Psalms 18:21
For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שָׁ֭מַרְתִּי
For I have kept
H8104
שָׁ֭מַרְתִּי
For I have kept
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
דַּרְכֵ֣י
the ways
H1870
דַּרְכֵ֣י
the ways
Strong's:
H1870
Word #:
3 of 7
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Psalms 119:102I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.Acts 24:16And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.Psalms 26:1Judge me, O LORD; for I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD; therefore I shall not slide.Proverbs 8:32Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.1 John 2:19They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.Psalms 17:4Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.1 Thessalonians 2:10Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:2 Chronicles 34:33And Josiah took away all the abominations out of all the countries that pertained to the children of Israel, and made all that were present in Israel to serve, even to serve the LORD their God. And all his days they departed not from following the LORD, the God of their fathers.1 Samuel 15:11It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And it grieved Samuel; and he cried unto the LORD all night.
Historical Context
Despite Saul's persecution, David maintained faithfulness to God's commands, especially regarding treatment of God's anointed and trust in divine timing for the kingdom.
Questions for Reflection
- What practices help you guard and keep God's ways?
- How do you distinguish between struggling with sin and wickedly departing from God?
Analysis & Commentary
David kept 'the ways of Yahweh' and did not 'wickedly depart' from God. The Hebrew 'shamar' (kept) suggests careful guarding. The ways of Yahweh are His revealed will in Torah. Not departing 'wickedly' indicates intentional rebellion versus unintentional sin. This anticipates Jesus' teaching about abiding in Him (John 15:1-11) and John's distinction between ongoing sin patterns versus occasional failures (1 John 3:6-9).