Psalms 18:1-29
This psalm constitutes a great prophecy comprising the death, resurrection, exaltation, final victory and kingship of the Messiah. The first three verses provide the theme which will afterwards be developed at length: namely the manner of the deliverance of "the servant of the LORD" (see title). The Lord Jesus teaches us, by His own experience, what God is for the one who puts his trust in Him. "The exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe" has been demonstrated in Christ’s resurrection, ascension, and the place which has been given Him above all His enemies (read Ephesians 1:19-21). What God was to the Lord Jesus in the hour of His distress (v. 6), of His calamity (v. 18), He is also for us; and the trials through which we pass are so many opportunities to get to know Him in a new way. Am I weary, downcast? He is my strength. Is my faith tottering? He is my Rock. Is danger in sight? He is my stronghold, the fortress where I find a sure refuge (Psalms 9:9). Am I grappling with the Enemy? He is the shield which protects me from his blows. For the Lord Jesus, such deliverance was the result of His righteousness (vv. 19, 24), whilst for us it is assured on account of our relationship with Him.