Psalm 18 - "Solid As The Rock of Gibraltar"

image As we cast our votes today in a very contentious US election that has grave consequences we are placing our trust not in the candidates but in the strength and wisdom of the great King and Ruler of the universe. And no matter what the outcome is our King remains seated on the throne; His kingdom unshaken and will be advancing regardless of who occupies the White House.

The saying "solid as the Rock of Gibraltar" is used to describe an entity that is very safe or firm. In Psalm 18, David refers to God as his "rock" four times - twice in verse two and once in verse thirty-one and also in verse forty-six.

Faced with the wrath of his enemies and the relentless pursuit of King Saul, David turns to God and reassures himself, "The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."

Now that's quite a mouthful of praise. In just one verse alone, David enumerates seven things about God: He is our rock, fortress, deliverer, refuge, shield, salvation, and stronghold. With a God like this, who can be against us? Who can destroy us? I'd like to call this a seven-fold insurance and assurance against all calamities that we may face in life.

In verses 3 to 6 David narrates his near-death experience and how the Lord saved him. Verses 8 to 15 use metaphors describing the awesome power of God our Rock. Verses 16 to 19 detail how God rescues David from his adversaries. In verses 20 to 29, David shows us the rewards of faithfulness, humility, and obedience that translates to righteousness. Verses 30 to 45 describe a warrior on the offense with words like, "You armed me with strength for battle; you humbled my adversaries before me."

And then in the last passages from verse 46 to 50, David rises to worship the sovereign and all-powerful God who "avenges" and "subdues" nations. He doubles down on His praise, "The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock!"