B. On a Course of Ethical Integrity (18:20–28)
PSALMS—NOTE ON 17:14–15 The common grace of God is overlooked by those who are satisfied with temporal prosperities (v. 14), but David brings back the proper perspective on true satisfaction in v. 15. Cf. Jesus' teaching on these vital issues in Matt. 6:19–34.
PSALMS—NOTE ON 18:1–50 Psalm 18 is clearly an individual psalm of thanksgiving, also bearing royal characteristics. Its poetry and themes resemble other ancient testimonies to God's great historical deliverances (e.g., Ex. 15; Judg. 5). Between David's opening (Ps. 18:1–3) and closing (vv. 46–50) praises to God, his life with the Lord is described in three stages.
I. Prelude: His Opening Praises (18:1–3) II. The Stages of His Life (18:4–45)
A. In the Pit of Peril (18:4–19)
1. His desperation (18:4–5) 2. His defender (18:6–15) 3. His deliverance (18:16–19) B. On a Course of Ethical Integrity (18:20–28)
1. The principles of the Lord's direction (18:20–26) 2. The privileges of the Lord's direction (18:27–28) C. In the Turbulent Atmosphere of Leadership (18:29–45)
1. Military leadership (18:29–42) 2. Theocratic leadership (18:43–45) D. Postscript: His Closing Praises (18:46–50)
PSALMS—NOTE ON 18:Title This large psalm bears a large title. Although the title seems to refer to only one specific occasion (e.g., "on the day"), it does state that God's deliverance was "from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul." Therefore, it is preferable that the language of this superscription be understood to summarize the testimony of David's whole life in retrospect.
PSALMS—NOTE ON 18:1 love. This is not the normal word for love that often bears covenant meaning (e.g., Deut. 7:8; Ps. 119:97), but it is a rare verb form of a word group that expresses tender intimacy. David's choice of words intended to express very strong devotion, like Peter's in John 21:15–17.
PSALMS—NOTE ON 18:2 Military metaphors for the Divine Warrior multiply in this verse. Both defensively and offensively, the Lord was all David needed in