Tokonaki ‘Okatopa 16, 2021
I love you, O Lord
‘OKU OU hau‘alofa‘ia ki he ‘Afiona
Saame 18 (Psalm 18)
(v. 1-2) ‘OKU OU hau‘alofa‘ia ki he ‘Afiona, ‘A hoku mālohinga ko Sihova.
2Ko hoku mo‘unga ‘a Sihova, mo ‘eku kolo, mo hoku hao‘anga; Ko hoku ‘Otua ko hoku makatu‘u ia, ‘a ia ‘oku fai ki ai ‘eku hūfanga: Ko ‘eku pā, mo hoku nifo fakamo‘ui: ko hoku fu‘u taua.
(v. 1-2) I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible
This is one of the most majestic and beautiful of the worship psalms. It is at once a perfect pattern of praise and therefore a great revelation of the method and might and mercy of God. So clear and simple is it in its movement and language that nothing need be said of it save, perhaps, to suggest an analysis to aid in its study.
Prologue of Praise (1-3). Here the psalmist pours out the gladness and gratitude of his heart which thrills with the highest spirit of adoration.
The Peril and Deliverance (4-19). The terrible nature of the peril is first made clear, and then the story of the might and majesty of Jehovah's process is told and the fact of deliverance declared.
The Principle (20-29). The reason of the divine deliverance is declared and the truth of perpetual importance, that God is to man what man is to God, is bed.
The Resultant Confidence (30-45). Again the song breaks forth in almost tumultuous joy. Absolute confidence in God, and assurance of continued triumph are based upon experiences already gained of His goodness.
Epilogue of Praise (46-50). The anthem ends with further sentences which group the benefits conferred on the king by his God and attest his determination to praise God among the nations.
David Guzik :: Study Guide for Psalm 18
I will love You, O LORD: This was a triumphant declaration made in a season of great triumph. It is true that David decided to love the LORD; but even more true that he simply felt compelled to love the LORD who delivered him so wonderfully.
Since he was taken from the sheepfold and anointed the future king of Israel, David had lived some 20 or so years as a fugitive, and as a man who had lost everything. He lost his safety, he lost his youth, he lost his family, he lost his career, he lost his rights, he lost his connection with the covenant people of God, he lost his comforts, and at times he even lost his close relationship with God. Despite all, he remained steadfast to the Lord and God - in His timing - delivered David and fulfilled the long-ago promise of his anointing.
In saying, "I will love You," David used a somewhat unusual word. "This word for love is an uncommon one, impulsive and emotional. Found elsewhere only in its intensive forms, it usually expresses the compassionate love of the stronger for the weaker." (Boice)
"Hebrew, I will love thee dearly and entirely … from the very heart-root." (Trapp)
"The precluding invocation in vv. 1-3 at once touches the high-water mark of Old Testament devotion, and is conspicuous among its noblest utterances. Nowhere else in Scripture is the form of the word employed which is here used for 'love.' It has special depth and tenderness." (Maclaren)
David said, "I will love You" to the God who delivered him; not only for rescuing him from his trial, but for all God did in and through the trials to make him what he was. David wasn't bitter against God, as if he said, "Well, it's about time You delivered me." Instead he was grateful that the years of trouble had done something good and necessary in his life.
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