Verses 1-2: [1] Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: [2] My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.
This is the second to last Davidic Psalm. It has a number of similarities with portions of Psalms 8 and 18. The reader would do well to study the life of David. He is a fascinating individual who is called a "man after God's heart" (Acts 13:22).
The Psalm beings with David thanking God for teaching him how to fight. What must we gather from this reference? First of all, it is important to note how the chapter begins. David starts by praising God Himself. The word "LORD" is in all capitals. This is a translation for the most holy name of God. The word literally means, "I am what I am". The idea is that we worship a God who can do all things, always existed, and He desires to guide our lives.
God is strong enough to help David through any situation in his life. David was called on to fight many wars as well as defend himself. As king of Israel, he was expected to lead their army to fight against all of Israel's enemies. Therefore, David realized that his training as a soldier and even as a leader ultimately comes from God.
Truly, God is the one who gives us the time and the desire to learn what it is we have to do in order to be a protector of what God calls us to protect. David is praising God because He gives us that ability to fight.
Verse 2 reminds us that if God is the one who prepares us for the lives we live, then we must realize that God is our protector. Notice the imagery in this verse. The idea of a "fortress" is to seek God who is that place of protection. A "high tower" (stronghold) is a similar term that describes a big safe place to run. A "deliver" is someone who protects us from harm. A "shield" is used to protect us in a battle. Finally it says that God subdues people under me.
The verse reminds us that we have a place to run to when we don't know what to do next in life. Think of it as God guiding us when we are in the middle of a difficult situation. Think of the fact that the God who knows all things already knows the outcome of whatever it is we have to face in life. With that thought in mind, we can face our battles and trust in Him at the same time.
This is the second to last Davidic Psalm. It has a number of similarities with portions of Psalms 8 and 18. The reader would do well to study the life of David. He is a fascinating individual who is called a "man after God's heart" (Acts 13:22).
The Psalm beings with David thanking God for teaching him how to fight. What must we gather from this reference? First of all, it is important to note how the chapter begins. David starts by praising God Himself. The word "LORD" is in all capitals. This is a translation for the most holy name of God. The word literally means, "I am what I am". The idea is that we worship a God who can do all things, always existed, and He desires to guide our lives.
God is strong enough to help David through any situation in his life. David was called on to fight many wars as well as defend himself. As king of Israel, he was expected to lead their army to fight against all of Israel's enemies. Therefore, David realized that his training as a soldier and even as a leader ultimately comes from God.
Truly, God is the one who gives us the time and the desire to learn what it is we have to do in order to be a protector of what God calls us to protect. David is praising God because He gives us that ability to fight.
Verse 2 reminds us that if God is the one who prepares us for the lives we live, then we must realize that God is our protector. Notice the imagery in this verse. The idea of a "fortress" is to seek God who is that place of protection. A "high tower" (stronghold) is a similar term that describes a big safe place to run. A "deliver" is someone who protects us from harm. A "shield" is used to protect us in a battle. Finally it says that God subdues people under me.
The verse reminds us that we have a place to run to when we don't know what to do next in life. Think of it as God guiding us when we are in the middle of a difficult situation. Think of the fact that the God who knows all things already knows the outcome of whatever it is we have to face in life. With that thought in mind, we can face our battles and trust in Him at the same time.