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.
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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 (GNV)
Geneva Bible 1599 (public domain)
My Rock and My Fortress
1A Psalme of David. Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth mine hands to fight, and my fingers to battell. 2He is my goodnes and my fortresse, my towre and my deliuerer, my shield, and in him I trust, which subdueth my people vnder me. 3Lord, what is man that thou regardest him! or the sonne of man that thou thinkest vpon him! 4Man is like to vanitie: his dayes are like a shadow, that vanisheth. 5Bow thine heauens, O Lord, and come downe: touch the mountaines and they shall smoke. 6Cast forth the lightning and scatter them: shoote out thine arrowes, and consume them. 7Send thine hand from aboue: deliuer me, and take me out of the great waters, and from the hand of strangers, 8Whose mouth talketh vanitie, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood. 9I wil sing a new song vnto thee, O God, and sing vnto thee vpon a viole, and an instrument of ten strings. 10It is he that giueth deliuerance vnto Kings, and rescueth Dauid his seruant from the hurtfull sworde. 11Rescue me, and deliuer me from the hand of strangers, whose mouth talketh vanitie, and their right hand is a right hand of falshood: 12That our sonnes may be as the plantes growing vp in their youth, and our daughters as the corner stones, grauen after the similitude of a palace: 13That our corners may be full, and abounding with diuers sorts, and that our sheepe may bring forth thousands and ten thousand in our streetes: 14That our oxen may be strong to labour: that there be none inuasion, nor going out, nor no crying in our streetes. 15Blessed are the people, that be so, yea, blessed are the people, whose God is the Lord.