Psalms 18: Yahweh Is My Rock

The title says David spoke the words of this song to Yahweh in the day that Yahweh delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. David says he loves Yahweh, his strength, his rock, fortress, and deliverer. In his distress he called on Yahweh, and God heard him and drew him out of many waters. God lights his lamp, his way is perfect, and he gives great deliverance to his king.

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Read Psalms 18

World English Bible · 50 verses

¹ For the Chief Musician. By David the servant of Yahweh, who spoke to Yahweh the words of this song in the day that Yahweh delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. He said, I love you, Yahweh, my strength.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
² Yahweh is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³ I call on Yahweh, who is worthy to be praised; and I am saved from my enemies.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴ The cords of death surrounded me. The floods of ungodliness made me afraid.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵ The cords of Sheol were around me. The snares of death came on me.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁶ In my distress I called on Yahweh, and cried to my God. He heard my voice out of his temple. My cry before him came into his ears.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁷ Then the earth shook and trembled. The foundations also of the mountains quaked and were shaken, because he was angry.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁸ Smoke went out of his nostrils. Consuming fire came out of his mouth. Coals were kindled by it.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁹ He bowed the heavens also, and came down. Thick darkness was under his feet.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁰ He rode on a cherub, and flew. Yes, he soared on the wings of the wind.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹¹ He made darkness his hiding place, his pavilion around him, darkness of waters, thick clouds of the skies.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹² At the brightness before him his thick clouds passed, hailstones and coals of fire.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹³ Yahweh also thundered in the sky. The Most High uttered his voice: hailstones and coals of fire.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁴ He sent out his arrows, and scattered them. He routed them with great lightning bolts.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁵ Then the channels of waters appeared. The foundations of the world were laid bare at your rebuke, Yahweh, at the blast of the breath of your nostrils.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁶ He sent from on high. He took me. He drew me out of many waters.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁷ He delivered me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me; for they were too mighty for me.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁸ They came on me in the day of my calamity, but Yahweh was my support.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
¹⁹ He brought me out also into a large place. He delivered me, because he delighted in me.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁰ Yahweh has rewarded me according to my righteousness. According to the cleanness of my hands, he has recompensed me.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²¹ For I have kept the ways of Yahweh, and have not wickedly departed from my God.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²² For all his ordinances were before me. I didn’t put away his statutes from me.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²³ I was also blameless with him. I kept myself from my iniquity.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁴ Therefore Yahweh has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁵ With the merciful you will show yourself merciful. With the perfect man, you will show yourself perfect.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁶ With the pure, you will show yourself pure. With the crooked you will show yourself shrewd.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁷ For you will save the afflicted people, but the arrogant eyes you will bring down.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁸ For you will light my lamp, Yahweh. My God will light up my darkness.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
²⁹ For by you, I advance through a troop. By my God, I leap over a wall.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁰ As for God, his way is perfect. Yahweh’s word is tried. He is a shield to all those who take refuge in him.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³¹ For who is God, except Yahweh? Who is a rock, besides our God,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³² the God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect?This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³³ He makes my feet like deer’s feet, and sets me on my high places.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁴ He teaches my hands to war, so that my arms bend a bow of bronze.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁵ You have also given me the shield of your salvation. Your right hand sustains me. Your gentleness has made me great.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁶ You have enlarged my steps under me, My feet have not slipped.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁷ I will pursue my enemies, and overtake them. I won’t turn away until they are consumed.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁸ I will strike them through, so that they will not be able to rise. They shall fall under my feet.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
³⁹ For you have armed me with strength to the battle. You have subdued under me those who rose up against me.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁰ You have also made my enemies turn their backs to me, that I might cut off those who hate me.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴¹ They cried, but there was no one to save; even to Yahweh, but he didn’t answer them.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴² Then I beat them small as the dust before the wind. I cast them out as the mire of the streets.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴³ You have delivered me from the strivings of the people. You have made me the head of the nations. A people whom I have not known shall serve me.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁴ As soon as they hear of me they shall obey me. The foreigners shall submit themselves to me.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁵ The foreigners shall fade away, and shall come trembling out of their strongholds.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁶ Yahweh lives! Blessed be my rock. Exalted be the God of my salvation,This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁷ even the God who executes vengeance for me, and subdues peoples under me.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁸ He rescues me from my enemies. Yes, you lift me up above those who rise up against me. You deliver me from the violent man.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁴⁹ Therefore I will give thanks to you, Yahweh, among the nations, and will sing praises to your name.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.
⁵⁰ He gives great deliverance to his king, and shows loving kindness to his anointed, to David and to his offspring, forever more.This verse is not in this translation's source text (many modern translations omit it). See your Bible's footnote.

Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org

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Open Preschool on its own page

Psalms 18 · Preschool

God Is My Rock

Name Date

Color the rock, the mountain, and the bird. God is strong like a big rock.

Can you find these in the picture? Circle each one!

Bible Verse

“Yahweh is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower.”

