A Seven-fold Testimony

The LORD is my Rock, and my Fortress, and my Deliverer; my God, my Strength, in Whom I will trust; my Buckler, and the Horn of my Salvation, and my High Tower. Psalm 18:2

What a testimony given by David! In this single verse, there is a seven-fold ascription of praise to the Lord for His great salvation. Each testimony can be appropriated also by all who trust Him.

1. “My Rock.” The word used here does not mean a stone or even a boulder, but a mighty monolith, immovable and impregnable.
2. “My Fortress.” This word refers to a great bulwark—a strong hold. The Hebrew word is essentially the same as Masada, the high butte where the Jews resisted the Roman armies after the destruction of Jerusalem.
3. “My Deliverer.” “Our God is able to deliver,” even from the fiery furnace, the den of lions, and from the armies of Saul.
4. “My Strength.” This is another word often translated “rock,” this time a rugged, craggy one, most appropriate a symbol of great strength.
5. “My Buckler.” The small movable shield used to “quench all the fiery darts of the wicked” (Ephesians 6:16).
6. “The Horn of my Salvation.” This striking Old Testament symbol is even repeated in the New Testament (Luke 1:69), and applied to the coming Savior, referring either to the “horns of the altar,” where fleeing sinners could cling for refuge, or to the fighting horns of a strong beast.
7. “My High Tower.” Here the word is not for a man-made tower, but for a natural, high, topographic eminence suitable both for watching and for defense.

The great promises of salvation and security in Christ are timeless. The words that bought such hope to David are still a comfort to his followers today.