Psalm 18, which is also recorded with some variations in 2 Samuel 22, is a royal psalm, but relatively little of its language is the distinct prerogative of the king (only vv. 43–44 and 50). Many of its phrases are shared by Psalm 144, another royal psalm, and both psalms reveal a composite structure. Psalm 18 is an unusually long psalm, even among the royal psalms (see the comments on Ps. 89), probably because of its composite nature. Verses 1–6 and 16–19 read like a thanksgiving (Hb. tôdâ) of an individual. Interrupting the normal sequence of thanksgiving is a “theophany” (where the God of the skies appears to save) in verses 7–15. The testimony of integrity in verses 20–26 echoes the declaration of integrity that pilgrims presented to gain entry into the sanctuary (e.g., 26:2–8). Verses…