Proverbs: The Fear of the Lord and Wisdom: The Doctrine of Election

David's Dominion

Transcript: AI Transcript

Professor: John Weaver

Subject: Old Testament Studies

Genre: Sermon

Dictation Name:

Date: 2008-03-02

Synopsis: In this concluding sermon on Psalm 18, John Weaver examines verses 37–50 under the headings of defeat, desolation, destruction, and dominion. He argues that David’s military victories prefigure the ultimate triumph of Jesus Christ, who will utterly defeat His enemies, refuse them mercy, and establish His eternal kingdom. The sermon emphasizes that God enables His people to conquer, that there is a time when God will not hear the cries of the wicked, and that all nations will ultimately submit to Christ’s rule.

[John Weaver] And we will take up where we left off and hopefully I'm going to try to bring this one series to a conclusion today. This will be the 10th message from Psalm 18. Let's begin by reading with verse 37 to the end of the chapter. Psalm 18, verse 37. David said, I pursued my enemies and overtaken them. Neither did I turn again till they were consumed. I wounded them that they were not able to rise.

[John Weaver] They are fallen under my feet. For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle. Thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me. Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me. They cried, but there was none to save them, even unto the Lord. But he answered them not. Then did I beat them small as the dust before the wind.

[John Weaver] I did cast them out as the dirt in the streets. Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people, and thou hast made me the head of the heathen. A people whom I have not known shall serve me. As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me. The stranger shall submit themselves unto me. The stranger shall fade away and be afraid out of their close places.

[John Weaver] The Lord liveth, and blessed be my rock, and let the God of my salvation be exalted. It is God that avengeth me and subdueth the people under me. He delivered me from mine enemies, yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me. Thou hast delivered me from the violent man. Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.

[John Weaver] Great deliverance giveth he to his king, and showeth mercy to his anointed, to David and to his seed forever." Very quickly, let me remind you, we've looked at this psalm. Beginning with verse 1, we saw in verses 1 and 2, David's determination, where he said, I will love thee, O Lord. I told you that biblical love consisted of a biblical attitude, biblical affection, and biblical actions. And then we looked in verse 2 at why David gave his reasons for loving the Lord. The Lord was his strength, his rock, his fortress, his God, his trust. His high tower, His buckler, the horn of His salvation, and all of these wonderful reasons. Then in verses 3 through 6, we looked at David's distress. He said in verse 6, in my distress I called upon the Lord, and I pointed out the fact that oftentimes God puts our backs against the wall when we forget Him, and He enables us to remember and cry out unto him. So distress sometimes is indeed an incentive to cry out to the Lord.

[John Weaver] Then we looked at David's deliverer in verses 7 through 19. And we saw how God delivered him and how that David now pictures God under all of these wonderful metaphors that he gives and then in verses 20 through 28 We saw David's deportment or the tight subtitle of that message was how to act if we want to be delivered And of course, then we saw David's defense in verses 29 through 33, David's discipline in verse 34, where he said, the Lord God teaches me to fight. And then we saw David's designation in verses 35 and 36. And now today we come to the final point, David's dominion in verses 37 through 50.

[John Weaver] Now, you remember last week in message number nine, I just simply tried to give you three principles to prepare you for these verses that we're going to be looking at today. And I pointed out that these three principles are hardly ever grasped even by those who profess to believe the Bible, those who profess to be Christians. Nevertheless, they are biblical principles and they are pertinent to us today. What are those three principles I pointed out? First of all, I pointed out that we must understand there is a time for mercy and a time to show no mercy. I showed you from the Bible how that generally speaking, we're to be merciful people. But there are times that we're not to have mercy, and there are times that God forbids us to be merciful to certain individuals and to certain people.

[John Weaver] For instance, a convicted murderer. God said, Thine eyes shall not pity him. If any will not work, neither should he eat. In other words, we're to have no sympathy for individuals who fight against God and who violate his law.

[John Weaver] Secondly, there are times when total warfare, that is, the complete annihilation of one's enemies, is lawful and right. And I went through the Bible and I showed you where God said, generally speaking, That we're not to harm civilians or individuals who are not involved in the battle. That's a general principle. But there were times when God sent his people in and he said, slay them all, man, woman, child, ox, suckling, ass, kill them all. That is total warfare.

[John Weaver] And then the third principle I gave you is this, that we must remember this passage in Psalm 18 is directly applied to Jesus Christ in the New Testament. And thus, when Jesus Christ returns, he will show no mercy to his enemies. And he will wage total warfare against them. That's why in 2 Thessalonians 1 and verse 7, the Apostle Paul wrote, And you who are troubled, rest with us, when our Lord shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, taking vengeance on those who know not God and obey not the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. So it will indeed be total warfare. Now, when you grasp these principles, You'll be able to understand what David is saying in verses 37 through 50, because this is a passage which demonstrates not only David's dominion over his enemies, but inevitably the dominion of the Lord Jesus Christ.

[John Weaver] Now, very quickly, I want us to look at verses 37 through 50 under four simple headings. I want you to see defeat, desolation, destruction and dominion. So we're going to look at defeat in verses 37 through 40. And by that, I mean the defeat of our enemies and the defeat of David's enemies. Notice verse 37, Psalm 18, verse 37. David said, I pursued my enemies and overtaken them.

[John Weaver] Neither did I turn again till they were consumed. I have wounded them that were not able to rise. They're fallen under my feet. For thou hast girded me with strength unto battle, thou hast subdued unto me those that rose up against me, thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me."

[John Weaver] Now, David gives us graphic details concerning the defeat of his enemies. Now, I want you to keep in mind, please, as we look at these verses, that we're not just simply talking about the victories of David. But we're talking about the victories of the greater David, the Lord Jesus Christ. Because David, in this passage, prefigures Christ. I told you last week how this passage is directly applied to Jesus Christ in the New Testament. Now, in actual conflict with God's aid, the defeat of David's enemies is absolutely certain.

[John Weaver] But scripture here basically tells us that a present and a continued success is expressed. And I might add, not just for David, but also for those who stand with David and with David's God. Let me give you a quick quote by Thomas Adams. He was an old author and he said this. Listen carefully. By the way, before I give you the quote, remember the Lex Talionis of Scripture? Lex Talionis is just Latin for the law of retribution.

[John Weaver] You reap what you sow. With what measure you meet, it shall be measured to you again. God always makes the punishment fit the crime. Now listen to this. Thomas Adams said on these verses, Though passion possess our bodies, let patience possess our souls. Now listen to this statement. The law of our profession binds us to a warfare. Our trouble shall end. Our victory is eternal. Here, David's triumph.

[John Weaver] I have wounded them that they were not able to rise. They are fallen under my feet. Thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me. Thou hast given me the necks of mine enemies, etc.

[John Weaver] Now listen to what he says. They have wounds. for their wounds, and the treaders down of the poor are trodden down by the poor. The Lord will subdue those to us that would have subdued us to themselves. And though for a short time they rode over our heads, yet now at last we shall everlastingly tread upon their necks. Lo, then, the reward of the humble patience and confident hope."

