Psalm 144 10

Psalm 144:10 kjv

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

Psalm 144:10 nkjv

The One who gives salvation to kings, Who delivers David His servant From the deadly sword.

Psalm 144:10 niv

to the One who gives victory to kings, who delivers his servant David. From the deadly sword

Psalm 144:10 esv

who gives victory to kings, who rescues David his servant from the cruel sword.

Psalm 144:10 nlt

For you grant victory to kings!
You rescued your servant David from the fatal sword.

Psalm 144 verses

Psalm 144 10 Meaning

Psalm 144:10 declares God as the sole provider of deliverance and victory, particularly for His anointed and chosen servants. It underscores His divine sovereignty in battle and His specific covenant faithfulness to those who humbly serve Him, protecting them from imminent danger and fatal threats. This verse reflects David's confident trust in God, based on past experiences of divine rescue.

Psalm 144 10 Context

Psalm 144 is a Davidic psalm that intertwines themes of praise, prayer for deliverance, and reflections on human frailty contrasted with divine greatness. It begins with David blessing God as his strength and trainer for war (v.1-2), a recurring motif for a king engaged in numerous battles. David marvels at God's attentiveness to fragile humanity (v.3-4). The prayer portion of the psalm focuses on deliverance from external enemies and "strange" men (v.7-8, 11) who speak falsehood and have wicked intentions. The historical context is likely a period of warfare David faced, possibly against Philistines or other neighboring nations. Within this context of petition for victory and acknowledgment of God's might, verse 10 stands as a declarative statement of God's proven character—He is the one who already provides salvation to kings and has personally rescued David, grounding his future plea in God's past faithfulness and consistent nature.

Psalm 144 10 Word analysis

• He: Refers implicitly but unmistakably to Yahweh, the LORD. This pronominal beginning emphasizes that God is the sole agent, the one initiating and accomplishing the action. It highlights His exclusivity and omnipotence in providing deliverance.
• is the one who grants salvation: The Hebrew term is יָשַׁע (yāshaʿ), which means "to save," "to deliver," "to liberate," or "to grant victory." It denotes a broad concept of rescue and well-being, not just from physical threats but often encompassing spiritual and comprehensive welfare. It signifies God's active and complete intervention.
• to kings: מְלָכִים (melākhîm). This plural "kings" is notable. It could mean God provides salvation to rulers generally, emphasizing His universal sovereignty over all human authority. Or, more contextually in David's psalm, it refers to His own anointed kings (like David), indicating that true royal power and success come from God alone, not human strength or alliances. It could also serve as a polemic against the idea that kings achieve their power or victory independently, reinforcing that even the most powerful human leaders are dependent on divine favor.
• who rescues: The Hebrew is חָלַץ (ḥālaṣ), meaning "to draw out," "to equip," "to deliver," or "to set free." It suggests extricating someone from a tight or perilous situation, often involving significant danger or bondage. It is a powerful verb conveying active and timely intervention.
• David His servant: דָוִד עַבְדּוֹ (dāwiḏ ʿaḇdō). This self-designation by David, endorsed by God in many Scriptures, is profoundly significant. It speaks to humility and covenant. As God's "servant," David acknowledges his submission and dependence on God's will and power. It also highlights a unique, intimate relationship between God and His chosen vessel, underscoring God's specific care for those He commissions for His purposes. This title became highly significant for the Messianic prophecies, pointing to the coming "Servant" who would fully embody this role.
• from the destructive sword: חֶרֶב רָעָה (ḥereḇ rāʿâ), literally "sword of evil" or "evil sword." This specific imagery points to instruments of warfare and lethal violence. "Destructive" or "evil" signifies the malevolent intent or dire consequence associated with such a weapon—it's a sword meant to kill and bring harm. It can symbolize any fatal threat or danger, whether physical enemies in battle, assassinations, or even a metaphor for the pervasive forces of evil threatening life and peace. It indicates the grave peril from which God repeatedly saved David.

Word-group analysis:

• He is the one who grants salvation to kings; who rescues David His servant: This pairing draws a direct connection between God's general providence to rulers and His specific, personal, and active intervention on behalf of His covenant servant, David. It shows God's broader sovereignty and His particular, intimate care. David acknowledges that his own reign and survival are part of God's larger pattern of granting victory to those He chooses to use.
• from the destructive sword: This phrase specifies the type of imminent, life-threatening danger from which David was frequently delivered. It encompasses all physical assaults and plots aimed at his life, whether from Saul, rebellious Absalom, or foreign enemies. It represents the constant warfare and personal peril David endured, from which God reliably saved him.

Psalm 144 10 Bonus section

The distinction between "salvation to kings" (plural, possibly general or referring to God's ordained rulers) and "rescues David His servant" (singular, personal) emphasizes a particular aspect of God's character. While God oversees and ordains the rise and fall of all kings, His relationship with "His servant David" is one of intimate covenant and personal intervention. This unique bond reflects God's investment in David as a figure of messianic anticipation, leading directly to the lineage of Christ. The deliverance of David from the "destructive sword" is a tangible demonstration of God's power in a fallen world, protecting His anointed vessel for the fulfillment of His promises. This concept resonates throughout the Bible, where God's ultimate plan often hinges on the preservation and elevation of specific individuals (e.g., Abraham, Moses, David, Christ Himself) against overwhelming odds and hostile forces, always pointing towards the greater salvation that is in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 144 10 Commentary

Psalm 144:10 profoundly articulates God's unwavering faithfulness and supreme power over human conflicts and political structures. It is a testament from King David that his survival and victories were not due to his own military prowess, the strength of his armies, or human wisdom, but solely because the Almighty God actively "grants salvation." The mention of "kings" broadly underscores God's sovereignty over all earthly rulers and their fates, yet quickly zeroes in on His special, intimate relationship with "David His servant." This highlights a covenant bond, where God is uniquely committed to protecting and advancing His chosen servant’s purpose, specifically from the "destructive sword" – representing not just literal battle but any perilous force threatening His divine plan. This verse becomes a cornerstone for understanding that all legitimate authority and success, particularly for God’s anointed leaders, flow from divine grace and intervention, foreshadowing the ultimate saving work of the King of kings, Jesus Christ, the true Servant of God, who triumphs over every "destructive sword" and brings eternal salvation.