Psalms 18:34
He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.
Original Language Analysis
מְלַמֵּ֣ד
He teacheth
H3925
מְלַמֵּ֣ד
He teacheth
Strong's:
H3925
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, to goad, i.e., (by implication) to teach (the rod being an middle eastern incentive)
יָ֭דַי
my hands
H3027
יָ֭דַי
my hands
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
2 of 7
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
לַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה
to war
H4421
לַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה
to war
Strong's:
H4421
Word #:
3 of 7
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
וְֽנִחֲתָ֥ה
is broken
H5181
וְֽנִחֲתָ֥ה
is broken
Strong's:
H5181
Word #:
4 of 7
to sink, i.e., descend; causatively, to press or lead down
Cross References
Psalms 144:1Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:Psalms 46:9He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.2 Samuel 22:36Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy gentleness hath made me great.Isaiah 28:6And for a spirit of judgment to him that sitteth in judgment, and for strength to them that turn the battle to the gate.Isaiah 45:1Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;Jeremiah 49:35Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might.
Historical Context
Ancient warfare required extensive training. Bronze bows (or bronze-reinforced) demanded great strength. David's prowess came through divine enablement, not mere natural talent.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you acknowledge God's role in developing your practical skills?
- In what ways do you use God-given abilities for kingdom purposes?
Analysis & Commentary
God trained David's hands for war and arms to bend a bronze bow. The Hebrew 'lamad' (trained/taught) indicates divine instruction in military skills. Bending a bronze bow required extraordinary strength. This illustrates God's comprehensive providence—even practical skills come from Him. It anticipates Paul's teaching that diverse abilities come from the same Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4-6). All legitimate skills glorify God when used for His purposes.