Psalms 18:50

KJV

Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.

KJV (with Strong's)

Great {H1431} deliverance {H3444} giveth he to his king {H4428}; and sheweth {H6213} mercy {H2617} to his anointed {H4899}, to David {H1732}, and to his seed {H2233} for {H5704} evermore {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Great salvation he gives to his king; he displays grace to his anointed, to David and his descendants forever."

Berean Standard Bible

Great salvation He brings to His king. He shows loving devotion to His anointed, to David and his descendants forever.

American Standard Version

Great deliverance giveth he to his king, And showeth lovingkindness to his anointed, To David and to his seed, for evermore.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 18:50 serves as a magnificent capstone to David's psalm of thanksgiving, articulating God's unwavering faithfulness and covenant loyalty. This verse powerfully declares the "great deliverance" and profound "mercy" God bestows upon His chosen king, David, extending this divine favor eternally to his royal lineage. It encapsulates the enduring nature of God's promises, transitioning from David's personal experience of miraculous rescue to the broader, everlasting implications of the Davidic Covenant, which ultimately finds its ultimate fulfillment in the promised Messiah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 18 is a triumphant psalm of David, also recorded in [2 Samuel 22](/2_samuel/22 "2 Samuel 22 - David's Song of Deliverance"), composed as a song of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord for delivering him from all his enemies, especially from the hand of Saul. The psalm begins by declaring David's profound love for God as his strength and fortress (cf. [Psalm 18:1-3](/psalms/18-1 "Psalm 18:1-3 - David's Declaration of Love for God")). It then vividly recounts the Lord's mighty intervention on David's behalf, employing powerful imagery of natural phenomena, cosmic upheaval, and military victory to depict God's overwhelming power and active involvement in his rescue (e.g., [Psalm 18:7-15](/psalms/18-7-15 "Psalm 18:7-15 - God's Theophany and Rescue")). The psalm transitions from a personal testimony of deliverance to a broader theological affirmation of God's justice and righteousness in dealing with His servant (e.g., [Psalm 18:20-24](/psalms/18-20-24 "Psalm 18:20-24 - God Rewards David's Righteousness")). Verse 50 serves as the climactic conclusion, shifting from David's individual experience to the universal and eternal implications of God's covenant with him, underscoring the divine origin of his kingship and the enduring nature of God's promises to his "seed for evermore."

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David lived in a tumultuous period of Israel's history, marked by constant warfare, political intrigue, and the establishment of the monarchy. Having been anointed by Samuel (cf. [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - Samuel Anoints David")), David faced relentless persecution from King Saul before ascending to the throne. His reign was characterized by military expansion, the consolidation of the kingdom, and the establishment of Jerusalem as the religious and political capital. The concept of an "anointed" king was central to ancient Near Eastern monarchies, signifying divine appointment and protection. Crucially, God made an unconditional covenant with David, recorded in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"), promising him an enduring dynasty, an everlasting kingdom, and a perpetual throne through his descendants. This covenant shaped Israel's understanding of kingship and future hope, establishing a lineage from which the Messiah would come. The "mercy" (Hebrew: *hesed*) mentioned in the verse refers to this steadfast, covenantal love that God extends to His chosen king and his line, a concept deeply embedded in Israelite theology.