[John Weaver] Now, all he is saying is, It doesn't matter if the enemies supposedly ride over our heads for a brief period of time. Those who tread us down shall be trodden down. Those who rode over us shall be ridden over themselves. It's the lex talionis.

[John Weaver] Now, I don't know if you noticed, but I want you to take note of the progression in these verses. David said that he had pursued his enemies, that he had overtaken his enemies, that he had consumed his enemies, that he had wounded his enemies, that they are unable to rise, and he destroyed them. Listen, in defeating them, he destroyed them. He destroyed them so that they would not be able to rise again. Here's an interesting point. David was not politically correct. David could not have functioned in today's society. Why? Well, you've got to consider the fact that David did not save his enemies for a future economic benefit, nor did he save them or use them as a means of increasing tax revenue or governmental control. David did not fight a continual war on terror. No, David ended the war by defeating and destroying his enemies to the extent that they were not able to rise up again. Isn't that interesting? How about it?

[John Weaver] Have you ever seen a leader in recent years who was literally interested in just getting rid of the enemy and let us get on with our lives? Not interested in increasing tax revenues. Not interested in destroying our constitutional and biblical liberties. No, no, no, no. Not interested in controlling the people. Let us just get rid of the enemies and live our lives. David certainly could not have functioned in this politically correct climate today. And you see, it really did not matter who David was fighting. It didn't matter if he was after the Amalekites, or the Jebusites, or the Philistines, or the Moabites. Whoever David fought, the principle was the same. David was out to win. David did not look for a stalemate. He did not look for a compromise. He did not look for a truce. He did not look for a honorable withdrawal. What David looked for was victory, and he meant to have that victory by defeating and destroying his enemies.

[John Weaver] I submit to you, that's a lesson we need to learn again. You know, MacArthur would have taken care of the Communists in Korea. Had he been allowed to do so? Our men could have won in Vietnam if they had been allowed to do so. I'm just simply saying wars are not usually fought for defeating an enemy. They're fought either for economic gain or political control or mass manipulation in today's society. David fought to win. Now look at it. If you would, in verse 37, look what he says.

[John Weaver] He said, I have pursued my enemies and overtaken them, neither did I turn again till they were consumed. Now the word consumed is the Hebrew word Kala, which means literally to consume, to end, to finish. To accomplish an end, to complete and to vanquish. David said, it was God who was enabling him to do that. Look in verse 39, he said, for thou, referring to God, hast girded me with strength unto the battle, thou hast subdued unto me those that rose up against me. Who was it that was enabling David to consume his enemies? It was God.

[John Weaver] Last week I gave you a quote by John Calvin. I want to just once again quote only a part of that quote in light of what we're reading today. Here's what Calvin said. The point in which David insists so much is that of showing from the effect of the issue that all of his victories were to be traced to the favor of God and from this it follows that his cause was good and just. We're apt to think that David here speaks too much after the manner of a soldier.

[John Weaver] and declaring that he will not cease from the work of slaughter until he's destroyed all of his enemies. Or rather, that he's forgotten the gentleness and meekness which ought to shine in all true believers, and in which they should resemble their Heavenly Father. But as he attempted nothing without the command of God, and as his affections were governed and regulated by the Holy Spirit, we may be assured that these are not the words of a man who is cruel, and who took pleasure in shedding blood, but of a man who faithfully executed the judgment of God which had been committed to him. And indeed we know that he was so distinguished for gentleness of disposition as to abhor the shedding of even a single drop of blood, except insofar as duty and the necessity of his office required." Now listen to this.

[John Weaver] We must therefore take into consideration David's vocation and also as pure zeal. Moreover, it should be particularly attended to that the psalmist here calls those his enemies, whose indomitable and infatuated obstinacy merited and called forth such vengeance from God. Farther, let us remember that under this type there is shouted forth the invincible character and condition of the kingdom of Christ. who, trusting to and sustained by the power of God, overthrows and destroys all his enemies, who in every encounter uniformly comes off victorious, and who continues king in spite of all the resistance which the world makes to his authority and power. And then he makes this statement, that Christ can only obtain a tranquil kingdom by fighting. Isn't that interesting? How does Christ obtain his kingdom? And the answer is by fighting. By making war. He destroys his enemies.

[John Weaver] Now, before I press on to the next point, I want you to look at verse 40. Because here's a very interesting verse. David says this, in defeating his enemies, he says, Thou hast also given me the necks of my enemies, That I might destroy them that hate me. What does David mean when he says that has given me the next? Of mine enemies, well, I want you to hold Psalm 18, but go back in your Bibles to the book of Joshua Chapter 10 Joshua Chapter 10. And let's begin reading there with verse 22. Joshua has led the people in the Canaan land. And God has given them victories. And here are several kings now who have been hiding in a cave and they rolled a stone around it until they could get back to them. And Joshua now tells them to move the stone. Look, if you would. And Joshua 10, beginning there in verse 22, then said Joshua, open the mouth of the cave and bring out those five kings unto me out of the cave.

[John Weaver] And they did so. and brought forth those five kings unto him out of the cave, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmath, the king of Elisha, and the king of Eglon. And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, and put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them. And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed.

[John Weaver] Be strong and of good courage. Now look, for thus shall the Lord do to all your enemies against whom you fight." What is the significance of putting your feet upon the necks of your enemies? Well, may I remind you if your foot is upon the neck of your enemy? Number one, he's down. He's defeated. Secondly. I don't know if you're aware of it or not, but a neck is very easily broken. And you can break a man's neck with just one swift kick, and that's it. And when David says that has given me the necks of my enemies. What David is saying is, Lord, you have defeated them.

[John Weaver] You have brought them down under me. They are under my subjugation. I am in control, not my enemies. Their lives and their livelihoods are at my disposal." And Joshua said, don't fear, because this is what God is going to do to all of your enemies. And here, David, this victory is personifying As you shall see, the total victory of Jesus Christ. So we have, first of all, in this passage, defeat.

[John Weaver] Now look in verse 41, because the second truth is we have desolation. This is a very awesome verse. Look in Psalm 18 and verse 41. After he said in verse 40, Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me. Now watch verse 41. They cried. But there was none to save them, even unto the Lord. But he answered them not.

[John Weaver] Now, let me tell you something. It is bad to be defeated. But it's even worse to be deserted and left desolate by the only one who is able to deliver. Are you listening? Since God had delivered these enemies Under David. That means that God was the enemy of David's enemies. Do you remember that passage in Romans 8 in verse 31, where Paul said, if God be for us, who can be against us? So since God was for David, he was against David's enemies. Now listen carefully. God even refused to hear the prayers of David's enemies. That's what verse 41 says. Look at it. They cried, but there was none to save them, even unto the Lord, but he answered them not. Do you realize that God gave us a wonderful promise in Exodus 23 and verse 22? Listen to what God said. But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice and do all that I speak, I will be an enemy to thine enemies and an adversary to thine adversaries." God said, if you obey me, I'll be an enemy to your enemy and an adversary to your adversary.

