Psalm 144:1

Blessed Be the LORD, My Rock · Psalm 144:1–15
Read Psalm 144

Translations

Modern
Of David. Blessed be the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.
Traditional
A Psalm of David. Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:
Literal
Of David. Blessed be YHWH, my Rock, the One training my hands for war, my fingers for battle—
Latin
Psalmus David. Adversus Goliath. Benedictus Dominus Deus meus, qui docet manus meas ad prælium, et digitos meos ad bellum.

Original

Hebrew
English
Of David. Blessed be the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.

Notes

my Rock … my steadfast love … my deliverer … my shield: The psalmist’s descriptive names for the Lord reveal his deep love for him.

This lament begins with an exclamation of love for the Lord. The community then reflects on the temporary nature of life (Psalm 144:3–4). The psalmist asks for God's help and anticipates victory (Psalm 144:5–11).

A new song (Psalm 144:9–10) and a prayer for rescue (144:11) introduce the theme of the Lord’s blessings through his care and protection (Psalm 144:12–15).

In this final group of psalms of David, psalms of praise and wisdom (Psalms 138–139, 145) form a frame around five psalms of lament (Psalms 140–144).

Theme notes and profiles

David Royal Psalms Wisdom Psalms

People

David: Anointed king of Israel, ancestor of Jesus Christ

Glossary

Music Psalms, Book of

Topics

Army Blessing: Spiritual, from God David: King of Israel: At This Time, Probably, David Composes Defending Yourself Fighting Fighting Back Following God Gun Control Guns Just War Killing in Self Defense King David Men of Valor Military Service Praise for God's Goodness to Individuals Praise: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Psalms: Intercessional Psalms: Thanksgiving for God's Mercies to Individuals Self Defense Self Murder Swords Training Warriors Weapons