Psalm 18 summary meaning ai explained commentary

Psalm 18 meaning explained in AI Summary

Psalm 18 is a lengthy and powerful song of praise and thanksgiving to God for delivering David from his enemies, particularly King Saul. It's also found, with slight variations, in 2 Samuel 22. of its key themes:

1. Declaration of Love and Trust (verses 1-3): David begins by pouring out his heart to God, declaring his unwavering love and complete dependence on Him as his rock, fortress, deliverer, shield, and stronghold.

2. Vivid Depiction of Distress and Deliverance (verses 4-19): David uses powerful imagery to describe the depths of his despair when surrounded by enemies and facing death. He cries out to God, who hears his plea and dramatically rescues him, shattering the earth and heavens to deliver him.

3. God's Righteous Judgment and Reward (verses 20-28): David emphasizes that God delivered him because he remained faithful and righteous. God rewards those who are blameless and punishes the wicked.

4. God's Empowering Strength (verses 29-36): David praises God for giving him strength and agility in battle, enabling him to overcome his enemies and stand victorious.

5. Subduing Nations and Establishing His Reign (verses 37-45): The psalm shifts to a broader perspective, depicting David's victories over foreign nations. This foreshadows God's ultimate victory over all enemies and the establishment of his kingdom.

6. Doxology and Conclusion (verses 46-50): David ends with a powerful doxology, praising God for his faithfulness, righteousness, and enduring love. He acknowledges that God's salvation extends beyond himself to his descendants and all who are faithful.

Overall Message:

Psalm 18 is a testament to God's faithfulness, power, and love for his people. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, when surrounded by enemies and facing insurmountable challenges, God hears our cries and will deliver us if we remain faithful to him. It's a song of victory, but also a reminder that true victory comes from aligning ourselves with God's righteousness and trusting in his unwavering strength.

Psalm 18 bible study ai commentary

Psalm 18 is a triumphant royal psalm of thanksgiving, where David recounts his life of conflict and God's powerful, personal deliverance. It is a retrospective testimony that moves from desperate peril to divine intervention (a theophany), and from personal vindication to universal victory. David, as the anointed king, praises Yahweh not only as his personal savior but as the sovereign Lord of all creation, whose covenant faithfulness extends to his king and his offspring forever, pointing prophetically to the Messiah.

Psalm 18 Context

This psalm is nearly identical to the song recorded in 2 Samuel 22. Its superscription explicitly places it at the conclusion of David's major conflicts, specifically deliverance "from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul." This context is historical, marking the culmination of God’s promises to establish David's kingdom. Culturally, the dramatic portrayal of God's intervention (the theophany in vv. 7-15) uses common Ancient Near Eastern (ANE) storm-god imagery. However, it functions as a powerful polemic, stripping deities like Baal of their attributes and declaring that Yahweh alone is the true, sovereign Lord over the storm, the earth, and the cosmos.

Psalm 18:1-3

"I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies."

In-depth-analysis

"I love you" (Hebrew: racham): This is a rare, deeply affectionate, and personal verb choice, often used for a parent's tender compassion. It sets an intimate tone for the entire psalm. David is not just a servant; his relationship with God is one of profound love.
A Cluster of Metaphors: David heaps up eight titles for God, all centered on security and protection, drawn from military and topographical imagery.
- Strength: God is the source of David's own ability and resilience.
- Rock (Sela): A high, inaccessible cliff offering a strategic vantage point and defense.
- Fortress (Metzudah): A man-made defensive structure, implying impenetrable security.
- Deliverer: One who snatches away from danger.
- My God, my Rock (Tsur): A massive boulder or bedrock, suggesting absolute stability and a place to build one's life.
- Shield: Close, personal protection from attack.
- Horn of my salvation: "Horn" symbolizes strength and power (like an animal's horns). God's power actively brings about salvation/victory.
- Stronghold: A high, inaccessible place of safety, similar to a rock.
This opening acts as a summary: because God is all these things, David can confidently call on Him and be saved.

Bible references

2 Samuel 22:2-4: 'The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer...' (The near-identical historical account).
Hebrews 2:13: 'And again, “I will put my trust in him.”' (Quoting the Septuagint of 2 Sam. 22:3/Ps. 18:2, applying David's trust in God to Christ).
Psalm 144:1-2: 'Blessed be the LORD, my rock... my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer...' (Echoes the same metaphors for God).