* **Key Themes:** This concluding verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent throughout Psalm 18 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Deliverance and Mercy**, emphasizing God's active role as a faithful rescuer and compassionate sovereign who provides "great deliverance" and extends "mercy" (*hesed*) to His chosen one. This underscores God's character as a reliable deliverer in times of distress, a theme echoed throughout the Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 34:19](/psalms/34-19 "Psalm 34:19 - Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all")). Secondly, the phrase "to David, and to his seed for evermore" directly references **The Davidic Covenant**, the eternal promise God made with David in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Promise of an Enduring Dynasty to David"), guaranteeing an enduring dynasty and an everlasting kingdom through his descendants. This covenant became foundational to Israel's national identity and future expectations. Finally, the verse carries profound **Messianic Prophecy**, as the promise of an everlasting "seed" finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the true and eternal "anointed" (Messiah), the Son of David, whose kingdom will have no end, as prophesied in passages like [Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6-7 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Eternal Reign") and affirmed in the New Testament (e.g., [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Angel Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Deliverance (Hebrew, _yᵉshûwʻâh'_):** This term (H3444) signifies salvation, rescue, or victory. It is a broad word encompassing acts of liberation from enemies, danger, or distress. In the context of Psalm 18, it refers to the comprehensive and powerful rescue God provided to David from all his adversaries. The adjective "great" (Hebrew, _gâdal'_, H1431) intensifies the meaning, emphasizing the magnitude and completeness of God's saving act, implying a miraculous and overwhelming intervention.
* **Anointed (Hebrew, _mâshîyach'_):** This crucial term (H4899) literally means "one who has been smeared with oil," signifying consecration for a special office. In ancient Israel, kings, priests, and sometimes prophets were anointed, symbolizing their divine appointment and empowerment for their role. Here, it refers to David as God's divinely chosen and consecrated king. More significantly, *mâshîyach* is the root word for "Messiah" in Hebrew and "Christ" in Greek, pointing to the ultimate Anointed One, the promised deliverer and eternal King.
* **Mercy (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** Often translated as steadfast love, lovingkindness, or covenant loyalty, *chêçêd* (H2617) is a foundational concept in biblical theology. It describes God's faithful, enduring, and compassionate love that is true to His covenant promises. In this verse, it highlights that God's actions toward David and his lineage are not arbitrary but flow from His unwavering commitment to the covenant He established with them, demonstrating His gracious and loyal character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Great deliverance giveth he to his king;":** This clause establishes God as the active agent and source of a magnificent and comprehensive rescue. The recipient is "his king," referring to David (H4428), emphasizing God's sovereign choice and protection over the one He has appointed to rule. It underscores that David's victories and survival were not merely due to his own strength but were divine interventions.
* **"and sheweth mercy to his anointed,":** This phrase expands on the nature of God's favor, linking it to His *chêçêd* (steadfast love or covenant loyalty). "His anointed" (H4899) is a parallel reference to "his king," further identifying David as the recipient of God's faithful and compassionate love. It implies that God's actions are rooted in His character and His established relationship with David.
* **"to David, and to his seed for evermore.":** This final clause makes the recipient explicit ("to David," H1732) and then extends the promise far beyond David's lifetime to his "seed" (offspring, descendants, H2233). The phrase "for evermore" (Hebrew, _ʻad ʻôwlâm'_ H5704, H5769) denotes eternity or perpetuity, signifying that the "great deliverance" and "mercy" are not temporary but are enduring covenant promises that will extend through all generations of David's royal line, culminating in the eternal reign of the Messiah.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 18:50 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Parallelism** is evident in the two main clauses: "Great deliverance giveth he to his king" and "and sheweth mercy to his anointed." These phrases are syntactically parallel, and "his king" and "his anointed" function as synonymous parallels, reinforcing the identity of the recipient and the nature of God's favor. There is also a clear **Climax** or **Progression** in the verse. It moves from a general reference to "his king" and "his anointed" to the specific naming of "David," and then expands the scope dramatically to "his seed for evermore." This progression emphasizes the personal nature of God's covenant with David while simultaneously revealing its eternal and dynastic implications. The use of the superlative "Great deliverance" and the temporal descriptor "for evermore" also functions as **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis**, underscoring the immense scale and unending duration of God's faithfulness and covenant promises.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 18:50 is a theological cornerstone, anchoring the concept of God's unwavering covenant faithfulness within the broader narrative of salvation history. It reveals a God who is not only a mighty deliverer in the present but also a steadfast keeper of promises for the future. The "great deliverance" and "mercy" bestowed upon David are not merely personal blessings but are rooted in the unconditional Davidic Covenant, establishing a perpetual dynasty through which God's redemptive purposes would unfold. This verse thus connects the historical reality of David's kingship to the eschatological hope of an eternal kingdom, demonstrating God's consistent character as one who initiates and sustains His redemptive plan across generations. It points to a divine design far grander than any single human reign, anticipating the ultimate King.

* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "The Lord's Covenant with David")
* [Psalm 89:3-4](/psalms/89-3-4 "God's Oath to David")
* [Isaiah 55:3](/isaiah/55-3 "The Sure Mercies of David")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 18:50 offers profound encouragement and a steadfast anchor for believers today, reminding us of the unchanging character of God. Just as God demonstrated "great deliverance" and "mercy" to David, fulfilling His covenant promises, we can confidently trust in His faithfulness to His word in our own lives. This verse calls us to look beyond our immediate circumstances and fix our hope on the God who is eternally loyal and powerful to save. It assures us that His steadfast love (*hesed*) is not contingent upon our perfection but flows from His unyielding commitment to His covenant with His people. In a world of shifting sands and broken promises, this psalm directs our gaze to the rock-solid reliability of God, who not only delivers from external threats but also extends His mercy to cover our deepest needs and spiritual battles. It invites us to rest in the assurance that the same God who upheld David's throne is actively working to establish His eternal kingdom in and through our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's covenant faithfulness to David inform our trust in His promises for our lives today?**
* **In what ways do we experience God's "great deliverance" and "mercy" in our personal journeys of faith, both from external circumstances and internal struggles?**
* **How does the eternal nature of God's promise to David's "seed" shape our hope for the future and our understanding of Christ's everlasting kingdom?**

### FAQ
**Is Psalm 18:50 solely about David, or does it have a broader meaning?**

Answer: While the verse is directly about David's experience of God's deliverance and mercy, its language, particularly "his seed for evermore," clearly indicates a broader, future-oriented meaning. It points beyond David to his entire royal lineage and ultimately finds its most complete and eternal fulfillment in the Messiah, Jesus Christ. It's a foundational verse for understanding the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament to the New.

**What is the significance of the term "anointed" in this verse?**

Answer: The term "anointed" (Hebrew: *mâshîyach*) refers to David as God's divinely chosen and consecrated king. He was literally anointed with oil as a sign of his divine appointment. However, the profound significance of this term lies in its foreshadowing of the ultimate "Anointed One"—the Messiah. Jesus is the Christ (Greek for "Anointed One"), the true and eternal King who perfectly fulfills the promises made to David's line. This term bridges the gap between David's historical kingship and Christ's eternal reign.

**How does "mercy" (hesed) relate to God's covenant with David?**

Answer: "Mercy" here translates the Hebrew word *chêçêd*, which is a rich theological term meaning steadfast love, covenant loyalty, or lovingkindness. It is not merely an emotion but an active commitment to a relationship, especially a covenant. In Psalm 18:50, *chêçêd* highlights that God's "great deliverance" for David and his "seed" is not arbitrary but flows directly from His unwavering faithfulness to the unconditional covenant He made with David in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "The Davidic Covenant"). It signifies God's unchangeable character and His commitment to His promises across generations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 18:50, with its declaration of "great deliverance" and "mercy" to David and "to his seed for evermore," finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the true and eternal King, the promised [Son of David](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - The Genealogy of Jesus Christ"), upon whom the Spirit of God rests without measure, making Him the preeminent "Anointed One" (Messiah). The "great deliverance" David experienced from his enemies foreshadows the infinitely greater deliverance Christ provides for humanity—deliverance from sin, death, and the power of darkness (cf. [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). The "mercy" (*chêçêd*) shown to David is perfectly embodied in Christ, who, through His life, death, and resurrection, demonstrates God's steadfast love and covenant faithfulness to His people (cf. [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Own Love")). The promise of an eternal "seed" and an everlasting kingdom, initially given to David (cf. [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "The Davidic Covenant")), culminates in Jesus, whose kingdom "will have no end" (cf. [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Angel Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary")) and who reigns forever at the right hand of God (cf. [Acts 2:30-36](/acts/2-30-36 "Acts 2:30-36 - Peter's Sermon on Pentecost")). Thus, Psalm 18:50 is not merely a historical tribute to David but a prophetic pointer to the Christ, the ultimate King who delivers with eternal power and shows everlasting mercy.

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 144:10

[It is he] that giveth salvation unto kings: who delivereth David his servant from the hurtful sword.

2 Samuel 7:13

He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.

Luke 1:31

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

Luke 1:33

And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:7

Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Psalms 132:10

For thy servant David's sake turn not away the face of thine anointed.