God’s power always exceeds every obstacle we face.
In this portion of David’s song of deliverance, the Psalmist declares, “I shattered them so that they were not able to rise; They fell under my feet.” (v.38). David, who reigned from about 1010 BC to 970 BC as the second king of Israel, credits the LORD with giving him the power to utterly defeat his enemies. The imagery of shattering suggests an overwhelming triumph—so thorough that those who opposed him cannot stand again. Though these enemies were very real military threats in David’s time, the deeper truth highlights that the strength to win battles belongs ultimately to God, who grants victory to His people when they rely on Him.
When David mentions that his adversaries “fell under [his] feet,” he describes a state of complete submission and finality. The territory tied to these battles can often be linked to areas around ancient Judah, such as the hillsides near Jerusalem, where opposing forces would gather for warfare. In David’s mindset, the physical reaction of the foes being “under his feet” indicates God’s just judgment upon wickedness and the reward for David’s faithful dependence on Him. Later New Testament passages, like Ephesians 6:10-13, remind believers that God similarly provides spiritual armor, enabling them to stand firm against opposition.
The victory David experienced also foreshadows the ultimate triumph believers find through Jesus Christ, who overcame the greatest enemy—sin and death. By trusting in God, David experienced a foretaste of the redeeming power that would be displayed through Christ’s resurrection. As the Apostle Paul remarked in Romans 8:37, believers can become more than conquerors through the One who loves them. David’s words underline the assurance that God will uphold those who trust Him, whether in ancient battle or modern spiritual conflict.
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Psalms 18:38 meaning
In this portion of David’s song of deliverance, the Psalmist declares, “I shattered them so that they were not able to rise; They fell under my feet.” (v.38). David, who reigned from about 1010 BC to 970 BC as the second king of Israel, credits the LORD with giving him the power to utterly defeat his enemies. The imagery of shattering suggests an overwhelming triumph—so thorough that those who opposed him cannot stand again. Though these enemies were very real military threats in David’s time, the deeper truth highlights that the strength to win battles belongs ultimately to God, who grants victory to His people when they rely on Him.
When David mentions that his adversaries “fell under [his] feet,” he describes a state of complete submission and finality. The territory tied to these battles can often be linked to areas around ancient Judah, such as the hillsides near Jerusalem, where opposing forces would gather for warfare. In David’s mindset, the physical reaction of the foes being “under his feet” indicates God’s just judgment upon wickedness and the reward for David’s faithful dependence on Him. Later New Testament passages, like Ephesians 6:10-13, remind believers that God similarly provides spiritual armor, enabling them to stand firm against opposition.
The victory David experienced also foreshadows the ultimate triumph believers find through Jesus Christ, who overcame the greatest enemy—sin and death. By trusting in God, David experienced a foretaste of the redeeming power that would be displayed through Christ’s resurrection. As the Apostle Paul remarked in Romans 8:37, believers can become more than conquerors through the One who loves them. David’s words underline the assurance that God will uphold those who trust Him, whether in ancient battle or modern spiritual conflict.