Psalm 18:20-31
Q.1. What led David through his wilderness experiences? Why did David believe that God had protected him from King Saul? – (Ps.18:20-24 plus title c.f. 1 Sam.26:6-12)
This song was written by David after – the Lord delivered him from all his enemies and from the hand of Saul (Title). David had often been close to death. Here he looked back and acknowledged that God had been his Rock and Deliverer. On at least two occasions Saul had fallen into his hands, and David’s men had urged him to kill his oppressor. However, David refused to stretch out his hand against the Lord’s anointed (1 Sam.24:1-10; 26:6-12). He had a clear conscience and was able to declare – 20The Lord has rewarded me according to my righteousness; According to the cleanness of my hands He has recompensed me … 23 I was also blameless with Him, and I kept myself from my iniquity. 24 Therefore the Lord has recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in His eyes (Ps.18:20, 23-24). It is a blessed thing to have a clear conscience before God.
Q.2. On what basis does God deal with us? How did David describe God’s attributes? What impact did God’s treatment of people have on him? – (Ps.18:25-31)
David believed that God generally treats us the way we treat others – 25 With the kind You show Yourself kind; With the blameless You show Yourself blameless; 26 With the pure You show Yourself pure, and with the crooked You show Yourself astute. 27 For You save an afflicted people, but You bring down those filled with pride (Ps.18:15-17 c.f. Mt.7:12). David was convinced that he could depend upon God’s steadfast character – 30 As for God, His way is blameless; The word of the Lord is tried; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. 31 For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God (Ps.18:30-31). This belief gave him enormous confidence in all his battles, including those against formidable odds – 28 For You light my lamp; The Lord my God illumines my darkness. 29 For by You I can run upon a troop; And by my God I can leap over a wall (Ps.18:28-29). This is a wonderful way to live.