Big Idea: In David’s life, as in ours, God shows himself to be powerful in deliverance and intimate in grace.

Understanding the Text

Psalm 18 is generally classified as a royal psalm because it is attributed to King David and deals with his political and military victories. It has the features of an individual psalm of thanksgiving, including the report of the crisis, which has passed (18:4–19), and the vow to give thanks to the Lord (18:49).1  Perhaps in the history of Psalms usage it functiond as an instrument of other kings to celebrate their victories as well.2  The response in 18:46–50 indicates that it was used in the tabernacle and temple in a service of thanksgiving, with the congregation affirming the psalmist’s thanksgiving.

Psalm 18 and 2 Samuel 22 are virtual duplicates, wit…