Psalms 144
Psalms 144 is part of “Book V: The Deuteronomy Book” (107–150) in the outline of Psalms.
Psalms 144 summary
The four preceding psalms seem to have been penned by David before his accession to the crown, when he was persecuted by Saul; this seems to have been penned afterwards, when he was still in trouble (for there is no condition in this world privileged with an exemption from trouble), the neighbouring nations molesting him and giving him disturbance, especially the Philistines, Sa2 5:17. In this psalm, I. He acknowledges, with triumph and thankfulness, the great goodness of God to him in advancing him to the government (Psa 144:1-4). II.
Read the full introduction
The four preceding psalms seem to have been penned by David before his accession to the crown, when he was persecuted by Saul; this seems to have been penned afterwards, when he was still in trouble (for there is no condition in this world privileged with an exemption from trouble), the neighbouring nations molesting him and giving him disturbance, especially the Philistines, Sa2 5:17. In this psalm, I. He acknowledges, with triumph and thankfulness, the great goodness of God to him in advancing him to the government (Psa 144:1-4). II. He prays to God to help him against the enemies who threatened him (Psa 144:5-8 and again Psa 144:11). III. He rejoices in the assurance of victory over them (Psa 144:9, Psa 144:10). IV. He prays for the prosperity of his own kingdom, and pleases himself with the hopes of it (Psa 144:12-15). In singing this psalm we may give God the glory of our spiritual privileges and advancements, and fetch in help from him against our spiritual enemies; we may pray for the prosperity of our souls, of our families, and of our land; and, in the opinion of some of the Jewish writers, we may refer the psalm to the Messiah and his kingdom. A psalm of David.
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Psalms 144 (ASV)
American Standard Version (public domain)
My Rock and My Fortress
1[A Psalm] of David. Blessed be Jehovah my rock, Who teacheth my hands to war, [And] my fingers to fight: 2My lovingkindness, and my fortress, My high tower, and my deliverer; My shield, and he in whom I take refuge; Who subdueth my people under me. 3Jehovah, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him? Or the son of man, that thou makest account of him? 4Man is like to vanity: His days are as a shadow that passeth away. 5Bow thy heavens, O Jehovah, and come down: Touch the mountains, and they shall smoke. 6Cast forth lightning, and scatter them; Send out thine arrows, and discomfit them. 7Stretch forth thy hand from above; Rescue me, and deliver me out of great waters, Out of the hand of aliens; 8Whose mouth speaketh deceit, And whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood. 9I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: Upon a psaltery of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee. 10Thou art he that giveth salvation unto kings; Who rescueth David his servant from the hurtful sword. 11Rescue me, and deliver me out of the hand of aliens, Whose mouth speaketh deceit, And whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood. 12When our sons shall be as plants grown up in their youth, And our daughters as corner-stones hewn after the fashion of a palace; 13[When] our garners are full, affording all manner of store, [And] our sheep bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our fields; 14[When] our oxen are well laden; [When there is] no breaking in, and no going forth, And no outcry in our streets: 15Happy is the people that is in such a case; [Yea], happy is the people whose God is Jehovah.