Psalms 18:45

KJV

The strangers shall fade away, and be afraid out of their close places.

KJV (with Strong's)

The strangers {H1121}{H5236} shall fade away {H5034}, and be afraid {H2727} out of their close places {H4526}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Foreigners lose heart as they come trembling from their fortresses.

Berean Standard Bible

Foreigners lose heart and come trembling from their strongholds.

American Standard Version

The foreigners shall fade away, And shall come trembling out of their close places.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 18:45, a verse embedded within David's triumphant psalm of thanksgiving, vividly portrays the comprehensive and terrifying defeat of his enemies by the hand of the Lord. It describes hostile foreigners losing all vitality and strength, withering away like plants, and being driven by sheer terror from their most secure strongholds. This verse encapsulates the psalmist's profound conviction in God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to deliver His anointed, demonstrating that no human or spiritual opposition can ultimately withstand the divine power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 18 is a magnificent psalm of thanksgiving, almost identically paralleled in [2 Samuel 22](/2_samuel/22 "2 Samuel 22 - David's Song of Deliverance"). It is attributed to David, recounting God's mighty deliverance from all his enemies, particularly from the hand of Saul. The psalm begins with David's passionate declaration of love and dependence on God as his "rock, fortress, and deliverer" [Psalms 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalms 18:2 - God My Rock and Fortress"). It then transitions into a dramatic depiction of God's cosmic intervention, portraying Him as a divine warrior descending from heaven amidst thunder and earthquake to rescue David. The latter part of the psalm, where verse 45 is found, shifts to David's confident assertion of God's vindication and the utter subjugation of his foes, culminating in a vision of universal dominion. Verse 45 specifically marks the climax of this defeat, emphasizing the complete psychological and physical collapse of the adversaries.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm is set against the backdrop of David's tumultuous life, marked by relentless pursuit from King Saul and constant warfare against surrounding nations like the Philistines, Ammonites, and Syrians, as described in books like [1 and 2 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "1 Samuel - The Rise of David") and [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles - Genealogies and David's Reign"). In ancient Near Eastern warfare, the capture of strongholds and the demoralization of enemy forces were crucial for decisive victory. "Close places" (strongholds, fortresses) were vital for defense, and their abandonment signified utter defeat and loss of hope. The concept of "strangers" or "foreigners" (Hebrew: _ben-nekhar_) often carried connotations of hostile, non-covenant peoples who threatened Israel's security and God's chosen king. David's experience reflects the reality of a divinely appointed king whose reign was constantly challenged by both internal and external enemies, making God's intervention not just a personal rescue but a vindication of His covenant promises to Israel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalms 18 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Victory and Deliverance**, showcasing God's absolute supremacy over all opposition. David's enemies, regardless of their strength or fortifications, are rendered powerless before the Lord's might, reinforcing that ultimate triumph belongs to God, who actively fights for His people. Secondly, it highlights the **Futility of Human Opposition to God's Anointed**, demonstrating that those who resist God's chosen instruments will inevitably face judgment and collapse. The enemies' "fading away" and fleeing from their secure places illustrate the demoralizing and destructive impact of divine wrath. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Security and Vindication for the Righteous**. In stark contrast to the terror and dispersion of the "strangers," David, and by extension all who trust in the Lord, finds ultimate security and vindication. This is a recurring theme, as seen in passages like [Psalms 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalms 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength"), where God is portrayed as an ever-present help in trouble, providing an unshakable refuge against all threats.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strangers (Hebrew, _ben-nekhar'_):** Literally "son of a foreigner" or "alien." In this context, it refers to those who are outside the covenant community of Israel and are hostile to David and, by extension, to God's purposes. It denotes non-Israelite enemies, often implying a lack of divine protection and a state of alienation from God's favor. Their foreignness underscores their vulnerability to God's judgment.
* **Fade away (Hebrew, _yibbolu'_):** From the root _naval_ (נָבַל), meaning "to wither," "to languish," "to decay," or "to fall away." This verb evokes the imagery of a plant losing its vitality, shriveling, and dying. It suggests a complete loss of strength, influence, and even existence, signifying a total and irreversible decline of the enemies' power and presence.
* **Be afraid (Hebrew, _yeḥeragu'_):** From the root _ḥārag_ (חָרָג), meaning "to come trembling forth," "to hurry out with fear," or "to be startled and move quickly." This word conveys a sense of sudden, involuntary movement driven by intense terror. It describes a panicked flight, where the enemies are so overwhelmed by fear that they are compelled to abandon their positions, regardless of how secure they might seem.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The strangers shall fade away":** This clause pronounces the definitive doom of David's adversaries, identified as foreign, hostile entities. The phrase "fade away" (or "wither") paints a picture of their power, influence, and very existence diminishing and collapsing, much like a plant deprived of water. It implies a natural, inevitable decline brought about by divine judgment, signifying a complete loss of vitality and ability to resist.
* **"and be afraid out of their close places":** This second clause describes the panicked reaction and ultimate vulnerability of these defeated enemies. "Be afraid" (or "tremble forth") conveys their utter terror, which compels them to abandon their most fortified and seemingly secure locations ("close places" or "strongholds"). This imagery highlights that no human defense, no matter how formidable, can offer protection against the overwhelming power and judgment of God. Their flight from these places signifies a complete and humiliating surrender, stripped of all refuge and confidence.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 18:45 employs powerful **Imagery** to convey the absolute defeat of David's enemies. The enemies are depicted as withering plants, losing all life and strength, a vivid metaphor for their complete demoralization and collapse. This is compounded by the image of them fleeing in terror from their "close places," suggesting that even their most secure fortresses offer no refuge from divine judgment. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, where the "fading away" of the strangers is mirrored by their terrified flight, reinforcing the dual aspects of their defeat: internal decay and external expulsion. There is an element of **Hyperbole** in the totality of their defeat, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of God's power. Furthermore, the entire psalm, including this verse, is steeped in the **Divine Warrior Motif**, where God is portrayed as actively intervening in human history, fighting on behalf of His anointed, and bringing about the complete subjugation of all who oppose Him.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 18:45 profoundly articulates the theological truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and powers. It teaches that no human might, no fortified stronghold, and no hostile intent can ultimately stand against the Lord's purposes or His chosen instruments. The "fading away" of the strangers signifies the ultimate futility of opposition to God, while their terrified flight from "close places" underscores that true security is found only in Him, not in human defenses. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is the ultimate judge and deliverer, who actively intervenes in history to vindicate the righteous and bring down the proud. It speaks to the comprehensive nature of divine victory, where the enemy is not merely defeated but utterly demoralized and dispersed.

