Psalms 18:48

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

He delivereth {H6403} me from mine enemies {H341}: yea, thou liftest me up {H7311} above those that rise up {H6965} against me: thou hast delivered {H5337} me from the violent {H2555} man {H376}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He delivers me from my enemies. You lift me high above my enemies, you rescue me from violent men.

Berean Standard Bible

who delivers me from my enemies. You exalt me above my foes; You rescue me from violent men.

American Standard Version

He rescueth me from mine enemies; Yea, thou liftest me up above them that rise up against me; Thou deliverest me from the violent man.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 18:48 is a profound declaration by King David, expressing his unwavering trust in God's protective and delivering power. This verse encapsulates the culmination of a magnificent psalm of thanksgiving, celebrating God's decisive intervention in David's life, rescuing him from numerous adversaries and elevating him above those who sought his downfall. It stands as a testament to God's faithfulness and omnipotence in safeguarding His anointed.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 18 is a grand hymn of thanksgiving, paralleled almost identically in [2 Samuel 22](/2_samuel/22 "2 Samuel 22 - David's Song of Deliverance"). The psalm begins with David's fervent praise for God as his strength and deliverer ([Psalms 18:1-3](/psalms/18-1 "Psalms 18:1-3 - David's Praise and Trust")). It then vividly recounts David's distress and God's dramatic, cosmic intervention on his behalf, often described as a divine warrior descending from heaven ([Psalms 18:7-15](/psalms/18-7 "Psalms 18:7-15 - God's Theophany and Deliverance")). Following this powerful description of deliverance and the subsequent conquest of enemies ([Psalms 18:32-45](/psalms/18-32 "Psalms 18:32-45 - God Equips David for Battle")), [Psalms 18:48](/psalms/18-48 "Psalms 18:48 - God's Deliverance and Exaltation") serves as a concluding affirmation of God's ongoing, personal rescue and exaltation of David, leading into a final doxology.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This psalm's superscription explicitly states it was penned "in the day that the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul." David's life was indeed marked by relentless threats, from his early days as a fugitive fleeing King Saul's relentless pursuit, to the constant warfare against surrounding nations, and even internal rebellions, such as that led by his son Absalom. In ancient Israelite society, a king's success and survival were often seen as direct indicators of divine favor. David's declaration in [Psalms 18:48](/psalms/18-48 "Psalms 18:48 - God's Deliverance and Exaltation") is not merely a personal testimony but a public affirmation of YHWH's unique role as the ultimate divine warrior and protector of His anointed king, validating David's reign as divinely ordained and sustained.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several major themes within the psalm and broader biblical narrative. **Divine Deliverance** is central, emphasizing God's active, personal, and powerful rescue of His servant. David explicitly states that it is God who "delivereth" him, highlighting divine agency over human strength or military prowess. Closely related is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Power**, showcasing God's absolute ability to overcome any opposition, no matter how formidable. Furthermore, "Thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me" underscores the theme of **Exaltation and Victory**. God not only saves but elevates His faithful servant, placing him in a position of triumph and superiority over his adversaries. This also subtly points to God's **Covenant Faithfulness**, as His actions align with His promises to establish David's throne forever, as seen in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Delivereth (Hebrew, _nāṣal'_):** This verb implies a forceful rescue, a snatching away or drawing out from danger. It suggests an active, decisive intervention where one is pulled out of a perilous situation, often from the grasp of an enemy. It conveys a sense of urgency and power in God's saving act.
* **Lifteth me up above (Hebrew, _rûm'_):** This word means to be high, exalted, or lifted up. In this context, it signifies more than mere escape; it denotes being placed in a position of superiority, safety, or triumph over one's adversaries. It speaks to God's vindication and elevation of David, demonstrating His sovereignty and power to establish His chosen one.
* **Violent man (Hebrew, _’îš ḥāmās'_):** Literally "man of violence" or "man of wrong." This phrase specifically points to an individual characterized by injustice, cruelty, oppression, or wrongful aggression. It emphasizes the malevolent and destructive nature of David's opposition, underscoring the specific and tangible threats from which God delivered him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He delivereth me from mine enemies:"** This opening clause establishes God as the active agent of deliverance. The use of "enemies" in the plural indicates a multitude of adversaries, encompassing all who opposed David, whether foreign nations or domestic rebels. It highlights God's comprehensive and repeated intervention on David's behalf.
* **"yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me:"** This expands on the nature of God's deliverance, shifting to a direct address ("thou") to emphasize the personal and intimate nature of God's involvement. "Lifting up above" signifies not just rescue from danger, but exaltation and triumph over those who sought to suppress or destroy David. It speaks to God granting victory and establishing David's authority.
* **"thou hast delivered me from the violent man."** This final clause narrows the focus to a specific, particularly malicious individual, characterized by "violence" or injustice. While it could refer to Saul or another specific adversary, it underscores God's protection from targeted, malevolent aggression, reinforcing the personal and precise nature of God's saving power.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. **Parallelism** is prominent, particularly synonymous parallelism, where similar ideas are expressed in different phrases. For instance, "He delivereth me from mine enemies" and "thou hast delivered me from the violent man" convey the same core concept of divine rescue, reinforcing the message through repetition. The phrase "thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me" further amplifies this theme of victory and exaltation over adversaries. There is also a subtle **Shift in Person** from the third person ("He delivereth") to the second person direct address ("thou liftest me up," "thou hast delivered"). This shift creates a more intimate and personal tone, emphasizing David's direct relationship with God and his profound gratitude for God's specific, personal interventions. The language itself is a form of **Figurative Language**, particularly the imagery of being "lifted up above," which powerfully conveys triumph and superiority beyond mere escape.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 18:48 profoundly articulates God's character as a faithful deliverer and exalter of His people. It underscores the theological truth that true security and victory come not from human might or strategic prowess, but from the sovereign hand of God. David's testimony serves as a timeless reminder that God is actively involved in the affairs of His creation, particularly in defending and vindicating His chosen ones. This verse affirms God's commitment to His covenant promises, demonstrating His power to overcome all opposition and establish His righteous purposes, even in the face of overwhelming odds. It invites believers to cultivate a deep trust in God's protective presence, knowing that He is mighty to save and capable of turning apparent defeat into glorious triumph.

