TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall.
Complete Jewish Bible
With you I can run through a whole troop of men, with my God I can leap a wall.
World English Bible Messianic
For by you, I advance through a troop. By my God, I leap over a wall.
Geneva Bible (1599)
For by thee I haue broken through an hoste, and by my God I haue leaped ouer a wall.
See also
In the KJVVerse 14,148 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Psalms 18 verses 29–50
29 ¶ For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall.
30 As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
31 For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?
32 It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.
33 He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places.
34 He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.
35 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.
36 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.
37 I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed.
38 I have wounded them that they were not able to rise: they are fallen under my feet.
39 For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me.
40 Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me.
41 They cried, but there was none to save them: even unto the LORD, but he answered them not.
42 Then did I beat them small as the dust before the wind: I did cast them out as the dirt in the streets.
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.
44 As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me.
45 The strangers shall fade away, and be afraid out of their close places.
46 The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.
47 It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me.
48 He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.
49 Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.
50 Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.
In these verses,
I. David looks back, with thankfulness, upon the great things which God had done for him. He had not only wrought deliverance for him, but had given him victory and success, and made him triumph over those who thought to triumph over him. When we set ourselves to praise God for one mercy we must be led by that to observe the many more with which we have been compassed about, and followed, all our days. Many things had contributed to David's advancement, and he owns the hand of God in them all, to teach us to do likewise, in reviewing the several steps by which we have risen to our prosperity. 1. God had given him all his skill and understanding in military affairs, which he was not bred up to nor designed for, his genius leading him more to music, and poetry, and a contemplative life: He teaches my hands to war, Psa 18:34. 2. God had given him bodily strength to go through the business and fatigue of war: God girded him with strength (Psa 18:32, Psa 18:39), to such a degree that he could break even a bow of steel, Psa 18:34. What service God designs men for he will be sure to fit them for. 3. God had likewise given him great swiftness, not to flee from the enemies but to fly upon them (Psa 18:33): He makes my feet like hinds' feet, Psa 18:36. "Thou hast enlarged my steps under me; but" (whereas those that take large steps are apt to tread awry) "my feet did not slip." He was so swift that he pursued his enemies and overtook them, Psa 18:37. 4. God had made him very bold and daring in his enterprises, and given him spirit proportionable to his strength. If a troop stood in his way, he made nothing of running through them; if a wall, he made nothing of leaping over it (Psa 18:29); if ramparts and bulwarks, he soon mounted them, and by divine assistance set his feet upon the high places of the enemy, Psa 18:33. 5. God had protected him, and kept him safe, in the midst of the greatest perils. Many a time he put his life in his hand, and yet it was wonderfully preserved: "Thou hast given me the shield of thy salvation (Psa 18:35), and that has compassed me on every side. By that I have been delivered from the strivings of the people who aimed at my destruction (Psa 18:43), particularly from the violent man" (Psa 18:48), that is, Saul, who more than once threw a javelin at him. 6. God had prospered him in his designs; he it was that made his way perfect (Psa 18:32) and it was his right hand that held him up, Psa 18:35. 7. God had given him victory over his enemies, the Philistines, Moabites, Ammonites, and all that fought against Israel: those especially he means, yet not excluding the house of Saul, which opposed his coming to the crown, and the partisans of Absalom and Sheba, who would have deposed him. He enlarges much upon the goodness of God to him in defeating his enemies, attributing his victories, not to his own sword or bow, nor to the valour of his mighty men, but to the favour of God: I pursued them (Psa 18:37), I wounded them (Psa 18:38); for thou hast girded me with strength (Psa 18:39), else I could not have done it. All the praise is ascribed to God: Thou hast subdued them under me, Psa 18:39. Thou hast given me their necks (Psa 18:40), not only to trample upon them (as Jos 10:24), but to cut them off. Even those who hated David whom God loved, and were enemies to the Israel of God, in their distress cried unto the Lord: but in vain; he answered them not. How could they expect he should when it was he whom they fought against? And, when he disowned them (as he will all those that act against his people), no other succours could stand them in stead: There was none to save them, Psa 18:41. Those whom God has abandoned are easily vanquished: Then did I beat them small as the dust, Psa 18:42. But those whose cause is just he avenges (Psa 18:47), and those whom he favours will certainly be lifted up above those that rise up against them, Psa 18:48. 8. God had raised him to the throne, and not only delivered him and kept him alive, but dignified him and made him great (Psa 18:35): Thy gentleness has increased me - thy discipline and instruction; so some. The good lessons David learned in his affliction prepared him for the dignity and power that were intended him; and the lessening of him helped very much to increase his greatness. God made him not only a great conqueror, but a great ruler: Thou hast made me the head of the heathen (Psa 18:43); all the neighbouring nations were tributaries to him. See Sa2 8:6, Sa2 8:11. In all this David was a type of Christ, whom the Father brought safely through his conflicts with the powers of darkness, and made victorious over them, and gave to be head over all things to his church, which is his body.