[John Weaver] And we find in Psalm 18 and verse 41, God was indeed an enemy and an adversary to David's enemies. This is a very horrific thought, yet it is indeed a biblical truth. There will be individuals, there will be men and women who cry to God in times of distress and defeat. And God will not hear them. God will be their enemy. Now, let me tell you, here's a very awesome truth. If one does not call upon God in the season of grace and mercy. There will come a time when no grace or mercy shall be extended. You know what our Lord said in 2nd Corinthians chapter 6 and verse 2 now listen. For he said, I've heard thee in a time accepted and in the day of salvation have I suffered thee. Behold now is the accepted time. Behold now is the day of salvation. In other words, if you're not reconciled to God and saved by God in God's spirit of grace and time, you're not going to be. You'll not have grace and mercy.

[John Weaver] You'll have judgment and desolation. I want you to note that there are numerous passages in the Bible where God said that he will refuse to hear people when they cry. For instance, And Isaiah 1 in verse 15. Let me just quote it. Listen to what God says. And when you spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you. Yea, when you make many prayers, I will not hear, for your hands are full of blood. What did God say? I'm not going to listen to you. In Jeremiah 11 and verse 4, God told Jeremiah, Therefore pray not thou for this people, Neither lift up crying or prayer for them, for I will not hear them in the time that they cry unto me for their trouble." God said, Jeremiah, I'm not going to listen to them when they cry and pray. And I don't want you praying for them, because I'm not going to listen to you. I'm going to destroy them. That's exactly what I'm going to do. And in Jeremiah 14 and verse 12, God said this, when they fast, I will not hear their crying.

[John Weaver] And when they offer burnt offering and an oblation, I will not accept them, but I will consume them by the sword and by the famine and by the pestilence. Wow. Sounds to me like there's a time when folks will be left desolate. They will cry, but there will be none to save them. They'll even cry unto the Lord, but he will not hear them. In Micah 3 and verse 4. The Scripture says, Then shall they cry unto the Lord, but he will not hear them. He will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doing.

[John Weaver] God said, You didn't want to obey me. You didn't want to listen to me. Fine. Now I'm not going to listen to you. You didn't want to hear me. Fine. Now I'm not going to hear you.

[John Weaver] Now let me show you. I want you to turn in your Bibles. Whole Psalm 18. But turn, if you would, to Proverbs chapter 1. If I could spend hours on this one point, but this passage will sum it up for you. Look in Proverbs chapter 1 and let's begin reading there with verse 22. Proverbs 1 and verse 22. There's not only defeat, but there is desolation. Proverbs 1 verse 22. Look what wisdom, and by the way, in Proverbs 8, Jesus Christ is wisdom personified. In Proverbs 1 in verse 22, God asked how long you simple ones would you love simplicity?

[John Weaver] And the scorners delight in their scorning and fools hate knowledge. Now look what God says. Turn you at my reproof. Behold, I will pour out my spirit upon you. I'll make known my words unto you. That's God's reproof. That's God's words. God says because I have called and you refused. I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded. But you have said it not all my counsel, and would have none of my reproof. Look what God says.

[John Weaver] You wouldn't listen to me. I will also laugh at your calamity. I will mock when your fear cometh. When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as whirlwind, when distress and anguish cometh upon you, then shall they call unto me. But I will not answer. They shall seek me early, but they shall not find me. Why? For that they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, they would have none of my counsel, they despised all of my reproof.

[John Weaver] Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way and be filled with their own devices. I've got news for you folks. It's bad to be defeated. But it's even worse to be left desolate by God. There is no hope and there is no help for the wicked who constantly and continually fight against God and his people. They shall be left desolate. Do you remember what our Lord said to the Jews in Matthew 23 and verse 38?

[John Weaver] He said to them, behold. Your house is left to you desolate. I would have gathered you, but you would not. Since you didn't hear me, I won't hear you. Your house is left unto you desolate. Do you remember that passage in Matthew 15 when our Lord was teaching and then his disciples came to him and said, Lord, do you not know that the Pharisees were offended at thy word? They were. Upset.

[John Weaver] They got their feelings hurt. They got mad. Do you not know that the Pharisees were offended at thy word? You know what our Lord said? Let them alone. Let them alone. Every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up. Let them alone. If the blind lead the blind, they shall both fall into the ditch. Let them alone. Those who will not hear God.

[John Weaver] shall only be left defeated. They shall be left desolate.

[John Weaver] Thirdly, if you look in verse 42 of Matthew 18, you'll see destruction. Watch this. Oh, you're talking about destruction. Watch Psalm 18, verse 42, David says, Then did I beat them small as the dust before the wind. I did cast them out as dirt of the street. Wow. I did beat them small as the dust before the wind, and did cast them out as dirt in the street. This verse demonstrates the sure overthrow, final shame, and ruin of evil to all of those who oppose Jesus Christ. Now listen carefully. To be beaten as fine and as small as the dust before the wind, is to be virtually destroyed. What does the wind do to fine dust and fine particles?

[John Weaver] It blows it whithersoever it pleases. So to be beaten as small as the dust and to be cast out as the dirt in the streets is another way of saying that their destruction is irrevocable. Those who are thus destroyed will never ever recover. They're given up by God. He will not answer their cry. They're not only defeated, they're not only desolate, they are destroyed.

[John Weaver] Now, I think you will probably remember this passage without turning there. But since David said he did beat his enemies as small as the dust before the wind, do you remember that passage in Mark chapter 6 and verse 11? Our Lord told His disciples, and whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when you depart this, shake off the dust of your feet for a testimony against them.

[John Weaver] Then He said, I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah than for them in the day of judgment. Shake off the dust. Of your feet. As a testimony against those fine particles. That they will be beaten into will testify against them that they refuse to hear the Word of God beaten to dust. Is indeed a sign of the judgment of God.

[John Weaver] Now notice what else David said in verse 42. He said the latter phrase I did cast them out as the dirt in the streets. Now, to be cast out as dirt is to be treated with contempt and indignation. In 2 Samuel 22 and verse 33, and I told you that Psalm 18 is found in 2 Samuel 22, almost word for word, few small variations. But in 2 Samuel 22 and verse 43, David says it like this, I did stamp them as the mire of the street and did spread them abroad. So the phrase then indicates the low and miserable condition to which they were reduced and it also shows their complete and total conquest and destruction. John Kitto pointed out that to cast forth anyone therefore as the dirt of the streets is a strong image of contempt and rejection. Think about this. If David is casting his enemies as dirt in the streets or mire in the streets, what does that indicate? What is usually put in the streets?

[John Weaver] Garbage, trash, that which is worthless, that which is useless. No one notices it. And no one's going to bother to stoop down and pick it up. Have you ever thought about this? When God withdraws His sovereign protection from an individual or from a people, it is easy to beat them down as the dust of the earth and cast them out as the dirt of the streets. If men will not flee to Jesus Christ and repent of their sins and bow to His Lordship and obey Him, truthfully speaking, the only thing left for them is destruction.