Psalms 18:2 (WEB)

Prayer

Thank You, God, for making me!

Take It Home

Read the verse aloud. Say: A big rock is strong and does not move. God is strong like a rock. Let's stand strong and say, God is my rock!

Open Grade 4 on its own page

Psalms 18 · Grade 4

A Song of Deliverance

Name Date

Read and Think

The title of Psalm 18 says David spoke this song in the day that Yahweh delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. A very similar song appears in 2 Samuel 22. David begins with love: I love you, Yahweh, my strength. Then he piles up pictures, calling Yahweh his rock, fortress, deliverer, shield, the horn of his salvation, and his high tower.

David remembers deep trouble, like cords of death around him. In his distress he cried to God, and God heard. The psalm describes God coming down with earthquake, dark clouds, thunder, and lightning, then reaching down to draw David out of many waters. He delivered me, because he delighted in me. David also praises God's character: As for God, his way is perfect. Yahweh's word is tried. He lights my lamp and gives strength for every battle, and the psalm ends with praise for great deliverance.

Show What You Know

Where else does a similar song appear?
Name four pictures David uses for God.
Why did God deliver David, according to verse 19?
What does David say about God's way and word?

Word Bank Fill-In

Use the word bank to fill in each blank.

strengthGodlamprock

David begins with love: I love you, Yahweh, my .
Then he piles up pictures, calling Yahweh his , fortress, deliverer, shield, the horn of his salvation, and his high tower.
In his distress he cried to , and God heard.
He lights my and gives strength for every battle, and the psalm ends with praise for great deliverance.

Think About It

David uses many pictures for God, like a rock and a fortress. Which picture helps you most, and why?
When you are in trouble, what can you learn from David calling on Yahweh?

Memory Verse

“Yahweh is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower.”

Psalms 18:2 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for being my rock. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

God made David's path safe and wide. Where do you need God to steady your steps?
When can you cry out to God for help?

Open Grade 5 on its own page

Psalms 18 · Grade 5

The God Who Rescues

Name Date

Read and Think

The title of Psalm 18 places it in history: David spoke the words of this song in the day that Yahweh delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. It is one of the longest psalms, and a nearly identical version appears in 2 Samuel 22. David opens with personal love, I love you, Yahweh, my strength, and then a cascade of images for God's protection: rock, fortress, deliverer, shield, horn of my salvation, and high tower.

The middle section describes David's rescue in dramatic language. The cords of death and of Sheol surrounded him, and in his distress he cried to God. Then the earth shook, the heavens bowed, and God came down in thick darkness, thunder, and lightning. Such language pictures the power of God's response. The rescue itself is gentle and personal: He took me. He drew me out of many waters. He brought me out also into a large place. He delivered me, because he delighted in me.

The final section praises God for giving victory in battle. As for God, his way is perfect. Yahweh's word is tried. He is a shield to all those who take refuge in him. God lights David's lamp, makes his feet like deer's feet, and gives him strength. The psalm ends with a royal promise: He gives great deliverance to his king, and shows loving kindness to his anointed, to David and to his offspring, forever more. In the New Testament, Paul quotes verse 49 about the nations praising God (Romans 15:9).

Show What You Know

What historical setting does the title give?
What does the dramatic language of earthquake and storm picture?
To whom is God a shield, according to verse 30?
Which New Testament book quotes verse 49?

Crossword

Across

You have also given me the ____ of your salvation.
Yahweh is my ____.
My God will ____ up my darkness.

Down

He delivered me from my ____ enemy.
For you will light my ____.

Think About It

David says God delivered him because he delighted in him. How does it feel to know God delights in his people?
Psalm 18 looks back at how God rescued David. What rescues or answers to prayer can you remember and thank God for?

Memory Verse

“As for God, his way is perfect. Yahweh’s word is tried. He is a shield to all those who take refuge in him.”

Psalms 18:30 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for being my rock. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

David said God trains his hands for battle. How does God prepare you for the struggles you face?
How does Romans use Psalm 18?
What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?

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Psalms 18: Yahweh Is My Rock

Read Psalms 18

Worksheets

God Is My Rock

Prayer

Take It Home

God Is Strong

Trace the Words

Match the Pictures

Mini Maze

Draw It

Prayer

Take It Home

My Rock and My Shield

Trace the Words

Match the Pictures

God My Rock

Prayer

Take It Home

I Love You, Yahweh

Read the Story

Show What You Know

Word Search

Prayer

Take It Home

My Rock and My Fortress

Read the Story

Answer the Questions

God My Rock

Word Search

Prayer

Take It Home

A Song of Deliverance

Read and Think

Show What You Know

Word Bank Fill-In

Think About It

Copy It

Prayer

Take It Home

The God Who Rescues

Read and Think

Show What You Know

Crossword

Think About It

Copy It

Prayer

Take It Home

More print options