Cross references

Deuteronomy 32:4 (God as the Rock); Psalm 91:2 (refuge and fortress); Luke 1:69 (horn of salvation, applied to Jesus).

Psalm 18:4-6

"The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of destruction assailed me; the cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears."

In-depth-analysis

Personification of Death: David describes his mortal peril using vivid imagery. "Cords" and "snares" depict death as a hunter trapping its prey.
Sheol: The Hebrew concept of the grave or the underworld, a place of shadow and silence from which there is no escape. David felt as if he was already caught by its grasp.
Torrents of Destruction: Literally "torrents of Belial" (wickedness/worthlessness). This paints a picture of being overwhelmed by a flash flood of evil forces.
The Turning Point: Verse 6 is the pivot. David’s action in the midst of helplessness is to cry out. His salvation begins not with his strength, but with his call of desperation.
His Temple: This refers to God's heavenly dwelling place, not the earthly temple in Jerusalem (which wasn't built yet). The cry from the depths of Sheol reaches the heights of heaven.

Bible references

Jonah 2:2: '...Out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice.' (Parallels the cry from a place of certain death).
Psalm 116:3-4: 'The snares of death encompassed me... Then I called on the name of the LORD...' (Similar experience of mortal danger leading to a cry for help).
Lamentations 3:54-55: 'Water closed over my head; I said, “I am lost.” I called on your name, O LORD, from the deep pit.' (Another depiction of crying out from the depths).

Cross references

Psalm 40:2 (lifted from a pit of destruction); Psalm 69:1-2 (sinking in mire); Habakkuk 2:20 (Lord in His holy temple).

Psalm 18:7-15

"Then the earth reeled and rocked; the foundations also of the mountains trembled and quaked, because he was angry... He bowed the heavens and came down... He rode on a cherub and flew... He made darkness his covering... Out of the brightness before him hailstones and coals of fire broke through his clouds. The LORD also thundered... and shot out his arrows... then the channels of the sea were seen, and the foundations of the world were laid bare..."

In-depth-analysis

This section is a theophany: a magnificent, visible manifestation of God's presence and power. God doesn't just send help; He comes Himself.
Cosmic Upheaval: God's anger at the injustice against His anointed king causes the entire created order to convulse. This is not just poetry; it depicts God's absolute sovereignty over nature.
Storm God Imagery: God is depicted with attributes of a powerful storm:
- Earthquake (v. 7): His footsteps shake the world.
- Smoke and Fire (v. 8): Like a volcano, symbolizing consuming wrath and purity.
- Darkness and Clouds (vv. 9, 11): His awesome glory is veiled in impenetrable darkness, a common feature of divine appearances.
- Riding the Cherub (v. 10): God's throne is mobile and alive. The cherubim are powerful angelic beings associated with God's holiness and presence (see Ezekiel 1 & 10).
- Thunder and Lightning (vv. 13-14): His voice thunders, and lightning bolts are His "arrows," scattering the enemy.
De-creation imagery (v. 15): The foundations of the world and sea are laid bare, reversing the creative order of Genesis 1. It shows God's power to undo creation itself to save his chosen one.

Bible references

Exodus 19:16-18: '...there were thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud on the mountain... Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the LORD had descended on it in fire.' (The archetypal Sinai theophany).
Habakkuk 3:3-6: 'His glory covered the heavens... Before him went pestilence... He stood and measured the earth; he looked and shook the nations.' (A similar description of God warring on behalf of His people).
Judges 5:4-5: 'LORD, when you went out from Seir... the earth trembled and the heavens dropped... the mountains quaked before the LORD...' (The Song of Deborah recalls a similar divine appearance).

Cross references

Psalm 29:3-9 (voice of the Lord over the waters); Ezekiel 1:4-28 (vision of the cherubim); Revelation 11:19 (lightning and earthquake from God's temple).

Polemics

The description of Yahweh riding on the clouds, thundering, and shooting lightning arrows is a direct polemic against the Canaanite storm-god Baal, who was celebrated in Ugaritic literature with this exact imagery. The psalmist co-opts this language to declare that Baal is nothing; Yahweh is the true Master of the storm and the cosmos. He alone commands the forces of nature to accomplish His will.