II. David looks up with humble and reverent adorations of the divine glory and perfection. When God had, by his providence, magnified him, he endeavours, with his praises, to magnify God, to bless him and exalt him, Psa 18:46. He gives honour to him, 1. As a living God: The Lord liveth, Psa 18:46. We had our lives at first from, and we owe the continuance of them to, that God who has life in himself and is therefore fitly called the living God. The gods of the heathen were dead gods. The best friends we have among men are dying friends. But God lives, lives for ever, and will not fail those that trust in him, but, because he lives, they shall live also; for he is their life. 2. As a finishing God: As for God, he is not only perfect himself, but his way is perfect, Psa 18:30. He is known by his name Jehovah (Exo 6:3), a God performing and perfecting what he begins in providence as well as creation, Gen 2:1. If it was God that made David's way perfect (Psa 18:32), much more is his own way so. There is no flaw in God's works, nor any fault to be found with what he does, Ecc 3:14. And what he undertakes he will go through with, whatever difficulties lie in the way; what God begins to build he is able to finish. 3. As a faithful God: The word of the Lord is tried. "I have tried it" (says David), "and it has not failed me." All the saints, in all ages, have tried it, and it never failed any that trusted in it. It is tried as silver is tried, refined from all such mixture and alloy as lessen the value of men's words. David, in God's providences concerning him, takes notice of the performance of his promises to him, which, as it puts sweetness into the providence, so it puts honour upon the promise. 4. As the protector and defender of his people. David had found him so to him: "He is the God of my salvation (Psa 18:46), by whose power and grace I am and hope to be saved; but not of mine only: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him (Psa 18:30); he shelters and protects them all, is both able and ready to do so." 5. As a non-such in all this, Psa 18:31. There is a God, and who is God save Jehovah? That God is a rock, for the support and shelter of his faithful worshippers; and who is a rock save our God? Thus he not only gives glory to God, but encourages his own faith in him. Note, (1.) Whoever pretends to be deities, it is certain that there is no God, save the Lord; all others are counterfeits, Isa 44:8; Jer 10:10. (2.) Whoever pretends to be our felicities, there is no rock, save our God; none that we can depend upon to make us happy.
III. David looks forward, with a believing hope that God would still do him good. He promises himself, 1. That his enemies should be completely subdued, and that those of them that yet remained should be made his footstool, - that his government should be extensive, so that even a people whom he had not known should serve him (Psa 18:43), - that his conquests, and, consequently, his acquests, should be easy (As soon as they hear of me they shall obey me, Psa 18:44), - and that his enemies should be convinced that it was to no purpose to oppose him; even those that had retired to their fastnesses should not trust to them, but be afraid out of their close places, having seen so much of David's wisdom, courage, and success. Thus the Son of David, though he sees not yet all things put under him, yet knows he shall reign till all opposing rule, principality, and power shall be quite put down. 2. That his seed should be forever continued in the Messiah, who, he foresaw, should come from his loins, Psa 18:50. He shows mercy to his anointed, his Messiah, to David himself, the anointed of the God of Jacob in the type, and to his seed for evermore. He saith not unto seeds, as of many, but to his seed, as of one, that is Christ, Gal 3:16. It is he only that shall reign for ever, and of the increase of whose government and peace there shall be no end. Christ is called David, Hos 3:5. God has called him his king, Psa 2:6. Great deliverance God does give, and will give to him, and to his church and people, here called his seed, for evermore.
