The LORD dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he rewarded me.
David came to the throne through almost insurmountable trials, and foreign enemies harassed him even into old age. Rather than boast of his own victories, he exalts God as the true author of them, showing that his reign prefigures Christ's kingdom, one that will triumph over all resistance by the Father's incomprehensible power.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 18:1-50
David speaks of righteousness rewarded because his early troubles came from Saul's wicked malice and false charges against the man after God's own heart. Before God he was a humble sinner, but before his slanderers he could speak with unblushing face of the cleanness of his hands. There is no self-righteousness in an honest man knowing he is honest, nor in believing God rewards him in providence because of that honesty; but transfer such thoughts into the spiritual kingdom and you have fallen into the gravest error, for there grace reigns supreme and sole.
AI summary
When God visibly took David's part, He both cleared his innocence before men and confirmed the testimony of his own conscience. A wicked departure from God is one done willfully and without recovery; but those who stumble yet repent and press forward have not truly forsaken Him.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 18:20-28