Approximately 73 psalms are thought to be written by King David and this is one of those 73. From the very outset, before we even jump into verse one, we can see some interesting details found in the title about this Psalm that are important for us to note for context and our understanding.
What Is the Context of Psalm 18?
We see firstly that it was written as praise because David had been delivered by the Lord in many battles.
But we also read in the title that it was “sung to the Lord,” which indicates this Psalm was penned by David with a specific intention to sing only to God and possibly played in the temple by the musicians.
Now that we know both the occasion and who Psalm 18 was written for, we also see one other surprising detail. The title reveals the Psalm was penned by David due to his victory because of God, “over his enemies and Saul” (emphasis mine).
This is an interesting detail that we cannot overlook. God, in David's eyes, has enemies, but it seems Saul is not counted as one as he is not listed among the enemies but beside.
If you do not know this story in the Bible, let me very briefly cover some of that story. Saul is King at the request of the Israelite people; you can read this account in 1 Samuel.
However, as king, his relationship with God is tumultuous at best due to Saul's nature, ever-rebellious spirit, and pride.
While Saul is still king, it is decided by God that another would rise to be king in Saul’s place because of his disobedience and so David is anointed by Samuel the prophet.
Years pass and David becomes a musician for Saul, he marries Saul's daughter Michal, and becomes a very good friend of Jonathan his son, thinking of themselves as brothers.
Eventually, Saul attacks David as he is gaining public favor and these attacks become so frequent that it sends David and his men into the wilderness to fend for their lives.
So many things take place in this time in 1 Samuel and eventually, Saul and his sons die, and David is finally crowned king in 2 Samuel 5.
There were times in this process when David had the advantage over Saul, but he never took the chance to defeat him as he declared “Who can lay a hand on the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” (1 Samuel 26:9).
This is the reason I believe it was written enemies and Saul because David saw Saul as God's anointed.
How Is God’s Protection Described in Psalm 18?
However, in this article, we will look at verse two and explain how God's protection is described. It states: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
David here uses numerous ways to explain God to us. Words such as He is a Rock, this rock can mean many things, but in this verse, he is referencing the refuge found in having God as a rock.
Is it possible that David is also nodding in the direction of the Torah, which states in Deuteronomy 32:4 that: “He (God) is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.”
Maybe David is suggesting here in saying God is a rock that He is a perfect and faithful God. In Hebrew, this use of the word rock would imply to the listener a person who is firm, stable, steady, or faithful.
What a beautiful way to think of, or describe our God, a firm or secure foundation for our feet. Often shepherds would use rocks to stand on when the ground was uneven, sinking or they needed a higher advantage point to see clearer.
Given David was a shepherd he may have been pulling on childhood experience to explain God fully.
We see David call God firm in Psalm 18, to me that implies that even when the ground is shaking, my God is steady, and I can rest in His plans for me because He is Faithful to see them through. He is a safe refuge.
David also calls God his Shield. To any soldier fighting in battle, we know the shield is used to protect from arrows or flames from the enemy. David here is saying that God is his protection from any spiritual thing that comes against him.
He is singing and declaring that the battles that he just fought were not fought or won by his own strength but in the protection of God. He is placing honor where it is due.
Psalm 18 also calls God the horn of Salvation. A horn on an animal is used for the animal’s protection, but what does the Horn of Salvation denote?
On the altar in Exodus 27, horns were put on the corner. In 1 Kings 1:50, these same horns offered sanctuary or refuge to a fugitive or foreigner who held to them.
These horns when touched welcomed all. Again, we see God making room for all, not just the Jews but for those who were from other nations, and making a way for them to be welcomed also.
God protects us by offering a place for us to find refuge. We no longer need to cling to horns on altars, because Jesus is now, as described by Zechariah “the horn of Salvation for us” (Luke 1:69).
In this one verse, we see David call God eight different things:
1. His Strength: his empowerment and source.
2. His Rock: secure place for his feet.
3. His Fortress: or hiding place, a place of safety.
4. His Deliverer: or the one who helped him to win or escape.
5. His God: where he puts his strength and soul.
6. His Horn: or the place where he finds strength and is welcomed.
7. His Shield: which protects him from enemies.
8. His Stronghold: which is a tower from which he can see and be protected.
God is the same yesterday today and forever (Hebrews 13:8), and because we know this, we can also know that these same attributes are welcome to us today.
How Does This Apply to Us Today?
Whatever trial you are facing, my friend, if you are a friend of Jesus, you can also declare as David did, “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
You can know this kind of relationship with God, and this level of protection with Him also. God does not favor one child over another, He loves us uniquely and individually. But He is your father, just as He was David’s, and His arms, and His protection are ready and awaiting you.
If you do not know Jesus, you could know this love also, by simply repenting, or turning from your old life and following Jesus you can know his love and his protection which is freely available to you because Jesus paid the price for you on the cross at Calvary some 2,000 years ago.
If you would like to know more about Jesus and how much he loves you, please contact your local church.
For further reading:
4 Powerful Ways to Pray for a Hedge of Protection
Reflecting on God’s Consistent Love (Psalm 80)
How Does Psalm 42 Help Us Overcome Discouragement?
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