Psalm 144 was likely written after David, as king of Israel, was victorious over the Philistines.  It parallels Psalm 18 and is a combination of praise and prayer to God.

As I read this chapter this morning, two areas of this Psalm spoke to me.

First, we have much about which to thank and praise God.  The songwriter, Johnson Oatman, wrote the famous hymn, Count Your Blessings, and you probably have heard the refrain:              

“Count your blessings, name them one by one;             

Count your blessings, see what God hath done;           

Count your blessings, name them one by one;

Count your many blessings, SEE WHAT GOD HATH DONE.”  

Notice the words of Psalm 144:1, "Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight."  David begins by praising the Lord who had given him strength in the battle just past. Notice how he describes the Lord as his strength. God gives strength, but He also is strength. Moreover, it was God who had taught David how to fight. This is bitter medicine for the pacifist. God taught David how to win wars against his enemies.

David continued his praise of God, Psalm 144:2, ”My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and He in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.”  Seven blessings of God are noted for which David praised God:        

(1) He was good;         

(2) He was a fortress;         

(3) A high tower of defense for David;         

(4) God was David’s deliverer (i.e., savior);        

(5) God was David’s shield of protection;         

(6) He was the One in whom David trusted; and         

(7) It was God who subdued David’s enemies. 

Therefore, David sang praise to God.  Do you have a song in your heart, which originates in the Lord Himself?

The other section of this Psalm, which spoke to me, is found in verses 11-14. Notice David's sweet request and the reasons he gives for God to deliver him from his enemies: 

Psalm 144:10. "Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood." David’s reference to strange children literally means foreigners and likely referred to his Philistine enemies.

David then presents three reasons for God to so deliver him.  Each begins with the word “that.”        

(1) 12 That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace. David spoke of the next generation—sons and daughters—prospering, being vibrant, precious, and honorable. His point was for God to deliver him from his avowed enemies so that the next generation of the people of God might be blessed.        

(2) 13 That our garners may be full, affording all manner of store: that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets. A garner was a place for harvested grain. David, in effect, besought God to provide deliverance from the Philistines so that the people of God might be prospered economically—to have productive harvests and abundant flocks.        

(3) 14 That our oxen may be strong to labor; that there be no breaking in, nor going out; that there be no complaining in our streets. David finally besought God to deliver Israel from the Philistines so that there might be peace and tranquility in the land.  A greater lesson is in view. David boldly reasoned with God as to why He should answer his prayer and send deliverance, providing three reasons. His reasoning with God is a lesson for us to do the same.

David's concluding remarks should thrill every believer who depends upon God to make life as David describes in verses 10-14.  Notice what David says, "Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD."  Indeed, happy are the people whom God delivers, prospers, and helps. Another lesson is that such deliverance comes by prayer. Enemies of God and His people will always be present. David prayed for deliverance from such crises. Indeed, happy are the people “whose God is the LORD.” It was true for faithful Israel. It is true for faithful Christians.

May God bless and fill your heart as you meditate upon these truths today.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1. Would you take a few moments to list and contemplate three items for which you can praise the Lord this morning?

2. Consider a song that always speaks to you. Take a moment to sing that song in praise to the Lord.

3. Why do you pray as you do? What are the reasons for your prayers?

4. Why are people, who have given themselves to God, happier than those who have not?