God’s shield of salvation and gentle care give His faithful servant victory and honor.
You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, And Your right hand upholds me; And Your gentleness makes me great (Psalm 18:35). David, the second king of Israel who reigned from around 1010 BC to 970 BC, relied on the LORD’s protection throughout his life. He petitions God as his shield of salvation, expressing full confidence that the Almighty is his defender, the one who lifts him up and delivers him from every peril. Here David acknowledges it is not his own might, but God’s hand that sustains him.
In describing God’s “gentleness,” David marvels at the Lord’s lovingkindness and mercy that draw him into greater strength and stature. Rather than crushing the psalmist under a heavy hand, the LORD nurtures him with compassion, demonstrating His desire to see His people thrive. This tender, fatherly care points toward the same grace Jesus extends in the New Testament, where He teaches that humility and reliance on God lead to spiritual flourishing (Matthew 5:5).
By saying that God’s right hand upholds him, David confesses that he is not self-sufficient. He needs the Lord’s guidance and steadfast support to prevail over life’s obstacles. Through this recognition of God’s sovereignty, David is made “great” in ways that show the Father’s renown.
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Psalms 18:35 meaning
You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, And Your right hand upholds me; And Your gentleness makes me great (Psalm 18:35). David, the second king of Israel who reigned from around 1010 BC to 970 BC, relied on the LORD’s protection throughout his life. He petitions God as his shield of salvation, expressing full confidence that the Almighty is his defender, the one who lifts him up and delivers him from every peril. Here David acknowledges it is not his own might, but God’s hand that sustains him.
In describing God’s “gentleness,” David marvels at the Lord’s lovingkindness and mercy that draw him into greater strength and stature. Rather than crushing the psalmist under a heavy hand, the LORD nurtures him with compassion, demonstrating His desire to see His people thrive. This tender, fatherly care points toward the same grace Jesus extends in the New Testament, where He teaches that humility and reliance on God lead to spiritual flourishing (Matthew 5:5).
By saying that God’s right hand upholds him, David confesses that he is not self-sufficient. He needs the Lord’s guidance and steadfast support to prevail over life’s obstacles. Through this recognition of God’s sovereignty, David is made “great” in ways that show the Father’s renown.