Psalm 18:16-19

"He sent from on high, he took me; he drew me out of many waters. He rescued me from my strong enemy and from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me. They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the LORD was my support. He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because he delighted in me."

In-depth-analysis

From Theophany to Personal Rescue: The cosmic display of power is now focused on one individual. The God who shakes the world does so to save David.
"Drew me out of many waters": This powerfully evokes the image of Moses's rescue from the Nile (his name Moshe means "to draw out"). "Many waters" is also a metaphor for overwhelming chaos and enemies (see Rev 17:15).
"A broad place": This contrasts with the confining "cords" and "snares" of verse 4-5. It signifies freedom, security, and potential. It’s a place of no constriction or threat.
The Ultimate Motive (v. 19): God’s rescue is not transactional; it’s relational. The reason is simple and profound: "he delighted in me." This points to God's grace and elective love for David.

Bible references

Exodus 2:10: '...she named him Moses, “Because,” she said, “I drew him out of the water.”' (Verbal and thematic link to the rescue from water).
Psalm 31:8: '...you have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; you have set my feet in a broad place.' (A recurring biblical theme of deliverance).
Psalm 40:2: 'He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.' (Similar imagery of being lifted to safety).

Cross references

Deuteronomy 33:29 (happy are you, O Israel!); Psalm 118:5 (answered by setting me free).

Psalm 18:20-24

"The LORD dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he rewarded me. For I have kept the ways of the LORD... and was blameless before him, and I kept myself from my iniquity."

In-depth-analysis

Controversial Righteousness: These verses can seem self-righteous. However, they are not a claim of sinless perfection (David’s sin with Bathsheba is well-documented, see Ps 51).
Contextual Integrity: This is "covenant righteousness." In his conflict with Saul and other enemies, David was the innocent party. He refused to kill Saul when he had the chance (1 Sam 24, 26), he respected God's law, and he consistently acted in faith.
"Cleanness of my hands": A legal term denoting innocence regarding a specific accusation or crime. David is declaring his innocence relative to the charges and actions of his enemies.
"My iniquity": This can be interpreted as David acknowledging his personal sinful nature or a specific besetting sin (e.g., acting on his own impulse rather than God's command) which he actively resisted. It shows self-awareness, not arrogance.

Bible references

1 Samuel 24:17: '[Saul] said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have repaid me with good, whereas I have repaid you with evil.”' (Saul himself confirms David's relative righteousness).
Genesis 15:6: 'And [Abram] believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness.' (Shows righteousness in the OT is rooted in faith and faithfulness).
1 John 3:7: 'Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous.' (Connects righteous action to one's state before God).

Cross references

Psalm 7:8 (Judge me according to my righteousness); Psalm 26:1-6 (a plea of integrity); Job 29:14 (I put on righteousness).

Psalm 18:25-27

"With the merciful you show yourself merciful; with the blameless man you show yourself blameless; with the purified you show yourself pure; and with the crooked you make yourself seem tortuous."

In-depth-analysis

Principle of Divine Reciprocity: God relates to people according to their own disposition. This isn't God changing His character, but rather His justice manifesting differently in response to human character.
Merciful (chasid): With the one who shows covenant loyalty/loving-kindness, God shows His own infinite chesed.
With the Crooked: The last line is startling. God mirrors the complexity of the deceitful person, thwarting their crooked plans with his own inscrutable wisdom. They cannot "game" God; He meets them on the ground they have chosen, to their own confounding. It speaks of God's holy opposition to sin.

Bible references

Matthew 5:7: 'Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.' (Jesus teaches the same principle of reciprocity).
Galatians 6:7: 'Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.' (The principle of sowing and reaping applies to character).
Proverbs 3:34: 'Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor.' (Another OT statement of this principle).

Cross references

1 Samuel 2:30 (those who honor me I will honor); Isaiah 55:8-9 (God's ways are higher).

Psalm 18:28-36

"For it is you who light my lamp; the LORD my God lightens my darkness... for by you I can run against a troop... This God—his way is perfect... he is a shield to all who take refuge in him... He made my feet like the feet of a deer... He trains my hands for war..."

