Psalms 144:2

Authorized King James Version

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My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.

Original Language Analysis

חַסְדִּ֥י My goodness H2617
חַסְדִּ֥י My goodness
Strong's: H2617
Word #: 1 of 11
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
וּמְצוּדָתִי֮ and my fortress H4686
וּמְצוּדָתִי֮ and my fortress
Strong's: H4686
Word #: 2 of 11
a fastness
מִשְׂגַּבִּ֪י my high tower H4869
מִשְׂגַּבִּ֪י my high tower
Strong's: H4869
Word #: 3 of 11
misgab, a place in moab
וּֽמְפַלְטִ֫י and my deliverer H6403
וּֽמְפַלְטִ֫י and my deliverer
Strong's: H6403
Word #: 4 of 11
to slip out, i.e., escape; causatively, to deliver
לִ֥י H0
לִ֥י
Strong's: H0
Word #: 5 of 11
מָ֭גִנִּי my shield H4043
מָ֭גִנִּי my shield
Strong's: H4043
Word #: 6 of 11
a shield (i.e., the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile
וּב֣וֹ H0
וּב֣וֹ
Strong's: H0
Word #: 7 of 11
חָסִ֑יתִי and he in whom I trust H2620
חָסִ֑יתִי and he in whom I trust
Strong's: H2620
Word #: 8 of 11
to flee for protection; figuratively, to confide in
הָרוֹדֵ֖ד who subdueth H7286
הָרוֹדֵ֖ד who subdueth
Strong's: H7286
Word #: 9 of 11
to tread in pieces, i.e., (figuratively) to conquer, or (specifically) to overlay
עַמִּ֣י my people H5971
עַמִּ֣י my people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 10 of 11
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
תַחְתָּֽי׃ H8478
תַחְתָּֽי׃
Strong's: H8478
Word #: 11 of 11
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

Analysis & Commentary

My goodness, and my fortress (חַסְדִּי וּמְצוּדָתִי)—Chasdi (my steadfast love, covenant mercy) surprisingly describes God as David's loyal protector. My high tower, and my deliverer (misgabbi umphallti)—four fortress metaphors emphasizing God as impregnable refuge. My shield (maginnî) protects in battle (Genesis 15:1). And he in whom I trust (bachasti)—confident reliance, not mere intellectual assent.

Who subdueth my people under me (הָרוֹדֵד עַמִּי תַחְתָּי)—God grants David authority over Israel and surrounding nations. This isn't autocratic tyranny but theocratic kingship, where the human king mediates divine rule. David's throne foreshadows Christ's eternal kingdom, where the King serves His subjects by laying down His life (Mark 10:45), and subjects joyfully submit to perfect love.

Historical Context

David's military success united the twelve tribes and subdued neighboring peoples (2 Samuel 8). Unlike ANE despots who ruled by fear, David's kingship was covenantal—God subdued the people under David's leadership, not David's own might. This pattern continued until the monarchy's failure led to exile, awaiting the Son of David who would rule righteously forever (Isaiah 9:6-7, Luke 1:32-33).

Questions for Reflection