In singing these verses we must give God the glory of the victories of Christ and his church hitherto and of all the deliverances and advancements of the gospel kingdom, and encourage ourselves and one another with an assurance that the church militant will be shortly triumphant, will be eternally so.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 29–50. Public domain.
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Eusebius of CaesareaAD 339
COMMENTARY ON PSALMS 18:29-30
Truly I have known that I am going to cross over that heavenly wall built by your strength and power; and then situated in a safe place, I will receive salvation from you. Or, in this way: I, whom they try to close out by surrounding me in order to stop me, will cross and leap over all the fortifications of the enemies, both fence and wall.
Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 18
"For by You shall I be delivered from temptation" [Psalm 18:29]. For not by myself, but by You, shall I be delivered from temptation. "And in my God shall I leap over the wall." And not in myself, but in my God shall I leap over the wall, which sin has raised between men and the heavenly Jerusalem.
Abba PoemenAD 450
SAYINGS OF THE FATHERS 10:60
A person’s will is a brazen wall and a stone hurled between himself and God. If one puts it aside, he can say the words of the psalm: “In my God I shall go over a wall” and “as for my God, his way is undefiled.” If righteousness assists the will, then a person does good.
Desert FathersAD 500
The Desert Fathers, Sayings of the Early Christian Monks
He also said, ‘The will of man is a wall of brass, and a stone barrier between himself and God. If he puts it aside, he can say the words of the psalm, “By the help of my God I shall leap over the wall” and, “as for my God, his way is undefiled” (Ps. 18:29–30). If good conduct helps the will, then a man will do good.’
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Psalms 18:29 stands as a powerful testament to King David's unwavering conviction that his extraordinary victories and ability to overcome insurmountable obstacles were not products of his own might, but direct manifestations of God's omnipotent power. This verse encapsulates the profound theme of divine enablement, where human limitations and seemingly impenetrable barriers are decisively conquered through the active intervention and supernatural strength bestowed by the sovereign Lord, culminating in remarkable and divinely-orchestrated triumphs.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalms 18 is a majestic psalm of thanksgiving and praise, bearing the superscription that it was composed by David "in the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul." This immediately frames the psalm as a retrospective celebration of divine deliverance and vindication. The psalm unfolds as a dramatic narrative, beginning with David's passionate declaration of love and dependence on God as his strength and deliverer (Psalms 18:1). It then vividly recounts David's desperate cry for help in the midst of overwhelming distress (Psalms 18:4-6), followed by an awe-inspiring depiction of God's dramatic, cosmic intervention on his behalf, portrayed as a divine warrior descending from heaven (Psalms 18:7-19). Verse 29 is situated within a section (verses 20-45) where David shifts from general praise to concrete examples of God's empowerment in battle, celebrating the specific ways the Lord equipped him for warfare and granted him victory over formidable foes. This psalm is also notably preserved, with minor textual variations, as a parallel account in 2 Samuel 22, underscoring its historical significance and central place in the narrative of David's life and reign.
Historical & Cultural Context: David's life, as chronicled in the books of Samuel and Kings, was marked by relentless warfare, political intrigue, and constant threats from both internal and external enemies. From his early days as a fugitive hunted by King Saul to his later reign as king, defending Israel against powerful surrounding nations such as the Philistines, Ammonites, and Arameans, David's existence was one of perpetual conflict. The imagery employed in Psalms 18:29—"running through a troop" and "leaping over a wall"—directly reflects the brutal realities and strategic challenges of ancient Near Eastern warfare. "Troops" (Hebrew: gᵉdûwd) typically referred to organized military units, often raiding bands or larger armies, and the act of breaking through such a formation would signify an overwhelming, decisive victory, far beyond human capability alone. "Walls" (Hebrew: shûwr) were indispensable defensive structures for cities and fortresses, representing formidable, often impenetrable, barriers that could only be overcome through prolonged sieges, treachery, or miraculous intervention. David's ability to "leap over" such a barrier suggests a feat of superhuman agility and strength, pointing to divine assistance. His survival and success against numerous, often superior, adversaries were consistently attributed to God's direct involvement, as vividly portrayed throughout the historical narratives of 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel. Thus, this verse is not mere poetic embellishment but a profound theological reflection on David's lived experience of God's tangible presence and power in his battles.