In-depth-analysis

From Deliverance to Empowerment: God does not just rescue David from trouble; He equips him for his calling as a warrior-king.
Lamp/Darkness: God brings hope and life (light) into situations of despair and death (darkness).
God's Perfection: The praise shifts to God's inherent nature. His way is "perfect" (tamim, complete, blameless), His word is "tried" or proven true (like refined metal), and He is a shield. This is the foundation for David's confidence.
Divine Equipping:
- "Feet of a deer": Grants agility and the ability to navigate treacherous terrain with security.
- "Trains my hands for war": Divine tutelage for the king's duties. A bronze bow was a symbol of incredible strength; bending one required superhuman ability. God provides this strength.
- "Your gentleness makes me great" (v. 35 KJV/ESV footnote): The Hebrew for "your help" or "your condescension" points to the paradox that God's willingness to lower Himself to help David is what has exalted him.

Bible references

Ephesians 6:10-11: 'Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God...' (A NT parallel to God equipping his people for spiritual warfare).
Philippians 4:13: 'I can do all things through him who strengthens me.' (The ultimate statement of divine empowerment).
Habakkuk 3:19: 'GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the ones of a deer; he makes me tread on my high places.' (Almost a direct quote, showing this was a known metaphor).

Cross references

2 Samuel 22:29-37; Psalm 119:105 (word is a lamp); 2 Corinthians 4:6 (God shines in our hearts).

Psalm 18:37-45

"I pursued my enemies and overtook them... I crushed them... You gave me a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip... You delivered me from the strife of the people; you made me the head of the nations; people whom I had not known served me."

In-depth-analysis

From Defense to Offense: Empowered by God, David is no longer the hunted but the hunter. He describes a swift, total, and devastating victory. The imagery is fierce and absolute.
God as the True Victor: Throughout these verses, David uses "I" but prefaces it with God's enabling actions ("You gave me," "You delivered me"). He is the instrument of God's judgment on his enemies.
Expansion of Dominion: The victory is not just over personal enemies like Saul's house but expands to the surrounding "nations" (Gentiles). This fulfills the promises of the Davidic Covenant.
Head of the Nations: This looks beyond David’s historical kingdom to the universal reign of his greater son, the Messiah, who will rule over all peoples.

Bible references

Psalm 2:8: 'Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.' (The promise to God's Anointed Son).
Romans 16:20: 'The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.' (The church's victory over its spiritual enemy is framed in the same crushing language).
Isaiah 55:5: 'Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know, and a nation that did not know you shall run to you...' (A prophetic echo of peoples unknown coming to serve God's chosen one).

Cross references

Deuteronomy 28:7 (enemies will flee); Joshua 10:42 (God fighting for Israel); Philippians 2:9-11 (Christ exalted as head over all).

Psalm 18:46-50

"The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock... The God who gave me vengeance and subdued peoples under me... therefore I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations... Great salvation he brings to his king, and shows steadfast love to his anointed, to David and his offspring forever."

In-depth-analysis

Final Doxology: The psalm ends with resounding praise, summarizing its main themes.
The LORD Lives: The ultimate confession. The pagan gods are dead idols; Yahweh is the living God who acts in history.
Praise among the Nations: David’s praise is not private; it’s a public testimony intended for the Gentile world to hear.
Anointed (Mashiach): David recognizes his victory is tied to his identity as God's anointed one (Messiah).
Steadfast Love (Chesed): God’s actions are rooted in His covenant loyalty.
"Offspring forever": The final words launch the psalm into the future. This is not just about David. It’s about the eternal covenant and the ultimate "offspring," Jesus Christ, who will reign forever.

Bible references

Romans 15:9: '...and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.”' (The Apostle Paul quotes verse 49 to prove that the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's plan was foretold).
2 Samuel 7:16: 'And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.' (The Davidic Covenant, which this psalm celebrates).
Revelation 5:12-13: '...saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”' (The ultimate fulfillment of praise to the anointed king).

Cross references

Psalm 89:20-29 (expounding on the Davidic Covenant); Acts 2:29-36 (Peter connects David's hope to Christ's resurrection and enthronement).

