Psalms 144:10
It is he that giveth salvation unto kings: who delivereth David his servant from the hurtful sword.
Original Language Analysis
הַנּוֹתֵ֥ן
It is he that giveth
H5414
הַנּוֹתֵ֥ן
It is he that giveth
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 9
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
תְּשׁוּעָ֗ה
salvation
H8668
תְּשׁוּעָ֗ה
salvation
Strong's:
H8668
Word #:
2 of 9
rescue (literal or figurative, persons, national or spiritual)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
David's life was perpetually threatened: Saul hunted him for a decade (1 Samuel 19-31), Philistines attacked repeatedly (2 Samuel 5:17-25), Absalom's coup nearly succeeded (2 Samuel 15-18). Each deliverance demonstrated that 'salvation belongs to the Lord' (Psalm 3:8). Later kings who forgot this dependence (trusting Egypt, Assyria, etc.) fell to foreign swords.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse challenge modern notions that political leaders achieve success through personal competence rather than divine sovereignty?
- In what sense is David both 'king' and 'servant,' and how does this dual identity model Christian leadership?
- How did God deliver Jesus His 'servant' from the 'hurtful sword' of death, and how does this secure salvation for all believers?
Analysis & Commentary
It is he that giveth salvation unto kings (הַנּוֹתֵן תְּשׁוּעָה לַמְּלָכִים)—Hannoten teshuah lammalakhim (the one giving salvation/victory to kings) acknowledges that royal authority and military success come from God alone. Kings, despite power, cannot save themselves. Who delivereth David his servant from the hurtful sword (happoteh et-David avdo mecherev raah)—raah (evil, hurtful) sword threatened David's life repeatedly.
David's repeated deliverance from assassination (Saul's spear, Absalom's revolt, Goliath's sword) wasn't luck or skill but divine providence. This verse establishes a theology of kingship: human rulers are utterly dependent servants whom God exalts or abases (Daniel 4:17, Romans 13:1). The ultimate fulfillment is Christ, the servant-king (Mark 10:45) whom God delivered from death's 'hurtful sword' through resurrection (Acts 2:24-32).