Bible Commentaries
Psalms 144

Verses 1-15

PSALM 144

The godly man comforts his soul in the thought of the greatness of the Lord in contrast to the frailty of men by whom he is opposed.

(vv. 1-2) The psalmist, in the presence of his enemies, finds comfort in the blessedness of the Lord, in whom he finds all his resource. The Lord is his strength in weakness; his teacher in conflict; his mercy in the presence of needs; his fortress for a refuge in the storm; his high tower from which to keep watch; his deliverer in trouble; and his shield for a defence; the One who will subdue “the peoples” (Grant) under him.

(vv. 3-4) Having contemplated the greatness of the Lord, the psalmist realizes the feebleness of man. What is man (Adam), or the son of man (Enosh) - man in all his frailty and feebleness, that the Lord should take account of him. He is but vanity, and his days as a shadow that pass away.

(vv. 5-8) Seeing the greatness of the Lord and the frailty of man, who dares to exalt himself against God, why should the judgment be delayed? Hence the psalmist beseeches the Lord to intervene in judgment upon the enemies of His people, and thus bring the godly out of their deep distress - the “great waters,” and deliver them from the power of strangers who are marked by corruption.

(vv. 9-10 Thus delivered, the godly will find a fresh occasion for praise to God who gives salvation, and rescues His servant from the sword.

(vv. 11-15) Thus rid of all their enemies the godly will reach the earthly blessing of millennial days, when men will be blessed in their children, and prospered in their circumstances. Complaints and discontent will no longer be heard amidst a people made happy in the acknowledgement of the Lord as their God.