Psalm chapter 18 analysis

Two Canons, One Song: The psalm's presence in both the Psalter (a book of worship) and 2 Samuel (a historical book) underscores its dual importance. It is both a historical testimony and a liturgical hymn meant for ongoing worship. The slight textual variations between them (e.g., 2 Sam. 22:36 has "your condescension" vs Ps. 18:35's "your help") reflect different transmission histories but confirm the same core message.
David as a Type of Christ: The psalm can be read on three levels: 1) David's personal experience. 2) The ideal for any Davidic king. 3) A prophecy of the Messiah. David’s suffering, cry for help, divine vindication, and subsequent reign over the nations create a clear typological pattern for the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. The sufferings in vv. 4-5 are a picture of Christ’s passion, the theophany in vv. 7-15 is God's "No!" to the grave, and the exaltation in vv. 43-50 is the enthronement of Christ.
From Personal to Universal: The psalm follows a distinct progression. It begins with a intensely personal declaration of love ("I love you, O LORD") and ends with a promise that impacts the entire world and all of time ("to his anointed... and his offspring forever"). David’s personal story becomes the story of God's universal redemptive plan.

Psalm 18 summary

Psalm 18 is David's epic song of victory, recounting how he was saved from the brink of death ("the cords of Sheol") by God's dramatic, earth-shattering intervention (a theophany). Citing his own covenant faithfulness as the basis for God's action, David describes how God not only delivered him but also empowered him for total victory over all his enemies. The psalm culminates in a doxology praising the living God, who shows eternal steadfast love (chesed) to His "anointed" (Mashiach) and his offspring, a promise ultimately and perfectly fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Psalm 17 AI Psalm 19 AI

Psalm 18 AI Image Audio and Video

Psalm chapter 18 kjv

¹ I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.
² The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
³ I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
⁴ The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid.
⁵ The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me.
⁶ In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.
⁷ Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth.
⁸ There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.
⁹ He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet.
¹⁰ And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.
¹¹ He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies.
¹² At the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed, hail stones and coals of fire.
¹³ The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire.
¹⁴ Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them.
¹⁵ Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils.
¹⁶ He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters.
¹⁷ He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me.
¹⁸ They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay.
¹⁹ He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.
²⁰ The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.
²¹ For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God.
²² For all his judgments were before me, and I did not put away his statutes from me.
²³ I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity.
²⁴ Therefore hath the LORD recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight.
²⁵ With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright;
²⁶ With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward.
²⁷ For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks.
²⁸ For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.
²⁹ For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall.
³⁰ As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
³¹ For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?
³² It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.
³³ 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.
³⁵ 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.
³⁷ 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.
⁴⁰ 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.
⁴³ 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.
⁴⁶ 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.

