Psalm 18 Part 6 Doing All Things For The Glory of God

In this next section of Psalm 18, King David lavishes praise on Jehovah for helping him in battle.

Remember, it was said that King Saul killed thousands of his enemies but of David it was said he killed ten thousands!

It is a picture of a king physically skilled in combat, strategic in leading his army and wise in listening to God's direction for war.

In essence, what King David is doing here is what you and I should be doing each day.

He is giving God the glory for all good things that he was able to accomplish.

Modern culture is mostly about seeking recognition and self glory, but the believer in Christ should happily give all glory to God.

This is why one of the five principles of the reformation was "For the glory of God alone" meaning that all of our life should be lived by following this direction.

Psalm 18:32  It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. 

God gave David physical strength and mental stamina for battle and it is pictured as divine strength which binds his loins with power.

His body was given supernatural strength to do the work of war that God placed before David.

2 Corinthians 10:3-4  For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4  (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 

Christians also need power from God but our warfare is spiritual in nature and our armor reflects that (See Ephesians 6:10-20).

Psalm 18:33-34  He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places.34  He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms. 

David said that the LORD made his feet like those of a hind (Female deer) meaning that he could run swiftly, jump high and change direction quickly.

It is God who taught David the art of war, how to attack, how to set an ambush, how to give glory to God in battle.

David's hands were skilled to write dozens of Psalms, and to play skillfully on various musical instruments.

God gave David a strong grip and strong arms to wield the sword, use a sling with deadly accuracy.

The idea of a bow made from metal is that of David taking an enemies bow and breaking it with the strength God gave him.

Psalm 18:35-36  Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.  36  Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip. 

Davis praised Jehovah for giving him the shield of salvation and holding him up by His omnipotent right hand while David fought.

Paul calls this the shield of faith that we need in order to quench and deflect the fiery arrows shot at us by the Devil (See Ephesians 6:16).

Notice this remarkable statement of King David: "Thy gentleness hath made me great."

God gave abundant grace and mercy to David, and showed His love for this king of Israel.

David tells us that the extraordinary impact of God's love is what made him a great king and the sweet Psalmist of Israel.

The idea here is God made room for David's feet, so that he was enabled to walk without hindrance or obstruction. 

The Psalm began with David feeling as if he was shut in a confined space but since then, the LORD delivered him.

All obstacles and hindrances had been taken out of the way, and King David could walk freely to do the work God had for him to complete.

Psalm 18:37-39  I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed. 38  I have wounded them that they were not able to rise: they are fallen under my feet. 39  For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me. 

God strengthened King David so that he could follow hard after his enemies until he had thoroughly defeated them.

He smote them such that they were unable to rise up and fight.

His enemies thought to defeat King David, but he trod them down under his feet in battle.

Kings who opposed Israel were beaten down and often killed in the process of battle and David ascribes his ability in war to God.

Psalm 18:40-42  Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me. 41  They cried, but there was none to save them: even unto the LORD, but he answered them not. 42  Then did I beat them small as the dust before the wind: I did cast them out as the dirt in the streets. 

Treading on the neck of an enemy was a sign of the triumph of the conqueror, and the utmost disgrace of the vanquished.

Joshua 10:24  And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them. 

Joshua had his soldiers put their feet upon the necks of kings that the LORD helped him defeat.

This signifies complete victory and the total humiliation of defeat for an enemy and this is what David did to his foes.

Psalm 18:43-45  Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people; and thou hast made me the head of the heathen: a people whom I have not known shall serve me. 44  As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me. 45  The strangers shall fade away, and be afraid out of their close places. 

David praised the LORD for delivering him from strife and from his enemies.

David defeated many nations and put them to tribute, such that they paid heavy taxes to Israel and helped finance many good infrastructure projects for the people of God.

All the nations around Israel both near and far, developed a healthy fear and respect for King David and this was all the work of God on his behalf.

The Psalm closes with high praise for the One, True God who created all things and who sustains all life.

Psalm 18:46-50  The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted. 47  It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me. 48  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. 49  Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name. 50  Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore. 

All pagan "gods" are worthless because they have no life and they were made by the hands of men out of stone, clay, metal or wood.

Jehovah is the God who lives, who hears prayer, who cares about His children.

Jehovah is the God who will judge all the wicked for their sins and rejection of Christ Jesus.

David said his victories in battle were the result of God delivering him and that God sought revenge upon the wicked nations and used King David to carry out His judgment.

Therefore, David vowed to give constant praise to God.

He vowed to express his thanksgiving for all that the LORD did for him.

He promised to sing and worship God and to give Him all the glory due unto His name.

Let this be true of all believers in Christ.

Let us give thanks to God throughout the day.

Lets us give Him glory for any good thing that we are enabled to do for His kingdom.

Let our choices be made so that they bring glory to God.

Let our thoughts and words be that which brings glory to God.

Bob

1 Corinthians 10:31  Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

Colossians 3:17  And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.