* [Psalms 91:3](/psalms/91-3 "Psalm 91:3 - God's Deliverance from the Snare")
* [Proverbs 18:10](/proverbs/18-10 "Proverbs 18:10 - The Name of the Lord as a Strong Tower")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - God's Promise to Strengthen and Uphold")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's experience in Psalms 18:48 offers profound encouragement for believers today, reminding us that the God who delivered him is the same God who remains our steadfast protector and deliverer. In a world still fraught with various forms of "enemies" and "violent men"—whether they are literal adversaries, oppressive systems, spiritual forces, or even internal struggles like fear and despair—this verse calls us to place our unwavering trust in God's power. It challenges us to recognize God's hand in our past deliverances and to anticipate His future interventions, knowing that He not only rescues us from peril but also elevates us to a place of peace and victory in Him. Our battles, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, are ultimately in God's hands, and we are called to stand firm, praising Him for His past faithfulness and crying out to Him for His ongoing salvation. This confidence allows us to live not in fear, but in the assurance of divine protection and ultimate triumph.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How have you personally experienced God's deliverance in your life, whether from physical danger, emotional distress, or spiritual oppression?**
* **In what ways does God "lift you up above" your adversaries or challenges, granting you not just escape but triumph?**
* **What "violent men" or oppressive forces (spiritual, relational, systemic) do you need God to deliver you from today?**
* **How does David's declaration of trust in God's power encourage your faith in the face of your own battles and opposition?**

### FAQ
**Is this psalm only about David's physical battles, or does it have broader application?**

Answer: While Psalms 18 is deeply rooted in King David's literal experiences of warfare and persecution, its themes of divine deliverance, protection, and exaltation extend far beyond physical combat. The "enemies" and "violent man" can be understood metaphorically to represent any force that opposes God's people or His purposes. Therefore, the psalm has profound application to spiritual battles, emotional distress, unjust situations, and all forms of opposition believers face. God's character as a deliverer is constant, whether the threat is a literal army or an unseen spiritual foe, as seen in passages like [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare").

**How does God "lift us up above" our enemies in a contemporary context?**

Answer: God "lifting us up above" our enemies today can manifest in various ways, not always involving physical triumph. It can mean spiritual victory over temptation and sin, granting inner peace and resilience in the face of adversity, or providing wisdom to navigate complex challenges. It might involve vindication in unjust circumstances, or simply giving us a perspective that transcends our immediate struggles, allowing us to see God's sovereignty at work. Ultimately, it's about God placing us in a position of spiritual and emotional triumph, where we are not overcome by our circumstances but stand firm in His strength, as promised in [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 18:48 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. David's deliverance from his enemies and his exaltation above them foreshadow the definitive victory and supreme exaltation of the Messiah. Jesus, the true Son of David, faced the ultimate "violent man"—Satan, sin, and death itself. Through His crucifixion, burial, and glorious resurrection, Christ decisively triumphed over all these spiritual adversaries, disarming the powers and authorities and putting them to open shame ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")). He delivered humanity from the bondage of sin and the fear of death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus' Defeat of Death")). Furthermore, God "lifted Him up above" all those who rose against Him, exalting Him to the highest place at His right hand, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion ([Ephesians 1:20-22](/ephesians/1-20 "Ephesians 1:20-22 - Christ's Exaltation Above All Rule")). Believers, united with Christ, participate in this divine deliverance and exaltation, sharing in His victory and being seated with Him in the heavenly realms ([Ephesians 2:6](/ephesians/2-6 "Ephesians 2:6 - Seated with Christ")). Thus, David's ancient song of deliverance becomes a prophetic anthem of the greater salvation wrought by our Lord Jesus Christ.

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

Psalms 140:11

Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow [him].

Psalms 140:4

Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.

Psalms 140:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man;

Psalms 86:14

O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent [men] have sought after my soul; and have not set thee before them.

Psalms 59:1

¶ To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David; when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him. Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.

Psalms 59:2

Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men.

Psalms 7:16

His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.