Psalm chapter 18 nkjv

¹ To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David the servant of the LORD, who spoke to the LORD the words of this song on the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. And he said: I will love You, O LORD, my strength.
² The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
³ I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies.
⁴ The pangs of death surrounded me, And the floods of ungodliness made me afraid.
⁵ The sorrows of Sheol surrounded me; The snares of death confronted me.
⁶ In my distress I called upon the LORD, And cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, And my cry came before Him, even to His ears.
⁷ Then the earth shook and trembled; The foundations of the hills also quaked and were shaken, Because He was angry.
⁸ Smoke went up from His nostrils, And devouring fire from His mouth; Coals were kindled by it.
⁹ He bowed the heavens also, and came down With darkness under His feet.
¹⁰ And He rode upon a cherub, and flew; He flew upon the wings of the wind.
¹¹ He made darkness His secret place; His canopy around Him was dark waters And thick clouds of the skies.
¹² From the brightness before Him, His thick clouds passed with hailstones and coals of fire.
¹³ The LORD thundered from heaven, And the Most High uttered His voice, Hailstones and coals of fire.
¹⁴ He sent out His arrows and scattered the foe, Lightnings in abundance, and He vanquished them.
¹⁵ Then the channels of the sea were seen, The foundations of the world were uncovered At Your rebuke, O LORD, At the blast of the breath of Your nostrils.
¹⁶ He sent from above, He took me; He drew me out of many waters.
¹⁷ He delivered me from my strong enemy, From those who hated me, For they were too strong for me.
¹⁸ They confronted me in the day of my calamity, But the LORD was my support.
¹⁹ He also brought me out into a broad place; He delivered me because He delighted in me.
²⁰ The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; According to the cleanness of my hands He has recompensed me.
²¹ For I have kept the ways of the LORD, And have not wickedly departed from my God.
²² For all His judgments were before me, And I did not put away His statutes from me.
²³ I was also blameless before Him, And I kept myself from my iniquity.
²⁴ Therefore the LORD has recompensed me according to my righteousness, According to the cleanness of my hands in His sight.
²⁵ With the merciful You will show Yourself merciful; With a blameless man You will show Yourself blameless;
²⁶ With the pure You will show Yourself pure; And with the devious You will show Yourself shrewd.
²⁷ For You will save the humble people, But will bring down haughty looks.
²⁸ For You will light my lamp; The LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.
²⁹ For by You I can run against a troop, By my God I can leap over a wall.
³⁰ As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.
³¹ For who is God, except the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God?
³² It is God who arms me with strength, And makes my way perfect.
³³ He makes my feet like the feet of deer, And sets me on my high places.
³⁴ He teaches my hands to make war, So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
³⁵ You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; Your right hand has held me up, Your gentleness has made me great.
³⁶ You enlarged my path under me, So my feet did not slip.
³⁷ I have pursued my enemies and overtaken them; Neither did I turn back again till they were destroyed.
³⁸ I have wounded them, So that they could not rise; They have fallen under my feet.
³⁹ For You have armed me with strength for the battle; You have subdued under me those who rose up against me.
⁴⁰ You have also given me the necks of my enemies, So that I destroyed those who hated me.
⁴¹ They cried out, but there was none to save; Even to the LORD, but He did not answer them.
⁴² Then I beat them as fine as the dust before the wind; I cast them out like dirt in the streets.
⁴³ You have delivered me from the strivings of the people; You have made me the head of the nations; A people I have not known shall serve me.
⁴⁴ As soon as they hear of me they obey me; The foreigners submit to me.
⁴⁵ The foreigners fade away, And come frightened from their hideouts.
⁴⁶ The LORD lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let the God of my salvation be exalted.
⁴⁷ It is God who avenges me, And subdues the peoples under me;
⁴⁸ He delivers me from my enemies. You also lift me up above those who rise against me; You have delivered me from the violent man.
⁴⁹ Therefore I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the Gentiles, And sing praises to Your name.
⁵⁰ Great deliverance He gives to His king, And shows mercy to His anointed, To David and his descendants forevermore.

Psalm chapter 18 niv

¹ For the director of music. Of David the servant of the LORD. He sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said: I love you, LORD, my strength.
² The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
³ I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies.
⁴ The cords of death entangled me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.
⁵ The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me.
⁶ In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.
⁷ The earth trembled and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains shook; they trembled because he was angry.
⁸ Smoke rose from his nostrils; consuming fire came from his mouth, burning coals blazed out of it.
⁹ He parted the heavens and came down; dark clouds were under his feet.
¹⁰ He mounted the cherubim and flew; he soared on the wings of the wind.
¹¹ He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him? the dark rain clouds of the sky.
¹² Out of the brightness of his presence clouds advanced, with hailstones and bolts of lightning.
¹³ The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded.
¹⁴ He shot his arrows and scattered the enemy, with great bolts of lightning he routed them.
¹⁵ The valleys of the sea were exposed and the foundations of the earth laid bare at your rebuke, LORD, at the blast of breath from your nostrils.
¹⁶ He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters.
¹⁷ He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me.
¹⁸ They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LORD was my support.
¹⁹ He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me.
²⁰ The LORD has dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me.
²¹ For I have kept the ways of the LORD; I am not guilty of turning from my God.
²² All his laws are before me; I have not turned away from his decrees.
²³ I have been blameless before him and have kept myself from sin.
²⁴ The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight.
²⁵ To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless,
²⁶ to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the devious you show yourself shrewd.
²⁷ You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.
²⁸ You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.
²⁹ With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.
³⁰ As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD's word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.
³¹ For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God?
³² It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.
³³ He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights.
³⁴ He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
³⁵ You make your saving help my shield, and your right hand sustains me; your help has made me great.
³⁶ You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way.
³⁷ I pursued my enemies and overtook them; I did not turn back till they were destroyed.
³⁸ I crushed them so that they could not rise; they fell beneath my feet.
³⁹ You armed me with strength for battle; you humbled my adversaries before me.
⁴⁰ You made my enemies turn their backs in flight, and I destroyed my foes.
⁴¹ They cried for help, but there was no one to save them? to the LORD, but he did not answer.
⁴² I beat them as fine as windblown dust; I trampled them like mud in the streets.
⁴³ You have delivered me from the attacks of the people; you have made me the head of nations. People I did not know now serve me,
⁴⁴ foreigners cower before me; as soon as they hear of me, they obey me.
⁴⁵ They all lose heart; they come trembling from their strongholds.
⁴⁶ The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior!
⁴⁷ He is the God who avenges me, who subdues nations under me,
⁴⁸ who saves me from my enemies. You exalted me above my foes; from a violent man you rescued me.
⁴⁹ Therefore I will praise you, LORD, among the nations; I will sing the praises of your name.
⁵⁰ He gives his king great victories; he shows unfailing love to his anointed, to David and to his descendants forever.

