the God who gave me vengeance and subdued peoples under 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
"It is God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me." To rejoice in personal revenge is unhallowed and evil, but David viewed himself as the instrument of vengeance upon the enemies of God and his people, and had he not rejoiced in the success accorded to him he would have been worthy of censure.
David traces all his skill in war, all his strength to break a bow of steel, all his swiftness and boldness back to God's hand. When we review how we rose to our station, we must see God's finger in every step, teaching us to own His work in the same way.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 18:29-50