, who hateth me: he gnasheth upon me with his teeth; mine enemy sharpeneth his eyes upon me.

  • Psalms 38:19 (3 votes)

    But mine enemies [are] lively, [and] they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.

  • Psalms 69:4 (3 votes)

    They that hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of mine head: they that would destroy me, [being] mine enemies wrongfully, are mighty: then I restored [that] which I took not away.