[John Weaver] There can be nothing else. There's only one Lord and one Savior and one salvation. And that's found in Jesus Christ. If you reject Him, there is nothing left. but destruction. Our Lord spoke this truth very plainly in Proverbs 8 verses 35 and 36. I love this passage. Our Lord said, but whoso findeth me findeth life and obtaineth favor of the Lord. Isn't that true? Whoever finds Jesus Christ finds life and obtains favor of the Lord.

[John Weaver] But listen to the next verse. But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul. All they that hate me love death. All those that hate Jesus Christ love death. Wow! You have defeat, desolation, destruction.

[John Weaver] Now, I want you to look at the fourth point. That's dominion. Look in verse 43. Psalm 18, verse 43. David said, Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people. Thou hast made me to be the head of the heathen. A people who have not known shall serve me. As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me. The stranger shall submit themselves to me. The stranger shall fade away and be afraid out of their close places.

[John Weaver] The Lord liveth and blessed be my rock, and let the God of my salvation be exalted. It is God that avengeth me and subdueth the people under me. He delivered me from mine enemies. Yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me. Thou hast delivered me from the violent man. Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.

[John Weaver] Great deliverance giveth he to his king, and show of mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed forever." Let me just remind you that David did indeed conquer many nations and he ruled over them. Undoubtedly, his fame was great. It was not just the people of Israel who sang of David. And who knew the song that Saul has slain his thousands and David his tens of thousands? Listen, in 1 Samuel 21 and verse 11, even the Philistines said this, and the servants of Achish, who was the king of the Philistines, and the servants of Achish said unto him, Is not this David, the king of the land? Did they not sing one to another to him, and dancing, saying, Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands? Even the Philistines knew that tune. They knew who David was. God most certainly, graciously, and mercifully delivered David from the strivings of the people. That's what he said, Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people, in verse 43. Absalom strove against David.

[John Weaver] God delivered him. Absalom died. Shebna, the son of victory, strove against David. He died. Any other tumult that came up in the land evidently was put down as well. David said, You've not only delivered me from the strivings of the people, Thou hast also made me the head of the heathen. I want you to understand something. When you look at Psalm 18, especially verses 43 through 50, it's not just David's dominion that I want you to see. It's the dominion of the greater David, the Lord Jesus Christ.

[John Weaver] Let me give you a quote by Calvin. Just one paragraph. He said this concerning this passage. A people whom I have not known shall serve me." The whole of this passage strongly confirms what I have just now touched upon, that the statements here made are not to be restricted to the person of David, but contain a prophecy respecting the kingdom of Christ which was to come. David, it is true, might have boasted that nations with whose manners and dispositions he was normally very imperfectly acquainted were subject to him, but is nevertheless certain that none of the nations which he conquered were altogether unknown to him, nor removed at so great a distance as to render it difficult for him

[John Weaver] to acquire some knowledge of them. The conquest of David, therefore, and the submission of the people to him were only an obscure figure in which God has exhibited us some faint representation of the boundless dominion of His Son, whose kingdom extends from the rising of the sun even to the going down of the saints. Even John Calvin says what you have in Psalm 18 is just a faint picture, just a faint glimmer of the boundless dominion that we have in Jesus Christ. We've got to remember this, that our God is absolutely sovereign.

[John Weaver] Listen, He rules over the heathen. He reigns over the heathen. They may not know Him. They may not acknowledge Him. They might not worship Him, but that is immaterial. He is still King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and He reigns sovereignly, supremely and singularly over them. I want you to hold Psalm 18, but I want you to turn back in your Bibles to Psalm 2. Turn back to Psalm 2. This is a tremendous Psalm in and of itself.

[John Weaver] And let's begin reading there with verse 1. You see, it really doesn't matter whether the heathen fight against Christ or not. It really doesn't matter whether they want to acknowledge Him or not. Now watch. Psalm 2, verse 1. Why do the heathen rage and the people imagine a vain thing? Well, that's a good question to ask. Why in the world are the heathen raging? Why are they imagining that they can fight successfully against God? Look in verse 2.

[John Weaver] The kings of the earth set themselves and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His anointed, that is against Christ, saying, here's what they say, let us break their bands asunder and cast away their cords from us. In other words, we don't like God being sovereign over us. We don't like his law. We don't like the limitations that he's placed upon our kingdoms and our government. In other words, we want to be tyrants. We want to be totalitarians. We want to do what we want to do. We don't care about God and his law and his boundaries. No, no, no. We don't care about that. So let's break their bans. Let's cast their cords away from us. Now, how severely is that going to upset God? Well, watch.

[John Weaver] He that sitteth in heaven shall laugh. the Lord shall have them in derision.

[John Weaver] Now look, then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. So here all these kingdoms and these kings and these civil rulers are fighting against God. They're fighting against God's law. They're fighting against Jesus Christ. Now watch. Verse 5,"...then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, he shall vex them in his sore displeasure in the midst of all this rebellion."

[John Weaver] He says this,"...Yet, in spite and in light of all this, yet have I set my King upon my holy hill in Zion. I will declare the decree, the Lord hath said unto me, My son, this day have I begotten thee, ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession." Boy, all this rebellion really upsets God, doesn't it? God said, in spite of all that, I've set my Son upon His throne. And all He needs to do is ask. And I will give Him the heathen for His possession. God is on the throne.

[John Weaver] I want you to turn with me to Psalm 46. Psalm 46. And let's look at just a few verses. Psalm 46 and verse 10. Here's one that most of you can quote. But look at it. And look at it in light of the heathen, OK? Psalm 46, verse 10. Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the heathen. I'll be exalted in the earth. Do you realize all the rebellion and wickedness of the heathen? It's not going to stop God from being exalted. Look in Psalm 47 and verse 8. God reigneth over the heathen. God sits upon the throne of His holiness. Who reigns over them? God does. Look in Psalm 98. Psalm 98. Psalm 98. And let's read verse 1 and verse 2. Psalm 98 verse 1.

[John Weaver] O sing unto the Lord a new song, for He hath done marvelous things. His right hand and His holy arm hath gotten Him the victory. The Lord hath made known His salvation. His righteousness hath He openly showed in the sight of the heathen." God is still in control. Look in Psalm 102, verse 15. Psalm 102, verse 15. Here it is. So the heathen shall fear the name of the Lord and all the kings of the earth. What? The heathen shall fear the name of the Lord and all the kings of the earth by glory. Wow.

[John Weaver] Let me just read a couple to you. Let me read Zechariah chapter 9 in verse 10. Listen to this. God says, And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim. and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off, and he shall speak peace unto the heathen."

[John Weaver] Now listen,"...and his dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth." Do you realize if all the heathen in the world united against God in one vast rebellion, it would not create any uneasiness in God. It would accomplish absolutely nothing. God is still on the throne, and God is going to reign forever and ever. Listen to the book of Malachi chapter 1 verse 11. Scripture says, from the rising of the sun even to the going down of the same, my name shall be great among the Gentiles, and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name of pure offering, and my name shall be great among the heathen, except the Lord of hosts.

