Psalms 18:31

For who [is] God save the LORD? or who [is] a rock save our God?

For who is God {H433} save {H1107} the LORD {H3068}? or who is a rock {H6697} save {H2108} our God {H430}?

"For who is God but ADONAI? Who is a Rock but our God?

For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God?

For who is God, save Jehovah? And who is a rock, besides our God,

Psalm 18:31 is a triumphant declaration of God's unparalleled nature and steadfast reliability, forming part of a powerful psalm of thanksgiving and deliverance by King David. After being rescued from all his enemies, especially from the hand of Saul, David pours out his heart in praise, affirming God's unique sovereignty and unwavering strength.

Context

Psalm 18 is presented as a song of David, recorded also in 2 Samuel chapter 22. It recounts David's experiences of distress and God's miraculous intervention, portraying the LORD as his rescuer, shield, and deliverer. This particular verse comes after David has described God's majestic appearance and mighty acts on his behalf, culminating in a profound theological reflection on God's character.

Key Themes

  • God's Uniqueness and Exclusivity: The rhetorical questions, "For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?", emphatically assert that there is no deity comparable to the God of Israel. He stands alone in His power, faithfulness, and ability to save. This theme echoes throughout the Old Testament, particularly in prophetic declarations against idolatry. Isaiah 44:6 similarly declares, "I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God."
  • God as a Rock of Strength and Refuge: The metaphor of God as a "rock" (Hebrew: Tsur) is prominent in Scripture, signifying absolute stability, unyielding strength, and an impenetrable refuge. For David, who faced constant threats, God was his secure fortress, a place of safety and an unshakeable foundation in times of trouble. This imagery provides comfort and assurance to all who trust in Him. Hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel 2:2 also proclaims, "There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God."
  • Divine Faithfulness and Deliverance: The verse implicitly highlights God's consistent character as a deliverer. David's experience is a testament to God's steadfastness; He is the only reliable source of salvation and strength.

Linguistic Insights

  • "LORD" (YHWH): This refers to the covenant name of God, often translated as Yahweh, emphasizing His personal, relational, and self-existent nature. It distinguishes the one true God from all other gods.
  • "God" (El): The Hebrew word El is a general term for deity, but when used in conjunction with YHWH, it highlights the supreme and singular nature of the God of Israel.
  • "Rock" (Tsur): More than just a stone, Tsur implies a craggy, inaccessible cliff, a place of ultimate safety and defense. It conveys the idea of a solid, enduring, and protective presence. This powerful imagery is also found in Deuteronomy 32:4, which states, "He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he."

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalm 18:31 is a profound affirmation of faith. In a world full of shifting sands and uncertain foundations, this verse reminds us that only God is truly dependable. When we face challenges, fears, or temptations, we can find our ultimate security and strength in Him. It calls us to place our trust solely in the one true God, recognizing that no other power, philosophy, or earthly refuge can offer the unshakeable stability that He provides. This verse encourages worship, reliance, and unwavering confidence in the Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer.

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.

  • Deuteronomy 32:31

    For their rock [is] not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves [being] judges.

  • Psalms 86:8

    ¶ Among the gods [there is] none like unto thee, O Lord; neither [are there any works] like unto thy works.

  • Isaiah 45:5

    ¶ I [am] the LORD, and [there is] none else, [there is] no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:

  • 2 Samuel 22:32

    For who [is] God, save the LORD? and who [is] a rock, save our God?

  • Deuteronomy 32:39

    ¶ See now that I, [even] I, [am] he, and [there is] no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither [is there any] that can deliver out of my hand.

  • 1 Samuel 2:2

    [There is] none holy as the LORD: for [there is] none beside thee: neither [is there] any rock like our God.

  • Isaiah 45:21

    Tell ye, and bring [them] near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? [who] hath told it from that time? [have] not I the LORD? and [there is] no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; [there is] none beside me.
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