3. Trust. Literally, “seek refuge.” This is the note of courage struck by David in Ps. 7 and 11. David had learned to place his faith and confidence in God. He knew that whatever man might do, God would never fail him. God was as sure as the rocks of the eternal hills. Man could place his complete trust in Him.
My shield. To anyone not a man of war the figure of a shield would have little value or meaning. To David the shield had frequently meant life itself. He knew from the most vivid of personal experiences its supreme importance in some of the critical moments of life. As his faithful shield had often warded off the thrusts of his enemies that were intended to lay him low, so God had repeatedly saved him from the enemy of his soul. The figure is characteristic of David. His songs live and breathe the spirit of the warlike life that was his as a soldier accustomed to battle.
The horn of my salvation. See Luke 1:69. The horn was a symbol of strength and power. The figure refers to the horns of beasts, that serve both to repulse and to make attacks (see 1 Sam. 2:1, 10; Ps. 75:10; 89:17; 92:10; 112:9). God was the horn of David’s salvation in that He provided him not only with protection and defense but with help and strength in active battle against his enemies.
My high tower. A mountain stronghold. In the wilds of the hills such a place was lofty, inaccessible, and safe from attack. From its heights a view could be obtained of all the surrounding area. It provided warning of approaching danger and also was a point of vantage from which to repel attacks.
My refuge, my saviour. These words are not found in Ps. 18:2. They explain the preceding declarations about God, showing how He was regarded by David. In time of need, David could flee to Him for refuge, and could look to Him as a Saviour from foes seen and unseen.