[John Weaver] I've got news for you. The heathen are going to know who God is either through salvation or damnation, but they're going to know. His name is going to be exalted. You know, the Bible says in Galatians 3 in verse 8, listen now. And the scripture foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith preached before the gospel and Abraham saying in thee shall all nations be blessed. Wow. Yes, Jesus Christ is the greater David, and God has given him all power and all authority in heaven and earth. God has raised Jesus Christ from the dead and has seated Him at His own right hand and given Him absolute, total, and complete dominion so that Jesus Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He's given Him a name which is above every name.

[John Weaver] If you will look in your Bible, since you're close there, to the book of Isaiah 55. Isaiah chapter 55. And look what the Bible says. Concerning Jesus Christ, Isaiah 55 in fact. Verse 4. Isaiah 55. Verse 4. God says, behold, I have given him that is Christ for witness to the people, a leader and a commander to the people. Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that thou knew not, they shall run unto thee, because of the Lord thy God, for the Holy One of Israel, for He hath glorified thee." God gave Jesus Christ as a commander. The Bible says in Psalm 66 and verse 3, Say unto God, how terrible art thou in thy works, Through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee. Through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee. So the enemies of God are going to submit either in salvation or condemnation, but they will submit.

[John Weaver] Let me give you a quote by Charles Haddon Spurgeon. I don't suppose anyone can say anything more beautifully than Spurgeon, but here's what he said. You're talking about this passage from Psalm 18, verses 43 through 50. He says, Thus readily did this once struggling captain, talking about David, become a far renowned victor, and thus easy shall be our triumphs. Now listen, and thus easy shall be our triumphs. In other words, if God has given David victory, God's going to give us victory.

[John Weaver] He goes on, we prefer, however, to speak of Jesus. In many cases, the gospel is speedily received by hearts apparently unprepared for it. Those who have never heard the gospel before have been charmed by its first message and yielded obedience to it, while others, alas, who are accustomed to its joyful sound are rather hardened than softened by its teachings. The grace of God sometimes runs like a fire through the stubble that a nation is born in a day. Love at first sight. is no uncommon thing when Jesus is the ruler. He can write Caesar's message without boasting.

[John Weaver] Weenie, weenie, we see, I came, I saw, I conquered. His gospel is in some cases no sooner heard than believed. What inducements to spread abroad the doctrine of the Christ. Wow. And Christ does come and Christ does Now, I want you to turn the two passages. I want you to turn to Philippians, Chapter two. And Revelation, Chapter 11. Philippians, Chapter two, we're going to be reading at verse five, we're going to see that he came. He saw and he conquered. Watch this. Philippians, Chapter two, verse five. Get ready.

[John Weaver] Let this mind be in you, which also was in Christ Jesus, who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in likeness of men. Now watch, and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient in death, even the death on the cross. Wherefore, God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name, that the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth, and that every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Men will acknowledge Christ. either in salvation or damnation, but acknowledge Him they will.

[John Weaver] And you know the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 15 verse 25, listen to this, For He shall reign, He must reign, till He hath put all His enemies under His feet. Christ will conquer and subdue every enemy. What did David say? David said, Thou hast subdued the people under me. That's exactly what Christ says to the Father. Thou hast subdued all the people under me. How so will God do that? How far? How much? Well, look in your Bibles to Revelation 11 and verse 15. Revelation 11 and verse 15. Here's the answer. Revelation 11 and verse 15.

[John Weaver] And the seventh angel sounded, and there were great voices in heaven saying, Are you looking? Great voices in heaven saying the kingdoms of this world or become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ and he shall reign forever and ever. He shall conquer every kingdom. Every nation. And he shall reign forever and ever and ever. David's victories. in time and history. We're just a faint glimmer of the total victory that we have in Jesus Christ.

[John Weaver] Let me say it like this. The saints temporary dominion in time and history foreshadows the full and total and complete dominion that Christ will exercise. Scripture tells us that God rewards. The righteous in this life. Then he said, how much more the wicked in the center. So if God rewards us with temporary victory and temporary dominion. In time and history. That's just a faint glimmer. Of the permanent and full dominion that will be given to Jesus Christ. Here's another application, folks. In light of all the turmoil in the world, in light of Osama, Obama, and your mama, and McCain, the truth is Jesus Christ is still in control.

[John Weaver] I'm so thankful for that. He rules. He reigns. He shall prevail. And he shall conquer all of his enemies and those who fight against Jesus Christ are just setting themselves up for defeat and desolation and destruction. That's it.

[John Weaver] Now I want you to go back to one last passage in Psalm 2. I want you to see the biblical advice and the biblical counsel of the psalmist. In Psalm 2, we read about all of these kings and civil rulers who are uniting against God, who wanted to cast away the cords of God and break the bands of God from them. They didn't like God. They didn't like God's law. And God said in verse 6, in spite of their rebellion, yet have I set my king upon my holy hill out of Zion. God said in verse 8 to Christ, ask of me and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.

[John Weaver] Ah, watch our Lord conquer. Verse 9, thou shalt break them with a rod of iron. Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

[John Weaver] Now, if you don't want to be broken, here's the biblical advice. Be wise now, therefore, O ye kings. Be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish from the way when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him. Kiss the Son. What's the psalmist say?

[John Weaver] You better make peace with Jesus Christ. Because if you don't, when his anger is kindled but a little, he shall break them with a rod of iron as a potter's vessel is broken. Kiss the son, submit to him, surrender to him in peace and grace and mercy. or else submit to him and kiss him in defeat and desolation and destruction. Because every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father and he shall have dominion over every kingdom and every nation For the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ. Let's pray. Father, thank You for Jesus Christ. Thank You for the Word of God. Thank You for the hope and the promise that we have in Him. Thank You, Lord, that He is the victor, the conqueror, and that all power and all authority in heaven and earth is given to Jesus Christ. And we bow before Him acknowledging that He is the only Lord and Savior, the only God, the only salvation.

[John Weaver] And He is our great victor. And we look to Him and serve Him. And we want to praise Him and honor Him. In Thy holy and blessed name we ask and pray, Amen and Amen.

David's Dominion

John Weaver | SermonAudio

Lecture Metadata	Details
Speaker	John Weaver
Source	SermonAudio
Media ID	42508933132
Subject	Old Testament Studies
Course	Proverbs: The Fear of the Lord and Wisdom: The Doctrine of Election
Genre	Sermon
Date	2008-03-02
Dictation Name
Book	Book 081: Proverbs: The Fear of the Lord and Wisdom - Volume 1 — Chapter 4
Source Timed Segments	81

Formatted Transcript

Introduction and Review

Weaver reviews the previous nine messages on Psalm 18, summarizing David’s determination, distress, deliverer, deportment, defense, discipline, and designation, and introduces the final point: David’s dominion.

