who rescued me from my enemies; yes, you exalted me above those who rose against me; you delivered me from the man of violence.
English Standard Version (ESV)
While David mentions being delivered from "enemies" and a "violent man," the real power is in the phrase "you lifted me up above those who rose against me." This isn't just about survival, but about divine elevation, securing a triumph that transcends mere escape.
who rescued me from my enemies; yes, you exalted me above those who rose against me; you delivered me from the man of violence.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse is part of David's song of thanksgiving for God's deliverance, specifically recounting his victories and God's faithfulness. It follows his praise for God's strength and justice against his enemies, and sets the stage for his commitment to praise God among all nations. The mention of a "violent man" likely refers to King Saul, who relentlessly pursued David, seeking to kill him despite David's loyalty.
Ever felt like you're just trying to survive, with enemies closing in? David's words here aren't just about escaping danger, but about being lifted above it.
A Dramatic Rescue
David, the writer of this psalm, wasn't just a survivor; he was someone God actively exalted. Notice the progression in these lines:
Think about it: God doesn't just want us to escape the traps of life; He wants to raise us up to a place where we can stand strong, looking down on the challenges that once threatened to overwhelm us.
David singles out a 'violent man.' Who was this, and what does it tell us about God's power over even the most dangerous individuals?
God's Authority Over Evil
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The "man of violence" is often understood to refer specifically to King Saul, David's relentless persecutor. Imagine the fear and oppression David must have felt! Yet, he attributes his deliverance not just to his own skill, but to God's direct intervention.
Understand the original words
palat · Hebrew Verb
The act of pulling someone out of harm's way, danger, or destruction. It is a frequent description of God's action on behalf of those who cry out to Him.
chamas · Hebrew Noun
A term describing a person characterized by cruel, harmful, or aggressive behavior. It refers to one who uses force or tyranny to oppress others.
This psalm profoundly expresses David's deep trust in God's deliverance, particularly recalling his perilous flight from King Saul, a 'violent man' who relentlessly sought his life.
c. 1025 BC
Saul Anointed King
Saul is chosen and anointed as the first king of Israel, marking a significant shift in Israelite governance. This event sets the stage for his later conflict with David.
c. 1020 BC
David Anointed King
Samuel the prophet secretly anoints David, a young shepherd, as the future king of Israel, unbeknownst to Saul and the public. This divine selection creates a hidden tension and future rivalry.
c. 1015-1012 BC— this verse
David Flees Saul
As David gains popularity and Saul becomes increasingly paranoid and violent, David is forced to flee for his life. He spends years as a fugitive, constantly pursued by Saul.
c. 1012 BC
Saul's Death at Mount Gilboa
King Saul and his son Jonathan are killed in battle against the Philistines at Mount Gilboa. This tragic event ends Saul's reign and removes David's primary persecutor.
c. 1010 BC
David Becomes King of Judah
Following Saul's death, David is appointed king over the tribe of Judah. This marks the beginning of his ascent to the unified throne of Israel.
c. 1003 BC
David Becomes King of All Israel
After a period of civil strife and consolidation, David is finally recognized as king over all the tribes of Israel, establishing his reign and ushering in a golden age.
This passage shows David sparing Saul's life when he had the perfect opportunity, demonstrating his trust in God's eventual deliverance and vindication over the 'violent man'.
2 Samuel 7:1-16Here, God promises David an everlasting kingdom, showing the ultimate 'lifting up' and deliverance that surpasses earthly enemies, pointing to a fulfillment beyond David's own reign.
Acts 2:32-36This New Testament passage speaks of Jesus being exalted by God after His resurrection, delivering Him from His enemies and fulfilling the themes of divine rescue and triumph found in the psalm.
Romans 8:31-39This text emphasizes that nothing can separate believers from God's love, echoing the complete deliverance and security David experienced and showing that God's protection ultimately triumphs over all opposition.
clarkePsalms 18:48: "He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man."
He delivereth me - That is, he hath delivered me, and continues to deliver me, from all that rise up against me. The violent man - Saul; this applies particularly to him.
poolePsalms 18:48: "He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man."
Above those that rise up against me; above their malice and power. From the violent man; from Saul, whom for honour’s sake he forbears to mention.
While David mentions being delivered from "enemies" and a "violent man," the real power is in the phrase "you lifted me up above those who rose against me." This isn't just about survival, but about divine elevation, securing a triumph that transcends mere escape.
This verse is part of David's song of thanksgiving for God's deliverance, specifically recounting his victories and God's faithfulness. It follows his praise for God's strength and justice against his enemies, and sets the stage for his commitment to praise God among all nations. The mention of a "violent man" likely refers to King Saul, who relentlessly pursued David, seeking to kill him despite David's loyalty.
This verse is part of David's song of thanksgiving for God's deliverance, specifically recounting his victories and God's faithfulness. It follows his praise for God's strength and justice against his enemies, and sets the stage for his commitment to praise God among all nations. The mention of a "violent man" likely refers to King Saul, who relentlessly pursued David, seeking to kill him despite David's loyalty.
"who rescued me from my enemies; yes, you exalted me above those who rose against me; you delivered me from the man of violence." — While David mentions being delivered from "enemies" and a "violent man," the real power is in the phrase "you lifted me up above those who rose against me." This isn't just about survival, but abou…
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Last reviewed October 2026