God rescues those who depend on Him and lays low the proud who trust in themselves.
David, the second king of Israel who reigned from around 1010 to 970 BC, penned Psalm 18 as a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the LORD for delivering him from his enemies. In the midst of this psalm, he declares, “For You save an afflicted people, But haughty eyes You abase” (v.27). David’s words highlight God’s active intervention: He is the One who rescues those burdened by adversity, yet opposes those whose pride disdains His sovereignty. This verse reflects the broader biblical theme that the LORD is near to the lowly and resists the proud (James 4:6).
When David exclaims, “For You save an afflicted people” (v.27), he is recognizing the compassionate character of God, who delivers the humble from peril. The term “afflicted” points to those who are oppressed, distressed, or weighed down by life’s hardships—whether from physical need or spiritual suffering. David’s testimony throughout Psalm 18 portrays God as a reliable fortress in every battle, underscoring His faithfulness to those who call on Him in truth. This assurance that God acts mightily on behalf of the downtrodden echoes David’s own experiences fleeing Saul and facing other dangers during his reign.
At the same time, “But haughty eyes You abase” (v.27) conveys the sobering truth that arrogance meets divine judgment. The phrase “haughty eyes” emphasizes a pride-filled outlook that places self above both God and neighbor. This warning is consistent with the message throughout Scripture that God pulls down the self-exalting, while lifting up the humble (1 Peter 5:6). David’s praise teaches us that reverence and humility open the door to God’s saving power, whereas prideful hearts remain outside His protective shelter.
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Psalms 18:27 meaning
David, the second king of Israel who reigned from around 1010 to 970 BC, penned Psalm 18 as a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the LORD for delivering him from his enemies. In the midst of this psalm, he declares, “For You save an afflicted people, But haughty eyes You abase” (v.27). David’s words highlight God’s active intervention: He is the One who rescues those burdened by adversity, yet opposes those whose pride disdains His sovereignty. This verse reflects the broader biblical theme that the LORD is near to the lowly and resists the proud (James 4:6).
When David exclaims, “For You save an afflicted people” (v.27), he is recognizing the compassionate character of God, who delivers the humble from peril. The term “afflicted” points to those who are oppressed, distressed, or weighed down by life’s hardships—whether from physical need or spiritual suffering. David’s testimony throughout Psalm 18 portrays God as a reliable fortress in every battle, underscoring His faithfulness to those who call on Him in truth. This assurance that God acts mightily on behalf of the downtrodden echoes David’s own experiences fleeing Saul and facing other dangers during his reign.
At the same time, “But haughty eyes You abase” (v.27) conveys the sobering truth that arrogance meets divine judgment. The phrase “haughty eyes” emphasizes a pride-filled outlook that places self above both God and neighbor. This warning is consistent with the message throughout Scripture that God pulls down the self-exalting, while lifting up the humble (1 Peter 5:6). David’s praise teaches us that reverence and humility open the door to God’s saving power, whereas prideful hearts remain outside His protective shelter.