And we will take up where we left off, and hopefully I'm going to try to bring this one series to a conclusion today. This will be the 10th message from Psalm 18. Let's begin by reading with verse 37 to the end of the chapter. Psalm 18, verse 37. David said,

Scripture Reading — Psalm 18:37-50

"I pursued my enemies and overtaken them. Neither did I turn again till they were consumed. I wounded them that they were not able to rise." "They are fallen under my feet. For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle. Thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me. Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me. They cried, but there was none to save them, even unto the Lord. But he answered them not. Then did I beat them small as the dust before the wind." "I did cast them out as the dirt in the streets. Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people, and thou hast made me the head of the heathen. A people whom I have not known shall serve me. As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me. The stranger shall submit themselves unto me. The stranger shall fade away and be afraid out of their close places." "The Lord liveth, and blessed be my rock, and let the God of my salvation be exalted. It is God that avengeth me and subdueth the people under me. He delivered me from mine enemies, yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me. Thou hast delivered me from the violent man. Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name." "Great deliverance giveth he to his king, and showeth mercy to his anointed, to David and to his seed forever."

Very quickly, let me remind you, we've looked at this psalm. Beginning with verse 1, we saw in verses 1 and 2, David's determination, where he said, "I will love thee, O Lord." I told you that biblical love consisted of a biblical attitude, biblical affection, and biblical actions. And then we looked in verse 2 at why David gave his reasons for loving the Lord. The Lord was his strength, his rock, his fortress, his God, his trust, his high tower, his buckler, the horn of his salvation, and all of these wonderful reasons. Then in verses 3 through 6, we looked at David's distress. He said in verse 6, "In my distress I called upon the Lord," and I pointed out the fact that oftentimes God puts our backs against the wall when we forget Him, and He enables us to remember and cry out unto him. So distress sometimes is indeed an incentive to cry out to the Lord.

Then we looked at David's deliverer in verses 7 through 19. And we saw how God delivered him and how that David now pictures God under all of these wonderful metaphors that he gives. And then in verses 20 through 28, we saw David's deportment, or the tight subtitle of that message was "How to Act If We Want to Be Delivered." And of course, then we saw David's defense in verses 29 through 33, David's discipline in verse 34, where he said, "The Lord God teaches me to fight." And then we saw David's designation in verses 35 and 36. And now today we come to the final point, David's dominion in verses 37 through 50.

Now, you remember last week in message number nine, I just simply tried to give you three principles to prepare you for these verses that we're going to be looking at today. And I pointed out that these three principles are hardly ever grasped even by those who profess to believe the Bible, those who profess to be Christians. Nevertheless, they are biblical principles and they are pertinent to us today. What are those three principles I pointed out? First of all, I pointed out that we must understand there is a time for mercy and a time to show no mercy. I showed you from the Bible how that generally speaking, we're to be merciful people. But there are times that we're not to have mercy, and there are times that God forbids us to be merciful to certain individuals and to certain people.

Three Preparatory Principles

Weaver recaps three biblical principles: there is a time for mercy and a time to show no mercy; total warfare is sometimes lawful; and Psalm 18 is applied to Christ, who will show no mercy and wage total warfare at His return.

For instance, a convicted murderer. God said, "Thine eyes shall not pity him." "If any will not work, neither should he eat." In other words, we're to have no sympathy for individuals who fight against God and who violate his law. Secondly, there are times when total warfare, that is, the complete annihilation of one's enemies, is lawful and right. And I went through the Bible and I showed you where God said, generally speaking, that we're not to harm civilians or individuals who are not involved in the battle. That's a general principle. But there were times when God sent his people in and he said, "Slay them all, man, woman, child, ox, suckling, ass, kill them all." That is total warfare. And then the third principle I gave you is this, that we must remember this passage in Psalm 18 is directly applied to Jesus Christ in the New Testament. And thus, when Jesus Christ returns, he will show no mercy to his enemies. And he will wage total warfare against them. That's why in 2 Thessalonians 1 and verse 7, the Apostle Paul wrote,

Scripture Reading — 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8

"And you who are troubled, rest with us, when our Lord shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, taking vengeance on those who know not God and obey not the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ."

So it will indeed be total warfare. Now, when you grasp these principles, you'll be able to understand what David is saying in verses 37 through 50, because this is a passage which demonstrates not only David's dominion over his enemies, but inevitably the dominion of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Defeat of Enemies (vv. 37–40)

David’s enemies are pursued, overtaken, consumed, wounded, and destroyed. God enables this victory, giving David the necks of his enemies, signifying total subjugation. David fought to win, not for political or economic gain.

Now, very quickly, I want us to look at verses 37 through 50 under four simple headings. I want you to see defeat, desolation, destruction, and dominion. So we're going to look at defeat in verses 37 through 40. And by that, I mean the defeat of our enemies and the defeat of David's enemies. Notice verse 37, Psalm 18, verse 37. David said, "I pursued my enemies and overtaken them." "Neither did I turn again till they were consumed. I have wounded them that were not able to rise. They're fallen under my feet. For thou hast girded me with strength unto battle, thou hast subdued unto me those that rose up against me, thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me."

Now, David gives us graphic details concerning the defeat of his enemies. Now, I want you to keep in mind, please, as we look at these verses, that we're not just simply talking about the victories of David. But we're talking about the victories of the greater David, the Lord Jesus Christ. Because David, in this passage, prefigures Christ. I told you last week how this passage is directly applied to Jesus Christ in the New Testament. Now, in actual conflict with God's aid, the defeat of David's enemies is absolutely certain.

But scripture here basically tells us that a present and a continued success is expressed. And I might add, not just for David, but also for those who stand with David and with David's God. Let me give you a quick quote by Thomas Adams. He was an old author and he said this. Listen carefully. By the way, before I give you the quote, remember the Lex Talionis of Scripture? Lex Talionis is just Latin for the law of retribution.

You reap what you sow. With what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you again. God always makes the punishment fit the crime. Now listen to this. Thomas Adams said on these verses, "Though passion possess our bodies, let patience possess our souls." Now listen to this statement. "The law of our profession binds us to a warfare. Our trouble shall end. Our victory is eternal. Here, David's triumph."

"I have wounded them that they were not able to rise. They are fallen under my feet. Thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me. Thou hast given me the necks of mine enemies, etc."

Now listen to what he says. "They have wounds for their wounds, and the treaders down of the poor are trodden down by the poor. The Lord will subdue those to us that would have subdued us to themselves. And though for a short time they rode over our heads, yet now at last we shall everlastingly tread upon their necks. Lo, then, the reward of the humble patience and confident hope."

Now, all he is saying is, it doesn't matter if the enemies supposedly ride over our heads for a brief period of time. Those who tread us down shall be trodden down. Those who rode over us shall be ridden over themselves. It's the lex talionis.