Key Themes: This verse serves as a potent microcosm of several foundational themes interwoven throughout Psalm 18, David's life, and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, Divine Enablement is paramount; David explicitly attributes his extraordinary feats to God, stating "by thee" and "by my God," unequivocally emphasizing that his strength, agility, and capability are not inherent but divinely bestowed. This theme resonates deeply with the biblical truth that genuine power for overcoming life's myriad obstacles originates solely from a divine source, as similarly articulated in Philippians 4:13. Secondly, the verse powerfully illustrates the theme of Overcoming the Impossible. "Running through a troop" and "leaping over a wall" are vivid, almost hyperbolic, images that convey the idea of achieving what is humanly unachievable, breaking through overwhelming opposition and surmounting seemingly insurmountable barriers. This speaks directly to God's boundless capacity to create a way where none exists. Thirdly, God as the Source of Victory is central. David consistently, and with profound gratitude, attributes all his triumphs to the Lord, reinforcing the foundational message that God alone is his strength, deliverer, and fortress (Psalms 18:2). This fosters a spirit of humble dependence and grateful praise, acknowledging God's absolute sovereignty over all circumstances. Finally, the verse implicitly speaks to Faith and Trust, as David's ability to act with such boldness and effectiveness in the face of adversity stems directly from his unwavering confidence that God would empower him for the task.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalms 18:29 is exceptionally rich in Imagery, painting vivid and dynamic pictures of David's military exploits and God's powerful intervention. The phrases "run through a troop" and "leaped over a wall" function as potent Metaphors for overcoming immense opposition and surmounting seemingly insurmountable obstacles, extending their meaning beyond literal military contexts to encompass any challenge in life. The inherently difficult, almost impossible, nature of these actions also utilizes Hyperbole, emphasizing the extraordinary, divinely enabled victories David experienced, highlighting that these were not ordinary human achievements. The verse employs strong Parallelism, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second clause ("and by my God have I leaped over a wall") echoes, reinforces, and amplifies the meaning of the first clause ("For by thee I have run through a troop"). This structural repetition not only adds poetic rhythm and memorability but also intensifies the central message of divine enablement. Furthermore, the explicit and repeated attribution "by thee" and "by my God" underscores the profound Theocentricity of David's worldview, where God is acknowledged as the singular, ultimate source of all power, success, and deliverance.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 18:29 powerfully articulates the foundational biblical truth that God is the ultimate and indispensable source of strength and victory for His people, enabling them to accomplish what is humanly impossible. This verse profoundly underscores the theme of divine sovereignty over all human affairs and the profound efficacy of trusting in God's omnipotence rather than relying on one's own limited strength. It connects seamlessly to the broader theological concept of God as a divine warrior who actively fights for His people, a theme that permeates Scripture from the Exodus narrative of the Red Sea deliverance to the prophetic visions of ultimate triumph. David's personal experience serves as a compelling testament to God's unwavering faithfulness to those who walk in integrity and place their unwavering reliance upon Him, demonstrating unequivocally that no enemy is too formidable and no obstacle is too great for the Lord. This divine enablement is not a license for human passivity or irresponsibility but rather a powerful assurance that when we act in faith and obedience, God's limitless power will manifest to achieve His purposes through us, transforming our inherent weaknesses into instruments of His glorious might.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 18:29 offers profound and enduring encouragement for believers navigating the complexities and challenges of contemporary life, serving as a powerful reminder that the same omnipotent God who supernaturally empowered King David remains actively involved in our lives today. Our modern "troops" might manifest as overwhelming anxieties, chronic illnesses, debilitating relational conflicts, crushing financial crises, or intense spiritual battles against unseen forces, while our "walls" could symbolize seemingly impenetrable habits, deep-seated fears, systemic societal injustices, significant professional roadblocks, or personal limitations that appear insurmountable. This verse profoundly calls us to shift our focus from the daunting nature of our obstacles to the limitless, transformative power of our God. It challenges us to cultivate a posture of humble dependence, recognizing that our greatest victories, breakthroughs, and moments of profound triumph come not from our own ingenuity, willpower, or inherent strength, but from surrendering to and relying upon God's empowering presence. When we face situations that appear utterly impossible, this verse invites us to pray with audacious faith, believing that God can indeed enable us to "run through" opposition and "leap over" barriers that would otherwise defeat us. It fosters an unwavering spirit of resilience, hope, and courageous action, knowing that with God, no situation is truly insurmountable, and He delights in demonstrating His strength most powerfully through our perceived weakness.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Does "run through a troop" and "leaped over a wall" refer to literal events or are they figurative?
