Psalm 144
- Blessed be the Lord my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:
- 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.
- Lord, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him!
- Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away.
- Bow thy heavens, O Lord, and come down: touch the mountains, and they shall smoke.
- Cast forth lightning, and scatter them: shoot out thine arrows, and destroy them.
- Send thine hand from above; rid me, and deliver me out of great waters, from the hand of strange children;
- Whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood.
- I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee.
- It is he that giveth salvation unto kings: who delivereth David his servant from the hurtful sword.
- 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:
- 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:
- That our garners may be full, affording all manner of store: that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets:
- That our oxen may be strong to labour; that there be no breaking in, nor going out; that there be no complaining in our streets.
- Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the Lord.
A Prayer for Divine Intervention: Trusting in God’s Protection and Providence
Psalm 144 is a fervent prayer for divine assistance and deliverance, as the psalmist acknowledges God as their source of strength and refuge in times of trouble. In its fifteen verses, we witness a plea for protection against enemies and a petition for God’s blessings upon His people. Each stanza serves as a testament to the psalmist’s unwavering trust in the Lord’s providence and power.
The psalm begins with a declaration of praise to the Lord, acknowledging Him as the source of strength and guidance in times of conflict and strife. The psalmist attributes their ability to wage war and fight to the teaching and empowerment of God, who is their fortress and deliverer.
Verses three and four reflect on the frailty of humanity in contrast to the greatness of God, highlighting the ephemeral nature of human existence. Here, the psalmist marvels at the divine attention bestowed upon mortals, despite their fleeting and insignificant status.
In verses five through eight, the psalmist implores God to intervene on their behalf, beseeching Him to come down from heaven and deliver them from the hands of their adversaries. The imagery of God casting forth lightning and scattering the enemy emphasizes His power and authority over all creation.
Amidst the petition for deliverance, the psalmist expresses their commitment to praising God with a new song and musical instruments, recognizing Him as the source of salvation and victory. This declaration of praise serves as a testament to the psalmist’s unwavering faith in God’s ability to overcome their enemies.
Verses eleven through fourteen continue the plea for deliverance, as the psalmist prays for the prosperity and security of their people. Here, the psalmist envisions a future where God’s blessings abound, ensuring the well-being and flourishing of the community.
The psalm concludes with a proclamation of happiness and contentment for those whose God is the Lord. This affirmation of faith serves as a fitting finale to a prayer for divine intervention, as the psalmist acknowledges God as the ultimate source of joy and fulfillment.
In conclusion, Psalm 144 is a heartfelt plea for divine assistance and protection, as the psalmist entrusts their fate to the hands of the Lord. It is a prayer of faith and reliance on God’s providence, recognizing Him as the source of strength and deliverance in times of trouble. Let us, therefore, echo the psalmist’s cry for divine intervention, trusting in God’s unfailing love and care for His people. Amen.