Psalm chapter 18 esv

¹ I love you, O LORD, my strength.
² The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
³ I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.
⁴ The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of destruction assailed me;
⁵ the cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me.
⁶ In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears.
⁷ Then the earth reeled and rocked; the foundations also of the mountains trembled and quaked, because he was angry.
⁸ Smoke went up from his nostrils, and devouring fire from his mouth; glowing coals flamed forth from him.
⁹ He bowed the heavens and came down; thick darkness was under his feet.
¹⁰ He rode on a cherub and flew; he came swiftly on the wings of the wind.
¹¹ He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him, thick clouds dark with water.
¹² Out of the brightness before him hailstones and coals of fire broke through his clouds.
¹³ The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Most High uttered his voice, hailstones and coals of fire.
¹⁴ And he sent out his arrows and scattered them; he flashed forth lightnings and routed them.
¹⁵ Then the channels of the sea were seen, and the foundations of the world were laid bare at your rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of your nostrils.
¹⁶ He sent from on high, he took me; he drew me out of many waters.
¹⁷ He rescued me from my strong enemy and from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me.
¹⁸ They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the LORD was my support.
¹⁹ He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because he delighted in me.
²⁰ The LORD dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he rewarded me.
²¹ For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God.
²² For all his rules were before me, and his statutes I did not put away from me.
²³ I was blameless before him, and I kept myself from my guilt.
²⁴ So the LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight.
²⁵ With the merciful you show yourself merciful; with the blameless man you show yourself blameless;
²⁶ with the purified you show yourself pure; and with the crooked you make yourself seem tortuous.
²⁷ For you save a humble people, but the haughty eyes you bring down.
²⁸ For it is you who light my lamp; the LORD my God lightens my darkness.
²⁹ For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall.
³⁰ This God ? his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.
³¹ For who is God, but the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God? ?
³² the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless.
³³ He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights.
³⁴ He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
³⁵ You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great.
³⁶ You gave a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip.
³⁷ I pursued my enemies and overtook them, and did not turn back till they were consumed.
³⁸ I thrust them through, so that they were not able to rise; they fell under my feet.
³⁹ For you equipped me with strength for the battle; you made those who rise against me sink under me.
⁴⁰ You made my enemies turn their backs to me, and those who hated me I destroyed.
⁴¹ They cried for help, but there was none to save; they cried to the LORD, but he did not answer them.
⁴² I beat them fine as dust before the wind; I cast them out like the mire of the streets.
⁴³ You delivered me from strife with the people; you made me the head of the nations; people whom I had not known served me.
⁴⁴ As soon as they heard of me they obeyed me; foreigners came cringing to me.
⁴⁵ Foreigners lost heart and came trembling out of their fortresses.
⁴⁶ The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock, and exalted be the God of my salvation ?
⁴⁷ the God who gave me vengeance and subdued peoples under me,
⁴⁸ who rescued me from my enemies; yes, you exalted me above those who rose against me; you delivered me from the man of violence.
⁴⁹ For this I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations, and sing to your name.
⁵⁰ Great salvation he brings to his king, and shows steadfast love to his anointed, to David and his offspring forever.

