Psalms 18:40 - Exposition

Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies ; i.e. "thou hast made them turn their backs upon me in flight" (comp. Exodus 23:27 , where the same expression is used). That I might destroy them that hate me. David must not be supposed to speak from personal animosity. He expresses himself as the king of God's people, bound to do his utmost to protect them, and to deliver them from the enemies who "hate" him only because he is the leader and champion of his countrymen. The neighbouring nations in David's time seem to have been bent on the total extirpation of the Hebrew people.