Psalm 18:47

47 The God who ¹executes vengeance for me, And ²subdues peoples under me.

Psalm 18:47 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 18:47

[It is] God that avengeth me
Or "gives vengeance unto me", or "for me" ^F20: vengeance only belongs to God, and he repays it for and in behalf of his people. Private revenge is not to be exercised by any; public vengeance on delinquents may be exercised by the civil magistrate, to whom God gives power and authority to exercise it, ( Romans 13:4 ) ; as he did to David, as king of Israel; though the phrase rather seems to design the victories which he obtained over his enemies, which were punishments to them, vengeances inflicted on them; and owing to God; so the acceptable year of the Messiah's coming, and the time of his people redeemed by him, is called the day of vengeance of our God, both on his and their enemies, ( Isaiah 61:2 ) ( 63:4 ) ;

and subdueth the people under me;
the Edomites, Moabites, and others, as in ( 2 Samuel 8:1 2 Samuel 8:2 2 Samuel 8:5 2 Samuel 8:14 ) , or the Gentiles under Christ; (See Gill on Psalms 18:39);

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FOOTNOTES:

F20 (yl twmqn Ntwnh) "qui dat ultiones mihi", Pagninus, Gejerus; so Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Musculus, Cocceius, Michaelis.

Psalm 18:47 In-Context

45 Foreigners fade away, And come trembling out of their fortresses.

46 The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock; And exalted be the God of my salvation,

47 The God who executes vengeance for me, And subdues peoples under me.

48 He delivers me from my enemies; Surely You lift me above those who rise up against me; You rescue me from the violent man.

49 Therefore I will give thanks to You among the nations, O LORD , And I will sing praises to Your name.

Cross References

• 1. Psalms 94:1
• 2. Psalms 18:43; Psalms 47:3; Psalms 144:2