Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle;
This psalm weaves praise and petition together. David extols God's mercies lavished on him, yet from experience of trials and wicked men still at large, he asks the Lord to sustain His favor to the end. Unlike Psalm 18, which triumphs with the kingdom subdued and prospering, this one mingles fear and anxiety; enemies remain to give him concern.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 144:1-15
Blessed be the Lord my strength. He cannot delay the utterance of his gratitude, he bursts at once into a loud note of praise. His best word is given to his best friend—"Blessed be Jehovah." When the heart is in a right state it must praise God, it cannot be restrained; its utterances leap forth as waters forcing their way from a living spring.
A prayer for mercy begins rightly with thanksgiving for past mercy. David gives God glory for what He is to him: his strength to draw on for work and warfare, his chief good and the author of all goodness in him, his fortress and high tower. In weakness we are strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 144:1-8