* [Psalms 9:19-20](/psalms/9-19 "Psalms 9:19-20 - Let the Nations Be Judged")
* [Isaiah 40:23-24](/isaiah/40-23 "Isaiah 40:23-24 - God Brings Princes to Nothing")
* [Revelation 19:19-21](/rev_19/19-21 "Revelation 19:19-21 - The Defeat of the Beast and False Prophet")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 18:45 offers profound encouragement and a vital perspective for believers navigating a world filled with challenges and adversaries. It reminds us that our ultimate security and victory do not depend on our strength, strategies, or the apparent impregnability of our circumstances, but solely on the sovereign power of God. When we face overwhelming spiritual battles, systemic injustices, personal struggles, or even literal opposition, this verse assures us that the Lord is our mighty Deliverer. Just as David witnessed his enemies "fade away" and flee from their most secure positions, we too can trust that God will bring about His perfect victory in our lives and over spiritual foes. It calls us to place our confidence not in the fleeting strength of human institutions or our own limited abilities, but in the Lord, who is mighty to save and whose presence causes terror in the hearts of those who oppose righteousness. We are invited to rest in His protection, knowing that His ultimate triumph is certain, and that all who stand against His purposes will ultimately wither and collapse.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "close places" (sources of false security or strength) might I be tempted to rely on instead of God in times of trouble?**
* **How does the imagery of enemies "fading away" and fleeing in terror strengthen my faith in God's ultimate victory over evil in the world and in my life?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to surrender control and trust God to fight battles that seem insurmountable?**

### FAQ
**What does "strangers" mean in this context, and why do they "fade away"?**

Answer: In Psalms 18:45, "strangers" (Hebrew: _ben-nekhar_) refers to foreign, non-Israelite enemies who were hostile to King David and, by extension, to God's chosen people and His divine plan. They represent those outside of God's covenant and protection. They "fade away" (Hebrew: _yibbolu_, meaning "to wither" or "to languish") as a vivid metaphor for their complete loss of strength, vitality, and influence. This imagery suggests that their power and resistance are not merely defeated but utterly dissolve, like a plant wilting under a scorching sun. It signifies a comprehensive and irreversible demoralization and collapse, demonstrating the futility of any opposition against the sovereign power of God, who fights for His anointed. This divine judgment ensures the total subjugation of those who stand against His will, as seen in the broader narrative of God's judgment against nations in passages like [Isaiah 13:1-22](/isaiah/13 "Isaiah 13 - Prophecy Against Babylon").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 18:45 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the true and greater Davidic King. While David's victory was over earthly adversaries, Christ's triumph is over the ultimate "strangers" – the spiritual powers of darkness, sin, and death, which are alien to God's kingdom and hostile to humanity. The imagery of enemies "fading away" and being "afraid out of their close places" powerfully prefigures Christ's decisive victory on the cross and through His resurrection. Through His death, Jesus disarmed the principalities and powers, making a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers"). The "close places" from which these spiritual foes are driven represent their perceived strongholds in human hearts, societal systems, and the very realm of death itself. Christ's resurrection shattered the power of the grave, ensuring that death, the last enemy, will ultimately be destroyed [1 Corinthians 15:26](/1_corinthians/15-26 "1 Corinthians 15:26 - The Last Enemy, Death"). This verse, therefore, points to the future eschatological reality where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow"), and all who oppose His eternal kingdom will ultimately wither, tremble, and be cast out from their fleeting domains, ushering in the full reign of God's perfect justice and peace.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Micah 7:17

They shall lick the dust like a serpent, they shall move out of their holes like worms of the earth: they shall be afraid of the LORD our God, and shall fear because of thee.

Revelation 6:16

And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:

James 1:11

For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.

Isaiah 24:4

The earth mourneth [and] fadeth away, the world languisheth [and] fadeth away, the haughty people of the earth do languish.