Psalm chapter 18 nlt

¹ I love you, LORD;
you are my strength.
² The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the power that saves me,
and my place of safety.
³ I called on the LORD, who is worthy of praise,
and he saved me from my enemies.
⁴ The ropes of death entangled me;
floods of destruction swept over me.
⁵ The grave wrapped its ropes around me;
death laid a trap in my path.
⁶ But in my distress I cried out to the LORD;
yes, I prayed to my God for help.
He heard me from his sanctuary;
my cry to him reached his ears.
⁷ Then the earth quaked and trembled.
The foundations of the mountains shook;
they quaked because of his anger.
⁸ Smoke poured from his nostrils;
fierce flames leaped from his mouth.
Glowing coals blazed forth from him.
⁹ He opened the heavens and came down;
dark storm clouds were beneath his feet.
¹⁰ Mounted on a mighty angelic being, he flew,
soaring on the wings of the wind.
¹¹ He shrouded himself in darkness,
veiling his approach with dark rain clouds.
¹² Thick clouds shielded the brightness around him
and rained down hail and burning coals.
¹³ The LORD thundered from heaven;
the voice of the Most High resounded
amid the hail and burning coals.
¹⁴ He shot his arrows and scattered his enemies;
great bolts of lightning flashed, and they were confused.
¹⁵ Then at your command, O LORD,
at the blast of your breath,
the bottom of the sea could be seen,
and the foundations of the earth were laid bare.
¹⁶ He reached down from heaven and rescued me;
he drew me out of deep waters.
¹⁷ He rescued me from my powerful enemies,
from those who hated me and were too strong for me.
¹⁸ They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress,
but the LORD supported me.
¹⁹ He led me to a place of safety;
he rescued me because he delights in me.
²⁰ The LORD rewarded me for doing right;
he restored me because of my innocence.
²¹ For I have kept the ways of the LORD;
I have not turned from my God to follow evil.
²² I have followed all his regulations;
I have never abandoned his decrees.
²³ I am blameless before God;
I have kept myself from sin.
²⁴ The LORD rewarded me for doing right.
He has seen my innocence.
²⁵ To the faithful you show yourself faithful;
to those with integrity you show integrity.
²⁶ To the pure you show yourself pure,
but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd.
²⁷ You rescue the humble,
but you humiliate the proud.
²⁸ You light a lamp for me.
The LORD, my God, lights up my darkness.
²⁹ In your strength I can crush an army;
with my God I can scale any wall.
³⁰ God's way is perfect.
All the LORD's promises prove true.
He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.
³¹ For who is God except the LORD?
Who but our God is a solid rock?
³² God arms me with strength,
and he makes my way perfect.
³³ He makes me as surefooted as a deer,
enabling me to stand on mountain heights.
³⁴ He trains my hands for battle;
he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow.
³⁵ You have given me your shield of victory.
Your right hand supports me;
your help has made me great.
³⁶ You have made a wide path for my feet
to keep them from slipping.
³⁷ I chased my enemies and caught them;
I did not stop until they were conquered.
³⁸ I struck them down so they could not get up;
they fell beneath my feet.
³⁹ You have armed me with strength for the battle;
you have subdued my enemies under my feet.
⁴⁰ You placed my foot on their necks.
I have destroyed all who hated me.
⁴¹ They called for help, but no one came to their rescue.
They even cried to the LORD, but he refused to answer.
⁴² I ground them as fine as dust in the wind.
I swept them into the gutter like dirt.
⁴³ You gave me victory over my accusers.
You appointed me ruler over nations;
people I don't even know now serve me.
⁴⁴ As soon as they hear of me, they submit;
foreign nations cringe before me.
⁴⁵ They all lose their courage
and come trembling from their strongholds.
⁴⁶ The LORD lives! Praise to my Rock!
May the God of my salvation be exalted!
⁴⁷ He is the God who pays back those who harm me;
he subdues the nations under me
⁴⁸ and rescues me from my enemies.
You hold me safe beyond the reach of my enemies;
you save me from violent opponents.
⁴⁹ For this, O LORD, I will praise you among the nations;
I will sing praises to your name.
⁵⁰ You give great victories to your king;
you show unfailing love to your anointed,
to David and all his descendants forever.