Now, I don't know if you noticed, but I want you to take note of the progression in these verses. David said that he had pursued his enemies, that he had overtaken his enemies, that he had consumed his enemies, that he had wounded his enemies, that they are unable to rise, and he destroyed them. Listen, in defeating them, he destroyed them. He destroyed them so that they would not be able to rise again. Here's an interesting point. David was not politically correct. David could not have functioned in today's society. Why? Well, you've got to consider the fact that David did not save his enemies for a future economic benefit, nor did he save them or use them as a means of increasing tax revenue or governmental control. David did not fight a continual war on terror. No, David ended the war by defeating and destroying his enemies to the extent that they were not able to rise up again. Isn't that interesting? How about it?

Have you ever seen a leader in recent years who was literally interested in just getting rid of the enemy and let us get on with our lives? Not interested in increasing tax revenues. Not interested in destroying our constitutional and biblical liberties. No, no, no, no. Not interested in controlling the people. Let us just get rid of the enemies and live our lives. David certainly could not have functioned in this politically correct climate today. And you see, it really did not matter who David was fighting. It didn't matter if he was after the Amalekites, or the Jebusites, or the Philistines, or the Moabites. Whoever David fought, the principle was the same. David was out to win. David did not look for a stalemate. He did not look for a compromise. He did not look for a truce. He did not look for an honorable withdrawal. What David looked for was victory, and he meant to have that victory by defeating and destroying his enemies.

I submit to you, that's a lesson we need to learn again. You know, MacArthur would have taken care of the Communists in Korea had he been allowed to do so. Our men could have won in Vietnam if they had been allowed to do so. I'm just simply saying wars are not usually fought for defeating an enemy. They're fought either for economic gain or political control or mass manipulation in today's society. David fought to win. Now look at it, if you would, in verse 37. Look what he says.

He said, "I have pursued my enemies and overtaken them, neither did I turn again till they were consumed." Now the word "consumed" is the Hebrew word kalah, which means literally to consume, to end, to finish, to accomplish an end, to complete, and to vanquish. David said, it was God who was enabling him to do that. Look in verse 39, he said, "For thou," referring to God, "hast girded me with strength unto the battle, thou hast subdued unto me those that rose up against me." Who was it that was enabling David to consume his enemies? It was God. Last week I gave you a quote by John Calvin. I want to just once again quote only a part of that quote in light of what we're reading today. Here's what Calvin said. "The point in which David insists so much is that of showing from the effect of the issue that all of his victories were to be traced to the favor of God, and from this it follows that his cause was good and just. We're apt to think that David here speaks too much after the manner of a soldier."

"and declaring that he will not cease from the work of slaughter until he's destroyed all of his enemies. Or rather, that he's forgotten the gentleness and meekness which ought to shine in all true believers, and in which they should resemble their Heavenly Father. But as he attempted nothing without the command of God, and as his affections were governed and regulated by the Holy Spirit, we may be assured that these are not the words of a man who is cruel, and who took pleasure in shedding blood, but of a man who faithfully executed the judgment of God which had been committed to him. And indeed we know that he was so distinguished for gentleness of disposition as to abhor the shedding of even a single drop of blood, except insofar as duty and the necessity of his office required." Now listen to this.

"We must therefore take into consideration David's vocation and also his pure zeal. Moreover, it should be particularly attended to that the psalmist here calls those his enemies, whose indomitable and infatuated obstinacy merited and called forth such vengeance from God. Further, let us remember that under this type there is shouted forth the invincible character and condition of the kingdom of Christ, who, trusting to and sustained by the power of God, overthrows and destroys all his enemies, who in every encounter uniformly comes off victorious, and who continues king in spite of all the resistance which the world makes to his authority and power." And then he makes this statement, that Christ can only obtain a tranquil kingdom by fighting. Isn't that interesting? How does Christ obtain his kingdom? And the answer is by fighting. By making war. He destroys his enemies.

Now, before I press on to the next point, I want you to look at verse 40. Because here's a very interesting verse. David says this, in defeating his enemies, he says, "Thou hast also given me the necks of my enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me." What does David mean when he says that God has given him the necks of his enemies? Well, I want you to hold Psalm 18, but go back in your Bibles to the book of Joshua chapter 10. Joshua chapter 10. And let's begin reading there with verse 22. Joshua has led the people in the Canaan land. And God has given them victories. And here are several kings now who have been hiding in a cave and they rolled a stone around it until they could get back to them. And Joshua now tells them to move the stone. Look, if you would, in Joshua 10, beginning there in verse 22, "Then said Joshua, Open the mouth of the cave, and bring out those five kings unto me out of the cave."

"And they did so, and brought forth those five kings unto him out of the cave, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon. And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, and put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them. And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed." "Be strong and of good courage. Now look, for thus shall the Lord do to all your enemies against whom you fight." What is the significance of putting your feet upon the necks of your enemies? Well, may I remind you, if your foot is upon the neck of your enemy, number one, he's down. He's defeated. Secondly, I don't know if you're aware of it or not, but a neck is very easily broken. And you can break a man's neck with just one swift kick, and that's it. And when David says that God has given him the necks of his enemies, what David is saying is, "Lord, you have defeated them."

"You have brought them down under me. They are under my subjugation. I am in control, not my enemies. Their lives and their livelihoods are at my disposal." And Joshua said, "Don't fear, because this is what God is going to do to all of your enemies." And here, David, this victory is personifying, as you shall see, the total victory of Jesus Christ. So we have, first of all, in this passage, defeat.

Desolation of the Wicked (v. 41)

David’s enemies cry out but find no savior; even the Lord does not answer them. This desolation is worse than defeat, as God becomes the enemy of those who reject Him and refuses to hear their prayers.

Now look in verse 41, because the second truth is we have desolation. This is a very awesome verse. Look in Psalm 18 and verse 41. After he said in verse 40, "Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me." Now watch verse 41. "They cried, but there was none to save them, even unto the Lord. But he answered them not."

Now, let me tell you something. It is bad to be defeated. But it's even worse to be deserted and left desolate by the only one who is able to deliver. Are you listening? Since God had delivered these enemies under David, that means that God was the enemy of David's enemies. Do you remember that passage in Romans 8 in verse 31, where Paul said,

Scripture Reading — Romans 8:31

"If God be for us, who can be against us?"

So since God was for David, he was against David's enemies. Now listen carefully. God even refused to hear the prayers of David's enemies. That's what verse 41 says. Look at it. "They cried, but there was none to save them, even unto the Lord, but he answered them not." Do you realize that God gave us a wonderful promise in Exodus 23 and verse 22? Listen to what God said. "But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice and do all that I speak, I will be an enemy to thine enemies and an adversary to thine adversaries." God said, "If you obey me, I'll be an enemy to your enemy and an adversary to your adversary."

And we find in Psalm 18 and verse 41, God was indeed an enemy and an adversary to David's enemies. This is a very horrific thought, yet it is indeed a biblical truth. There will be individuals, there will be men and women who cry to God in times of distress and defeat. And God will not hear them. God will be their enemy. Now, let me tell you, here's a very awesome truth. If one does not call upon God in the season of grace and mercy, there will come a time when no grace or mercy shall be extended. You know what our Lord said in 2 Corinthians chapter 6 and verse 2? Now listen. "For he said, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee. Behold, now is the accepted time. Behold, now is the day of salvation." In other words, if you're not reconciled to God and saved by God in God's spirit of grace and time, you're not going to be. You'll not have grace and mercy.

