he is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and he in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.
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
Now our royal poet multiplies metaphors to extol his God. My goodness, and my fortress. The word for goodness signifies mercy. Whoever we may be, and wherever we may be, we need mercy such as can only be found in the infinite God.
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