TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Psalms 18:29–50. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
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.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
"Who teaches my hands for battle" [Psalm 18:34]. Who teaches me to work for the overthrow of mine enemies, who strive to shut the kingdom of heaven against us. "And You have made mine arms as a bow of steel." And You have made my earnest striving after good works unwearied.
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Summary
Psalms 18:34 is a powerful declaration by King David, attributing his extraordinary prowess and success in warfare directly to the divine enablement of God. This verse vividly portrays the Lord as the ultimate trainer and empowerer, who not only instructs David's hands in the art of battle but also infuses him with supernatural strength, enabling him to achieve feats of seemingly impossible power, such as breaking a formidable bow. It underscores David's unwavering conviction that his victories were not born of his own might but were a direct manifestation of God's active and miraculous intervention in his life, transforming human limitations into instruments of divine triumph and demonstrating His sovereign power over all circumstances.
Context
Literary Context
Psalms 18 is a magnificent psalm of thanksgiving and deliverance, one of the longest and most comprehensive in the Psalter. Its superscription explicitly states it was sung by David "in the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul." This psalm is almost identical to 2 Samuel 22, serving as a parallel account of God's mighty acts on David's behalf throughout his tumultuous life as a warrior and king. Positioned early in Book I of the Psalms, it sets a foundational tone for David's relationship with God, portraying the Lord as his "rock," "fortress," "deliverer," and "shield" as declared in Psalms 18:2. The verses immediately preceding Psalms 18:34 describe God's active intervention in battle, empowering David and subduing his enemies, leading into this specific declaration of divine training and strength. The psalm as a whole is a testimony to God's faithfulness to His covenant with David, showcasing His protective and empowering presence in the life of His anointed king.
Historical & Cultural Context
David's life was defined by constant conflict, from his early days as a shepherd fighting lions and bears, to his iconic victory over Goliath as recorded in 1 Samuel 17, and his long career as a military leader and king. Ancient Near Eastern warfare was brutal and pervasive, with bows being crucial long-range weapons. The ability to wield a bow effectively, and especially to break a strong one, signified immense physical strength and martial skill. David's enemies included the Philistines, Amalekites, Arameans, and various other surrounding nations, requiring him to be a formidable warrior. In this cultural milieu, success in battle was often attributed to the favor of a deity. David, however, consistently attributes his prowess and victories not to his own inherent strength or military genius, but to the direct, personal training and empowerment of Yahweh, emphasizing a profound theological understanding of God's sovereignty over all aspects of life, including warfare. This perspective sharply contrasted with the polytheistic views of surrounding nations, where human strength or the favor of multiple gods might be invoked.
Key Themes
Psalms 18:34 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, Divine Empowerment is central; David's ability to "war" and break a "bow of steel" is explicitly stated as divinely imparted, not innate. This highlights God's active, personal involvement in equipping His servants for their specific callings and challenges, demonstrating that true strength comes from Him, as further illuminated in Isaiah 40:29. Secondly, the theme of Supernatural Victory is vividly portrayed through the hyperbolic imagery of breaking a bronze bow. This signifies feats far beyond ordinary human capability, emphasizing that with God's help, His people can achieve extraordinary triumphs over overwhelming odds, showcasing God's limitless power in the face of human weakness, a truth echoed in 2 Corinthians 12:9. Finally, the verse underscores Humble Dependence on God. David's success is not a testament to his own prowess but to his absolute reliance on the Lord. This foundational biblical principle teaches that genuine strength and effectiveness in life's battles, whether physical or spiritual, stem from a humble and unwavering dependence on God's power and guidance, as articulated in Philippians 4:13.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
The Hebrew verb לָמַד (lâmad, H3925) in its Hiphil stem (as used here) means "to teach," "to instruct," or "to train." This word implies a deliberate, methodical, and ongoing process of training and discipline, akin to "goading" someone towards skill. It suggests more than just imparting knowledge; it refers to practical instruction that builds proficiency and expertise. David is not self-taught in combat; his martial skills are divinely cultivated and perfected through God's personal and active tutelage.
The Hebrew word מִלְחָמָה (milchâmâh, H4421) refers to "battle," "conflict," or "warfare" in its comprehensive sense. It encompasses the full scope of military engagement, including strategy, tactics, and direct combat. By stating that God teaches his hands "to war," David indicates that God trains him for the entirety of his military responsibilities as king, equipping him for every aspect of the ongoing conflicts he faced.
This phrase combines two Hebrew words: קֶשֶׁת (qesheth, H7198), meaning "bow" (a weapon for shooting, also figuratively representing strength), and נְחֻשָׁה (nᵉchûwshâh, H5154), meaning "copper," "brass," or "bronze" (not literally "steel," which was unknown in ancient Israel). The KJV's "steel" is an anachronism; "bronze" was an exceptionally strong, durable, and valuable metal in the ancient world, used for weaponry and armor. The imagery of breaking such a robust bow with bare arms signifies an act of immense, almost superhuman strength. It emphasizes the miraculous, divinely-granted power that enables David to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, highlighting God's ability to empower beyond natural human capability.
Verse Breakdown
"He teacheth my hands to war"
This clause establishes God as the active agent and primary instructor of David. David's "hands," symbolizing his physical strength, skill, and practical ability in combat, are not inherently proficient but are specifically trained by God Himself. This signifies a personal, intimate, and intentional divine investment in David's preparation for his calling as a warrior-king. It implies that God provides not only the general capacity but also the specific techniques, wisdom, and strategic insight needed for effective engagement in conflict. This highlights God's active involvement in the practicalities of David's life.
