Psalms 18:35
Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.
Original Language Analysis
וַתִּתֶּן
Thou hast also given
H5414
וַתִּתֶּן
Thou hast also given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
1 of 8
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
מָגֵ֪ן
me the shield
H4043
מָגֵ֪ן
me the shield
Strong's:
H4043
Word #:
3 of 8
a shield (i.e., the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile
וִֽימִינְךָ֥
and thy right hand
H3225
וִֽימִינְךָ֥
and thy right hand
Strong's:
H3225
Word #:
5 of 8
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
Cross References
2 Samuel 22:36Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy gentleness hath made me great.Psalms 28:7The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.2 Corinthians 10:1Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:Isaiah 40:11He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.Deuteronomy 33:29Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places.Psalms 17:7Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them.Isaiah 22:3All thy rulers are fled together, they are bound by the archers: all that are found in thee are bound together, which have fled from far.
Historical Context
David's rise from shepherd to king exemplifies God exalting the humble. God's 'condescension' to personally involve Himself in David's life made greatness possible.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you see God's 'condescension' actively working in your life?
- In what ways does embracing humility open pathways to greater usefulness?
Analysis & Commentary
God gave David the 'shield of salvation' and His right hand upheld him. Divine humility ('anavah'—or 'gentleness') made him great. This paradox—God's humility exalting David—anticipates Jesus' teaching that the way up is down (Mark 10:43-45). The Hebrew could mean God's condescension or His training David in humility. Either way, it demonstrates that greatness comes through humility, reversing worldly values.