Psalms 144:1
Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:
Original Language Analysis
בָּ֘ר֤וּךְ
Blessed
H1288
בָּ֘ר֤וּךְ
Blessed
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
1 of 8
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
יְהוָ֨ה׀
be the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֨ה׀
be the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צוּרִ֗י
my strength
H6697
צוּרִ֗י
my strength
Strong's:
H6697
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)
הַֽמְלַמֵּ֣ד
which teacheth
H3925
הַֽמְלַמֵּ֣ד
which teacheth
Strong's:
H3925
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)
יָדַ֣י
my hands
H3027
יָדַ֣י
my hands
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
5 of 8
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
Cross References
Psalms 18:34He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.Psalms 18:2The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.2 Samuel 22:35He teacheth my hands to war; so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.2 Corinthians 10:4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)Isaiah 45:24Surely, shall one say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed.Psalms 60:12Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.Psalms 18:31For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?Psalms 95:1O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.Psalms 71:3Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.Isaiah 26:4Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:
Historical Context
David wrote this psalm during his military campaigns, likely borrowing from Psalm 18 (compare 144:1-2 with 18:2, 34, 46-47). David's reign (c. 1010-970 BC) secured Israel's borders through constant warfare. Yet David understood that 'the battle is the Lord's' (1 Samuel 17:47), not won by superior weapons or strategy but by covenant faithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does attributing success and skill to God as 'teacher' prevent both pride in victory and despair in weakness?
- In what areas of life (work, relationships, spiritual battles) do you need God to 'train your hands' rather than relying on self-effort?
- How does David's warrior imagery apply to spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6:10-18, where Christ is our strength and teacher?
Analysis & Commentary
Blessed be the Lord my strength (בָּרוּךְ יְהוָה צוּרִי)—Barukh (blessed, praised) opens this royal psalm with doxology. My strength (tsuri, literally 'my rock') connects to David's cave songs (Psalm 18:2, 31:3). Which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight (melammed yaday laqrav, etsb'otay lamilchamah)—God as divine combat instructor, training David's warrior skills.
This verse establishes that military prowess isn't natural talent but divine gifting. David, the shepherd-king who killed Goliath and defeated Philistines, attributes every victory to the Lord who trained him. Unlike pagan kings who boasted in personal might, Israel's king acknowledges total dependence—foreshadowing Christ, the warrior-king who defeats enemies through sacrificial love, not violent conquest (Revelation 19:11-16).