My Rock

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Psalm 18

Psalm 18 is the longest Psalm thus far with its 50 verses. Psalm 9 was the longest previous Psalm with 20 verses. Psalm 18 is repeated almost verbatim in II Samuel 22. In II Samuel 22, David is at the end of his life and the words of Psalm 18 are like his own eulogy.  

David gives a summary of thanksgiving to God for the many years of salvation and deliverance which he God gave to him. The great theme of Psalm 18 is found in verses 2, 31 and 46 please take note of the sequence:

• The LORD is my rock.
• My God is my rock.
• Who is the Rock except our God?
• Praise be to my Rock!

Let us offer up thanksgiving to God who is our Rock!

Psalm 18 is David’s end of life benediction for God’s many different blessings of deliverance.  Let us learn from the Sweet Psalmist of Israel as he gives praise to God His Rock!

1. Historical Background – II Samuel 22 rehearses God’s many deliverances of David. There are 3 main things to note:
   1. Deliverance from king Saul.  
   2. Deliverance in war against opposing nations.
   3. Deliverance from Absalom.
2. Praise to God in Verses 1-3
   1. 7 metaphors are used to describe God and are broken down into 2 categories:
      1. God gives David Military Victories over his enemies
         1. “My Strength”
         2. “My Shield”
         3. “Horn of my Salvation”
      2. ii. God gives David comfort as he flees from his enemies
         1. “My Rock”
         2. “My Fortress”
         3. “My Deliverer”
         4. “My Stronghold”
      3. Illustration – Born into poverty, (Abraham) Lincoln had to face defeat
      4. Application:  Have you ever considered that your defeats and fleeing from your enemies like David did can actually be a manifestation of God’s deliverance in your life?
   2. 3 Powerful Images: (of God as our “Rock”)
      1. The Image of Protection and Shade
      2. The Image of Refuge for God’s People
      3. The Image of a Firm Foundation
      4. Illustration:  In 1763 Augustus Toplady
      5. Application
3. Our Rock in Deuteronomy 32:31 – “For their rock is not as our Rock; our enemies are by themselves.”  In times of trouble and hardship all the objects which unbelievers have placed their trust upon fail them.  When the Atheist and Pantheist have death knocking at their door they have no Rock in which to cling.  Their rock cannot provide assurance and hope likes ours can.  

As followers of God we may stumble and fall down many times as we walk the righteous path.  We may look back over our shoulder at all the times we seemed to be faithless but we will remember God has always been faithful.