Psalms 18:39
For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me.
Original Language Analysis
חַ֭יִל
me with strength
H2428
חַ֭יִל
me with strength
Strong's:
H2428
Word #:
2 of 6
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
לַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה
unto the battle
H4421
לַמִּלְחָמָ֑ה
unto the battle
Strong's:
H4421
Word #:
3 of 6
a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)
תַּכְרִ֖יעַ
thou hast subdued
H3766
תַּכְרִ֖יעַ
thou hast subdued
Strong's:
H3766
Word #:
4 of 6
to bend the knee; by implication, to sink, to prostrate
Cross References
Psalms 18:32It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.Isaiah 45:14Thus saith the LORD, The labour of Egypt, and merchandise of Ethiopia and of the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over unto thee, and they shall be thine: they shall come after thee; in chains they shall come over, and they shall fall down unto thee, they shall make supplication unto thee, saying, Surely God is in thee; and there is none else, there is no God.Psalms 34:21Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.Proverbs 8:36But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.Ephesians 1:22And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,1 Chronicles 22:18Is not the LORD your God with you? and hath he not given you rest on every side? for he hath given the inhabitants of the land into mine hand; and the land is subdued before the LORD, and before his people.John 15:23He that hateth me hateth my Father also.Lamentations 5:5Our necks are under persecution: we labour, and have no rest.Psalms 66:3Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.Philippians 3:21Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
Historical Context
David's military success came not from superior numbers or weaponry but from divine empowerment, as seen in victories against overwhelming odds (1 Samuel 17).
Questions for Reflection
- In what battles do you try to rely on your own strength rather than God's?
- How do you actively seek divine enablement for spiritual warfare?
Analysis & Commentary
God equipped ('azar'—girded) David with strength for battle, subduing adversaries beneath him. The repetition of divine enablement emphasizes that victory comes from God, not human might. The subduing ('kara') under him continues the footstool imagery. This parallels Ephesians 6:10's command to be strong in the Lord's strength, not our own. Reformed theology attributes all success to sovereign grace.