Psalm 18:13

EXPOSITION

Verse 4-19. See Psalms on "Psalms 18:4" for further information.

Verse 13. Over all this splendour of tempest pealed the dread thunder.

The Lord also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice. Fit accompaniment for the flames of vengeance. How will men bear to hear it at the last when addressed to them in proclamation of their doom, for even now their hearts are in their mouths if they do but hear it muttering from afar? In all this terror David found a theme for song, and thus every believer finds even in the terrors of God a subject for holy praise.

Hailstones and coals of fire are twice mentioned to show how certainly they are in the divine hand, and are the weapons of Heaven's vengeance. Horne remarks that "every thunderstorm should remind us of that exhibition of power and vengeance, which is hereafter to accompany the general resurrection;" may it not also assure us of the real power of him who is our Father and our friend, and tend to assure us of our safety while he fights our battles for us. The prince of the power of the air is soon dislodged when the cherubic chariot is driven through his dominions; therefore let not the legions of hell cause us dismay. He who is with us is greater than all they that be against us.

EXPLANATORY NOTES AND QUAINT SAYINGS

Verse 8-19. See Psalms on "Psalms 18:9" for further information.

HINTS FOR PASTORS AND LAYPERSONS

Verse 13. Hailstones and coals of fire. The terrific in its relation to Jehovah.