Psalm 18:34-35

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 18:34

He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms (comp. Psalms 144:1 ). "A bow of steel" is a mistranslation, since nechusha ( נְחוּשָׁה ) is not "steel," but "brass," or rather "bronze "-and bows of steel were unknown to the ancients. Compare the comment on Job 20:24 . read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 18:35

Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation ; i.e. in battle thou extendest over me the shield of thy protection. Nothing was more common in ancient warfare than for a warrior, while he was engaged in using his offensive weapons, especially the bow, to be protected from the missiles of the enemy by a comrade who held a shield before him. The Assyrian kings were constantly thus defended in battle, and it was even common for an ordinary archer to be similarly guarded. And thy right... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 18:35

Our exaltation through God's gentleness. "Thy gentleness hath made me great." "Gentleness!" A most remarkable and wonderful word to apply to the Almighty Creator, the infinite God! Nowhere else do we find it thus applied. As applied to men, the Hebrew word so rendered here means "meekness," "lowliness." We are reminded of our Saviour's words, "Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart." "Gentleness" is a very happy and beautiful translation. "Condescension," which the Revisers give in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Psalms 18:35

A God-made man. We often hear of what are called self-made men; but here is something nobler by far— a God-made man. "Thy gentleness hath made me great." We learn from this text that— I. MAN IS CAPABLE OF GREATNESS . At first, man was made great, for he was made in the image of God. But he sinned and fell. Still, the capacity remained. Hence there was misery. Ambition wrongly directed became a bane. Powers and cravings that rose above earthly things left the heart... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 18:34

He teacheth my hands to war - Compare Psalms 144:1. The skill which David had in the use of the bow, the sword, or the spear - all of which depends on the hands - he ascribes entirely to God.So that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms - This is mentioned as an instance of extraordinary strength, as if he were able to break a bow made of metal. The original word rendered steel means properly brass. Wood was doubtless first used in constructing the bow, but metals came afterward to be employed,... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Psalms 18:35

Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvations - Thou hast saved me as with a shield; thou hast thrown thy shield before me in times of danger. See the note at Psalms 5:12.And thy right hand hath holden me up - Thou hast sustained me when in danger of failing, as if thou hadst upheld me with thine own hand.And thy gentleness hath made me great - Margin, “or, with thy meekness thou hast multiplied me.” The word here rendered gentleness, evidently means here favor, goodness, kindness. It... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 18:34

Psalms 18:34. He teacheth my hands to war To him I owe all the military skill, or strength, or courage which I have. A bow of steel is broken by mine arm Chandler renders it, Mine arms have bent the bow of steel. That David was able to bend and draw together even a brazen bow, or one of steel, and to use it in his wars, was a proof of his great strength. Dr. Delaney, however, certainly draws an unwarranted conclusion from these poetical expressions when he infers from them, “that David... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Psalms 18:35

Psalms 18:35. Thou hast given me the shield of thy salvation Thy protection, which hath been to me like a shield to defend me. Thy right hand hath holden me up Kept me from falling into those snares and mischiefs which mine enemies designed, and I feared I should fall into. And thy gentleness hath made me great Or, meekness, as the word ענוה , gnanvah, is translated, Numbers 12:3; Psalms 45:4; Zechariah 2:3; that is, thy clemency, whereby thou hast pardoned my sins, which otherwise... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Psalms 18:1-50

Psalms 18:0 David’s song of victoryThe outpouring of praise recorded in Psalms 18:0 is applicable to many of David’s experiences. It was probably put into its present form after David reached the height of his power as king. He had conquered all his enemies and now controlled all the country from Egypt to the Euphrates (2 Samuel 8:1-18). The psalm is also recorded in 2 Samuel 22:0.David opens by declaring his love for God (1) and thanking God for hearing his prayers and saving him from death at... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Psalms 18:34

broken = bent. read more

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