"so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms"
This clause describes the extraordinary outcome and tangible proof of God's teaching and empowerment. The breaking of a "bow of bronze" (as accurately understood from the Hebrew) is a feat of immense, supernatural strength, far beyond typical human capability. This serves as a powerful hyperbole, illustrating that the strength God imparts enables David to accomplish what is humanly impossible. This is not merely about physical might but about overcoming formidable, seemingly unbreakable obstacles through divinely augmented power, demonstrating God's ability to turn human weakness into an instrument of miraculous victory and to achieve triumphs that defy natural explanation.
Literary Devices
Psalms 18:34 employs several powerful Literary Devices to convey its message. Hyperbole is prominently featured in the image of breaking a "bow of steel" (more accurately, bronze) with bare arms. This exaggerated description emphasizes the extraordinary, divinely-granted strength that surpasses natural human capability, highlighting the miraculous nature of God's intervention and the magnitude of David's victories. The phrase "teacheth my hands to war" also contains Anthropomorphism, attributing human-like action (teaching hands) to God, making His active involvement in David's training tangible, relatable, and deeply personal. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a Metaphor for divine empowerment in life's broader struggles. While literally about physical warfare, it extends to all forms of conflict and challenge, suggesting that God equips His people for every battle they face, whether spiritual, emotional, or circumstantial, enabling them to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse powerfully articulates the biblical truth that God is the ultimate source of strength and skill for His people, particularly in the face of adversity. It underscores His character as a divine warrior who actively engages in the battles of His servants, not merely as an observer but as a personal trainer and empowerer. David's experience serves as a testament to the principle that true effectiveness and victory come not from human might or self-reliance, but from humble dependence on God's supernatural enablement. This theological truth extends beyond physical combat, affirming that God equips believers for every challenge, transforming their weaknesses into conduits for His perfect strength, thereby demonstrating His glory through their accomplishments. It assures us that God's power is limitless and available to those who trust in Him.
Reflection and Application
For believers today, Psalms 18:34 offers profound encouragement and a vital framework for understanding God's active role in our lives. While we may not engage in physical warfare with bows and arrows, we constantly face various battles—spiritual attacks, emotional struggles, relational conflicts, professional challenges, and personal weaknesses. This verse assures us that God "teaches our hands to war" in these contemporary contexts. He equips us with wisdom to navigate complex situations, resilience to endure hardship, spiritual discernment to combat unseen forces, as described in Ephesians 6:12, and the inner fortitude to persevere. Just as He strengthened David for his unique calling, God empowers us for ours, enabling us to stand firm against adversity and to overcome obstacles that seem insurmountable in our own strength. Our ability to face life's battles and achieve victory comes not from our inherent capabilities but from His indwelling power, transforming our limitations into opportunities for His strength to be made perfect, as affirmed in 2 Corinthians 12:9. We can therefore approach our challenges with confidence, knowing that God is our ultimate trainer and source of supernatural strength.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is the "bow of steel" literal, and how could David break it?
The phrase "bow of steel" in the KJV translates from the Hebrew "bow of bronze" (קֶשֶׁת נְחוּשָׁה, qesheth n'chûwshâh). While bronze was a very strong metal in the ancient world, the idea of a human breaking a bronze bow with bare arms is almost certainly a hyperbole. This literary device is used to emphasize the extraordinary, supernatural strength that God imparted to David, far beyond typical human capability. It's not meant to be a literal description of David's physical feat, but rather a powerful illustration of God's limitless power working through His chosen servant, enabling him to accomplish what would otherwise be impossible. It highlights the miraculous nature of God's intervention in David's battles and His ability to overcome formidable opposition, reinforcing the theme that God's strength is made perfect in human weakness, as seen in 2 Corinthians 12:9.
How does this verse apply to believers today, since we are not physical warriors in the same way David was?
While believers today are generally not engaged in literal physical warfare with bows and arrows, the principles of Psalms 18:34 are profoundly applicable. The "war" we are called to engage in is primarily spiritual, as described in Ephesians 6:12, and also moral, and relational. God "teaches our hands to war" by equipping us with spiritual discernment, wisdom, resilience, and the power of the Holy Spirit to navigate life's challenges, overcome temptation, stand against injustice, and persevere through trials. The "bow of steel" can represent any seemingly insurmountable obstacle, deeply entrenched sin, or overwhelming circumstance that God empowers us to break through. This verse assures us that God provides the necessary strength, skill, and training for every battle we face, enabling us to live victoriously in Christ, becoming "more than conquerors" through Him who loved us, as declared in Romans 8:37.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Psalms 18:34 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David, as a warrior-king, foreshadowed the greater King who would come – one whose battles were not against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces of evil, sin, and death. Jesus is the ultimate "Divine Warrior" who, through His life, death, and resurrection, broke the "bow of steel" of sin's dominion and death's power. His victory on the cross disarmed principalities and powers, triumphing over them, as triumphantly proclaimed in Colossians 2:15. Furthermore, Christ now "teaches our hands to war" by equipping His followers for spiritual battle. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers are empowered with divine strength, wisdom, and spiritual armor to stand firm against the schemes of the devil, as meticulously detailed in Ephesians 6:10-17. Just as God perfected His strength in David's weakness, so too does Christ's power become perfect in our frailty, enabling us to do all things through Him who strengthens us, a promise we find in Philippians 4:13. Our ability to overcome temptation, endure suffering, and live righteously is not our own, but a direct result of Christ's decisive victory and His ongoing empowerment of His Church, ensuring that His followers are indeed more than conquerors through Him who loved them, as celebrated in Romans 8:37.