Psalm 144

This is a prayer that asks for deliverance during war. David praised God for granting victory in past battles and requested success in a present military encounter with an enemy. He was confident that God would save His people.

"This psalm is a mosaic, not a monolith; most of its material, short of the final verses, is drawn from other psalms of David, most substantially Psalm 18."²⁰⁸

 1. Rejoicing over the Victor 144:1-2

David began this prayer by praising God for training him to be a successful warrior and for granting him victories in the past. He used many synonyms to describe the Lord as his protector and deliverer.

 2. Petition for present victory 144:3-11

144:3-4 The exalted description of God in verses 1 and 2 led David to reflect in amazement that God would take interest in mere mortals. Man's existence is very brief compared to God who abides forever.

144:5-8 The psalmist described God's intervention in the present battle David faced in terms of nature. In the past God had used rain, thunder, lightning, and hail to give His people victory (Josh. 10; Judg. 4-5; et al.). David seems to have been appealing for a similar deliverance. He viewed the enemy army as an overwhelming flood from which he requested deliverance.

144:9-11 David promised to praise God with a new song for the victory he believed God would give him. Verse 11 is a kind of refrain (cf. v. 8).

 3. Rejoicing for future conditions 144:12-15

144:12-14 David described three conditions that would exist when God gave him victory. First, the youth of the nation would continue to grow and thrive (v. 12). Second, prosperity would characterize national life (vv. 13-14a). Third, peace would prevail (v. 14b).

144:15 David began this royal psalm by blessing Yahweh and concluded it by ascribing blessedness on the people of Yahweh.

People who make the Lord their hope of deliverance will enjoy His blessing. They will experience His supernatural salvation and will enjoy the benefits of His saving grace.