Answer: While David was undeniably a literal warrior who engaged in countless battles and sieges throughout his life, the language employed in Psalms 18:29 is highly poetic and utilizes a degree of hyperbole and metaphor to emphasize the extraordinary, divinely-enabled nature of his victories. It is not necessarily describing a single, specific instance where David literally vaulted over a city wall or single-handedly charged through an entire army. Instead, these vivid and powerful images collectively represent David's consistent experience of God granting him supernatural strength, agility, and strategic advantage to overcome formidable military opposition and seemingly impenetrable obstacles throughout his life. The core emphasis of the verse is on the source of the power ("by thee," "by my God"), not the precise literalness of every action. It profoundly conveys the theological truth that with God, what is humanly impossible becomes miraculously possible.
How is this verse relevant to believers today who are not engaged in physical warfare?
Answer: Psalms 18:29 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, even in the absence of literal physical battles. The "troops" and "walls" can be understood metaphorically as any overwhelming challenge, opposition, or barrier we encounter in life. This includes spiritual battles against temptation, sin, or unseen evil forces (Ephesians 6:12), emotional struggles like anxiety or depression, relational conflicts, financial difficulties, career obstacles, or even deeply ingrained personal habits that seem impossible to break. The core message of the verse remains powerfully consistent: our ultimate ability to overcome these "impossible" situations comes not from our own strength, willpower, or ingenuity, but "by God." It serves as a profound encouragement to rely on God's empowering Spirit to navigate life's complexities, break through limitations, and achieve victory in areas where we are naturally weak. It is a powerful reminder that with God, all things are possible, empowering us to face our challenges with divine courage.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 18:29, rooted in David's personal experience of divine enablement and miraculous victory, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David, as the anointed king of Israel, served as a significant type and shadow of the greater King, Jesus, who truly and decisively "ran through a troop" and "leaped over a wall" in a cosmic, redemptive, and eternally significant sense. Christ's entire life, ministry, death, and resurrection were a continuous demonstration of divine power overcoming impossible odds. He "ran through" the "troop" of sin, death, and the powers of darkness, decisively defeating their dominion on the cross and through His glorious resurrection (Colossians 2:15). He "leaped over the wall" of humanity's profound separation from God, bridging the chasm of sin through His perfect atoning sacrifice and establishing a new and living way for us to draw near to the Father (Hebrews 10:19-20). Where David's victories were temporal and limited to his earthly reign, Christ's triumph is eternal, universal, and redemptive, securing salvation for all who believe (John 3:16). Furthermore, just as God supernaturally empowered David for his battles, Christ, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, empowers believers today to overcome their own "troops" and "walls" of sin, temptation, worldly opposition, and personal limitations. We are called to "do all things through Christ who strengthens us" (Philippians 4:13), participating in His already accomplished victory and experiencing His divine enablement in our daily lives, thereby reflecting the power of the One who has already overcome the world (John 16:33).