Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 18:40
The necks of mine enemies - Thou hast made me a complete conqueror. Treading on the neck of an enemy was the triumph of the conqueror, and the utmost disgrace of the vanquished. read more
Psalm 18
Adam Clarke
Adam Clarke
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 18:41
They cited - The Philistines called upon their gods, but there was none to save them. Even unto the Lord - Such as Saul, Ishbosheth, Absalom, etc., who, professing to worship the true God, called on him while in their opposition to David; but God no more heard them than their idols heard the Philistines. read more
Adam Clarke
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 18:42
Then did I beat them - God was with him, and they had only an arm of flesh. No wonder then that his enemies were destroyed. Small as the dust before the wind - This well expresses the manner in which he treated the Moabites, Ammonites, and the people of Rabbah: "He put them under saws, and under harrows of iron, and under axes of iron; and made them pass through the brick-kiln," etc. See 2 Samuel 12:31 ; (note), and the notes there. read more
Adam Clarke
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 18:43
The strivings of the people - Disaffections and insurrections among my own subjects, as in the revolt of Absalom, the civil war of Abner in favor of Ish-bosheth, etc. The head of the heathen - גוים ראש rosh goyim , "the chief," or "governor, of the nations;" all the circumjacent heathen people; all these were subdued by David, and brought under tribute. A people whom I have not known - The people whom he knew were those of the twelve tribes; those whom he did not know were the... read more
Adam Clarke
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 18:44
As soon as they hear of me - His victories were so rapid and splendid over powerful enemies, that they struck a general terror among the people, and several submitted without a contest. Strangers shall submit themselves unto me - Some translate this: "The children of the foreign woman have lied unto me." This has been understood two ways: My own people, who have sworn fealty to me, have broken their obligation, and followed my rebellious son. Or, The heathens, who have been brought under... read more
Adam Clarke
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 18:45
The strangers shall fade away - נכר בני beney nechar , the same persons mentioned above. They shall not be able to effect any thing against me; יבלו yibbolu , "they shall fall as the leaves fall off the trees in winter." And be afraid out of their close places - Those who have formed themselves into banditti, and have taken possession of rocks and fortified places, shall be so afraid when they hear of my successes, that they shall surrender at discretion, without standing a... read more
Adam Clarke
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 18:46
The Lord liveth - By him alone I have gained all my victories; and he continueth, and will be my Rock, the Source whence I may at all times derive help and salvation. May his name be blessed! May his kingdom be exalted! read more
Adam Clarke
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 18:47
God that avengeth me - The way that I took was after his own heart; therefore he sustained me in it, and did me justice over my enemies. Subdueth the people under me - He keeps down the spirits of the disaffected, and weakens their hands. They are subdued, and they continue under me; and this is the Lord's doing. read more
Adam Clarke
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 18:48
He delivereth me - That is, he hath delivered me, and continues to deliver me, from all that rise up against me. The violent man - Saul; this applies particularly to him. read more
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Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Psalms 18:36
Enlarged my steps - See on Psalm 18:19 ; (note). From the hand of God he had continual prosperity; and while he walked with God no enemy was able to prevail against him. He details his successes in the following verses. read more