Sermon notes for Psalm 18 & II Samuel 22

David had lived some 20 or so years as a fugitive.  He lost his safety, he lost his youth, he lost his family, he lost his career, he lost his rights, he lost his connection with the covenant people of God, he lost his comforts, and at times he even lost his close relationship with God. Despite all, he remained steadfast to the Lord and God   (Ephesians 6:10)

– His strength; the one that empowered him to survive against and defeat his enemies.

– His rock; which indicates a place of shelter, safety, and a secure standing.

– His fortress; a place of strength and safety.

– His deliverer; the one who made a way of escape for him.

– His God; “my strong God, not only the object of my adoration, but he who puts strength in my soul.” (Clarke)

– His strength; but this uses a different Hebrew word than in Psalm 18:1.  the idea behind this word is fountain, source, origin.

– His shield, who defends both his head and his heart.

– His horn, meaning his strength and defense.

– His stronghold, his high tower of refuge where he could see an enemy from a great distance and be protected from the adversary.

David described two threats. First the threat of death, and second the floods of ungodliness. The overwhelming presence of ungodliness was a significant trial to David.

God’s deliverance is always seen most clearly looking back; looking forward it is often only seen by faith.

Gal 6:7 applies to our relationship with God(James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5).

– God gentleness was great to David when he was a despised member of his family, neglected, ignored, tending the sheep in solitude.

– God’s gentleness was great to David when Saul began to envy and hate him; consoling the soul of David who was rejected by the king.

– God’s gentleness was great to David by giving him a friend like Jonathan.

– God’s gentleness was great to David by allowing him to have the holy bread at the tabernacle when fleeing from Saul.

– God’s gentleness was great to David through Abigail, who kept him from slaughtering a foolish man and his family.

– God’s gentleness was great to David by granting him the self-control to spare Saul’s life – twice.

– God’s gentleness was great to David even when he was foolish, such as when he acted like a madman in the court of a Philistine ruler.

– God’s gentleness was great to David to gently prevent him fighting on behalf of the Philistines against Saul and Israel.

– God’s gentleness was great to David when he lost all at Ziklag; where David encouraged himself in the Lord and recovered all.

Psalm 18 is Messianic in portraying the life and ministry of Jesus             (Isaiah 55:3-5).

– Psalm 18:1-6 suggests His death (the pangs of death encompassed me … the sorrows of Sheol surrounded me; the snares of death confronted me).

– Psalm 18:7-18 suggests His resurrection (the earth shook and trembled; the foundations of the hills also quaked and were shaken … He sent from above, He took me; He drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy).

– Psalm 18:19-27 suggests His exaltation (I have kept the ways of the LORD … I was also blameless before Him … Therefore the LORD has recompensed me according to my righteousness).

– Psalm 18:28-42 suggests His victory (For by You I can run against a troop … I have pursued my enemies and overtaken them).

– Psalm 18:43-50 suggests His kingdom (You have made me the head of the nations … The foreigners submit to me … You also lift me up above those who rise against me … Therefore I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the Gentiles).

(Psa 18:50) God blesses His anointed king.