The LORD
The term "LORD" in all capital letters represents the divine name "YHWH" (Yahweh), the covenant name of God revealed to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). This name signifies God's eternal, self-existent nature and His faithfulness to His promises. For David, invoking the name of Yahweh is a reminder of God's unchanging character and His covenantal relationship with Israel. It is a declaration of trust in the One who is both transcendent and immanent.

is my rock
The imagery of God as a "rock" is rich with meaning. In the Hebrew, the word "צוּר" (tsur) conveys strength, stability, and permanence. Rocks were often used as places of refuge and protection in the ancient Near East, providing safety from enemies and the elements. For David, calling God his rock signifies that God is his unshakeable foundation and source of security. This metaphor underscores the reliability and steadfastness of God amidst life's uncertainties.

my fortress
The term "fortress" translates the Hebrew word "מְצוּדָה" (metsudah), which refers to a stronghold or a place of defense. In ancient times, fortresses were critical for protection against invading forces. By describing God as his fortress, David acknowledges that God is his ultimate protector, a safe haven where he can find refuge from his adversaries. This imagery highlights God's role as a defender and guardian of His people.

and my deliverer
The word "deliverer" comes from the Hebrew "פָּלַט" (palat), meaning to escape or to be rescued. David recognizes God as the one who has saved him from danger and delivered him from his enemies. This term encapsulates the idea of salvation and liberation, both physically and spiritually. It reflects the broader biblical theme of God as the Redeemer who rescues His people from bondage and oppression. For David, this is not just a past experience but an ongoing reality, as he continually relies on God's deliverance.

Jehovah is my Cliff and my Stronghold and my Deliverer:
The God of my rock, in whom I take refuge;
My Shield and the Horn of my salvation,
My Fastness and my Place of refuge:
My Saviour: thou savest me from violence.
I call upon Jehovah, the praised One,
And I am saved from my enemies." The Syriac in ver. 2 inserts, "Fervently do I love thee, Jehovah my Strength;" but it probably only borrows the words from Psalm 18:1. For we may well believe that it was at a later period of his life, after deeper and more heart searching trials, that David thus felt his love to Jehovah only strengthened and made more necessary to him by the loss of his earthly happiness. In ver. 3, The God of my rock is changed in Psalm 18:2 into "My God my Rock" (Authorized Version, "strength") - probably an intentional alteration, as being far less rugged and startling than this bold metaphor of the Deity being his rock's God. In the original the words present each its distinct idea. Thus in ver. 2 the rock is a high cliff or precipice. It is the word sela, which gave its name to the crag city of Idumea. Fortress really means a rock, difficult of access, and forming a secure retreat. It is entirely a natural formation, and not a building. In ver. 3 rock is a vast mountainous mass (Job 18:4), and, as it suggests the ideas of grandeur and immovable might, it is often used for God's glory as being the Strength and Protection of his people (Deuteronomy 32:15, 31; Isaiah 30:29, margin). Next follow two ordinary metaphors, the shield for defence, and the horn for attack; after which David, who had so often sought safety among the cliffs and fastnesses of the mountains, returns to the same circle of thoughts, and calls God his High Tower, the word signifying, not a building, but a height, a lofty natural stronghold; and finally his Refuge, a place of safe retreat among the mountains. This and the rest of the verse are omitted in Psalm 18:2. In ver. 4 the words are as literally translated above, and signify, "Whenever call, I am saved." In all times of difficulty, prayer brings immediate deliverance.

Parallel Commentaries ...