What does Psalm 18:3 mean?
David attributes his deliverance from his enemies, including Saul (1 Samuel 19:11–12; 2 Samuel 22:1), to the Lord. To be "delivered," in this context, means to be rescued or saved. The Hebrew root word is yasha', which implies someone who brings freedom or enables an escape. Scripture records many instances of the Lord's deliverance, such as:- The Hebrews from the Egyptian cavalry (Exodus 12:51; 15:19).
- The city of Gibeon from five kings and their forces (Joshua 10:6–11).
- Israel from the oppression of the Midianites (Judges 7:15–25).
- Jerusalem from the Assyrians (Isaiah 37:33–36).
- Daniel from the lions' den (Daniel 6:19–23).
- Peter from prison and execution (Acts 12:6–17).
- Christian believers from sin (Romans 6:17–18), the law of Moses (Romans 7:24–25), "the present evil age" (Galatians 1:4), and "from the wrath to come" (1 Thessalonians 1:10).
- He also delivers us from temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Certainly, given all of that, we ought to agree with David that the Lord is worthy to be praised!
