The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented 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
Poetry itself has no jewel brighter than these verses that follow: sorrow, the cry, God's descent, the rescue of the afflicted set to music worthy of heaven's harps. Christ our Saviour is the chief subject here, and every line finds its deepest meaning in Him.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 18:4
"The sorrows of hell compassed me about." From all sides the hell-hounds barked furiously. A cordon of devils hemmed in the hunted man of God; every way of escape was closed up. Satan knows how to blockade our coasts with the iron war-ships of sorrow, but, blessed be God, the port of all prayer is still open, and grace can run the blockade bearing messages...