MEDITATIONS IN THE PSALMS (Psalm 18:16-27, Part 4) The Believer’s Reward
Reading verses 16-19 some think David may be alluding to the mighty giant Goliath. Being once and for all delivered from him, he shall be delivered from all future enemies. Later he was delivered from Saul, then from the Philistines, the Syrians and many other nations. David and Israel were surrounded by nations that hated them. And so it is with you and me, the enemies of the true God are our enemies too. Remember these words, “When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace. But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armor wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils” (Luke 11:21-22). “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage” ( Hebrews 2:14-15). David’s greatest conflict by far was with Goliath, but by no means his last. V18, “They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay.” The greatest conflict was in the jaws of sin and Satan: when one is brought to life in Christ the struggle really begins, Ps 41. “He brought me forth also into a large (broad) place; He delivered me, because He delighted in me” v.19: a tight place, a strait, expressing great distress, (Matt.7:13-14). The deliverance he expressed in verse 17: “I will be glad and rejoice in Thy mercy: for Thou hast considered my trouble; Thou hast known my soul in adversities;” and hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: Thou hast set my feet in a large room (Ps.31:7-8). “He delivered me” “loosed” or “drew out”: “Because He delighted in me”; had a good will toward me, because of Christ. The believer’s reward verses 20-24. “For He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Cor.5:21). “But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption; that according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord” (1 Cor.1:30). This is very hard language, can you identify with it? I can, knowing that my reward is in Christ and in Him alone. The Jews in Paul’s day thought they could say such; but not so (Rom.10). While not a perfect man, the pattern of David’s life was to honor and obey God (I Sam.13:13). Psalm 18 declares that David’s intent was to humble himself before God. In response to those who are merciful, God shows mercy. Those who are arrogant and proud can expect to be ruined (vs. 20-27). There will always be comfort for His people, even under His afflicting hand. ~~Terry Worthan (1938-2022)
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