Psalms 18:29

ยถ For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall.

For by thee I have run through {H7323} a troop {H1416}; and by my God {H430} have I leaped over {H1801} a wall {H7791}.

With you I can run through a whole troop of men, with my God I can leap a wall.

For in You I can charge an army, and with my God I can scale a wall.

For by thee I run upon a troop; And by my God do I leap over a wall.

Commentary

Psalms 18:29 is a powerful declaration of King David's reliance on God for extraordinary strength and victory against seemingly insurmountable odds. This verse encapsulates the theme of divine enablement, where human limitations are overcome by God's omnipotence.

Context

This verse is found within Psalm 18, a magnificent psalm of thanksgiving and praise composed by King David. The superscription attributes it to the time when the Lord delivered him from all his enemies, especially from the hand of Saul. It is also recorded in 2 Samuel 22. The psalm portrays God as a mighty warrior and deliverer, a fortress, and a shield for those who trust in Him. Verse 29 specifically highlights David's personal experience of God's active intervention in battles and challenging situations.

Key Themes

  • Divine Enablement: The core message is that David's remarkable feats are not due to his own strength or military prowess, but "by thee" (God) and "by my God." This emphasizes that true power for overcoming obstacles comes from a divine source.
  • Overcoming the Impossible: "Run through a troop" signifies breaking through enemy lines or defeating a formidable force, while "leaped over a wall" represents conquering significant barriers or fortifications. These vivid images convey the idea of achieving what would be humanly impossible.
  • God as the Source of Victory: David consistently attributes his triumphs to the Lord, reinforcing the theme that God is his strength and deliverer. This fosters a spirit of humble dependence and grateful praise.
  • Faith and Trust: The verse implicitly speaks of David's unwavering faith that God would empower him in the face of adversity, leading to his success.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrases evoke strong imagery:

  • "Run through a troop" (ืืจื•ืฅ ื’ื“ื•ื“ / *aruts gedud*): The word *gedud* refers to a raiding band or a military troop. To "run through" it implies not just confronting but decisively breaking through or routing an organized force.
  • "Leaped over a wall" (ื•ื“ืœื’ ืฉื•ืจ / *v'daleg shur*): *Shur* denotes a wall or rampart. To "leap over" such a barrier suggests overcoming a significant, seemingly impenetrable obstacle with agility and divine assistance. The imagery is one of overcoming physical and strategic barriers that would normally impede progress or signify defeat.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalms 18:29 offers immense encouragement:

  • Reliance on God: It reminds us that our greatest strengths and victories come when we rely not on our own abilities, but on God's empowering presence. Whatever "troops" or "walls" we faceโ€”whether they are spiritual battles, personal struggles, financial difficulties, or societal challengesโ€”we can find strength in Him.
  • Overcoming Obstacles: This verse inspires us to believe that with God, no obstacle is too great. It encourages a mindset of faith that can "leap over" the walls of doubt, fear, and impossibility, knowing that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
  • Attributing Success to God: Like David, we are called to acknowledge God as the source of our breakthroughs and victories, giving Him the glory for every triumph. This fosters humility and deepens our relationship with Him.

The spirit of this verse is a testament to the truth that it is "not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the LORD of hosts" that true victories are achieved. It is a powerful affirmation of God's active involvement in the lives of those who trust in Him.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 22:30

    For by thee I have run through a troop: by my God have I leaped over a wall.

  • Ephesians 6:10

    ยถ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

  • Ephesians 6:13

    Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:9

    And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:10

    Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

  • Revelation 3:21

    To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

  • Colossians 2:15

    [And] having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
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