You'll have judgment and desolation. I want you to note that there are numerous passages in the Bible where God said that he will refuse to hear people when they cry. For instance, in Isaiah 1 in verse 15. Let me just quote it. Listen to what God says. "And when you spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you. Yea, when you make many prayers, I will not hear, for your hands are full of blood." What did God say? "I'm not going to listen to you." In Jeremiah 11 and verse 14, God told Jeremiah, "Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up crying or prayer for them, for I will not hear them in the time that they cry unto me for their trouble." God said, "Jeremiah, I'm not going to listen to them when they cry and pray. And I don't want you praying for them, because I'm not going to listen to you. I'm going to destroy them. That's exactly what I'm going to do." And in Jeremiah 14 and verse 12, God said this, "When they fast, I will not hear their crying."

"And when they offer burnt offering and an oblation, I will not accept them, but I will consume them by the sword and by the famine and by the pestilence." Wow. Sounds to me like there's a time when folks will be left desolate. They will cry, but there will be none to save them. They'll even cry unto the Lord, but he will not hear them. In Micah 3 and verse 4, the Scripture says, "Then shall they cry unto the Lord, but he will not hear them. He will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doing." God said, "You didn't want to obey me. You didn't want to listen to me. Fine. Now I'm not going to listen to you. You didn't want to hear me. Fine. Now I'm not going to hear you."

Now let me show you. I want you to turn in your Bibles. Hold Psalm 18. But turn, if you would, to Proverbs chapter 1. If I could spend hours on this one point, but this passage will sum it up for you. Look in Proverbs chapter 1 and let's begin reading there with verse 22. Proverbs 1 and verse 22. There's not only defeat, but there is desolation. Proverbs 1 verse 22. Look what wisdom—and by the way, in Proverbs 8, Jesus Christ is wisdom personified. In Proverbs 1 in verse 22, God asked, "How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity?"

"And the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge." Now look what God says. "Turn you at my reproof. Behold, I will pour out my spirit upon you. I'll make known my words unto you." That's God's reproof. That's God's words. God says, "Because I have called and you refused. I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded. But you have set at nought all my counsel, and would have none of my reproof." Look what God says.

"You wouldn't listen to me. I will also laugh at your calamity. I will mock when your fear cometh. When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind, when distress and anguish cometh upon you, then shall they call unto me. But I will not answer. They shall seek me early, but they shall not find me. Why? For that they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, they would have none of my counsel, they despised all of my reproof."

"Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way and be filled with their own devices." I've got news for you folks. It's bad to be defeated. But it's even worse to be left desolate by God. There is no hope and there is no help for the wicked who constantly and continually fight against God and his people. They shall be left desolate. Do you remember what our Lord said to the Jews in Matthew 23 and verse 38? He said to them, "Behold, your house is left to you desolate. I would have gathered you, but you would not. Since you didn't hear me, I won't hear you. Your house is left unto you desolate." Do you remember that passage in Matthew 15 when our Lord was teaching and then his disciples came to him and said, "Lord, do you not know that the Pharisees were offended at thy word?" They were upset.

They got their feelings hurt. They got mad. "Do you not know that the Pharisees were offended at thy word?" You know what our Lord said? "Let them alone. Let them alone. Every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up. Let them alone. If the blind lead the blind, they shall both fall into the ditch. Let them alone." Those who will not hear God

shall only be left defeated. They shall be left desolate.

Destruction of the Wicked (v. 42)

David beats his enemies as small as dust and casts them out as dirt, signifying irrevocable destruction and contempt. Those who reject Christ love death and face complete ruin.

Thirdly, if you look in verse 42 of Psalm 18, you'll see destruction. Watch this. Oh, you're talking about destruction. Watch Psalm 18, verse 42. David says, "Then did I beat them small as the dust before the wind. I did cast them out as dirt of the street." Wow. "I did beat them small as the dust before the wind, and did cast them out as dirt in the street." This verse demonstrates the sure overthrow, final shame, and ruin of evil to all of those who oppose Jesus Christ. Now listen carefully. To be beaten as fine and as small as the dust before the wind is to be virtually destroyed. What does the wind do to fine dust and fine particles?

It blows it whithersoever it pleases. So to be beaten as small as the dust and to be cast out as the dirt in the streets is another way of saying that their destruction is irrevocable. Those who are thus destroyed will never ever recover. They're given up by God. He will not answer their cry. They're not only defeated, they're not only desolate, they are destroyed.

Now, I think you will probably remember this passage without turning there. But since David said he did beat his enemies as small as the dust before the wind, do you remember that passage in Mark chapter 6 and verse 11? Our Lord told His disciples,

Scripture Reading — Mark 6:11

"And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when you depart thence, shake off the dust of your feet for a testimony against them."

Then He said,

Scripture Reading — Mark 6:11

"I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah than for them in the day of judgment."

Shake off the dust of your feet as a testimony against those fine particles that they will be beaten into will testify against them that they refuse to hear the Word of God. Beaten to dust is indeed a sign of the judgment of God.

Now notice what else David said in verse 42. He said the latter phrase, "I did cast them out as the dirt in the streets." Now, to be cast out as dirt is to be treated with contempt and indignation. In 2 Samuel 22 and verse 43, and I told you that Psalm 18 is found in 2 Samuel 22, almost word for word, few small variations. But in 2 Samuel 22 and verse 43, David says it like this,

Scripture Reading — 2 Samuel 22:43

"I did stamp them as the mire of the street and did spread them abroad."

So the phrase then indicates the low and miserable condition to which they were reduced and it also shows their complete and total conquest and destruction. John Kitto pointed out that to cast forth anyone therefore as the dirt of the streets is a strong image of contempt and rejection. Think about this. If David is casting his enemies as dirt in the streets or mire in the streets, what does that indicate? What is usually put in the streets?

Garbage, trash, that which is worthless, that which is useless. No one notices it. And no one's going to bother to stoop down and pick it up. Have you ever thought about this? When God withdraws His sovereign protection from an individual or from a people, it is easy to beat them down as the dust of the earth and cast them out as the dirt of the streets. If men will not flee to Jesus Christ and repent of their sins and bow to His Lordship and obey Him, truthfully speaking, the only thing left for them is destruction.

There can be nothing else. There's only one Lord and one Savior and one salvation. And that's found in Jesus Christ. If you reject Him, there is nothing left but destruction. Our Lord spoke this truth very plainly in Proverbs 8 verses 35 and 36. I love this passage. Our Lord said, "But whoso findeth me findeth life and obtaineth favor of the Lord." Isn't that true? Whoever finds Jesus Christ finds life and obtains favor of the Lord.

But listen to the next verse. "But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul. All they that hate me love death." All those that hate Jesus Christ love death. Wow! You have defeat, desolation, destruction.

Dominion of Christ (vv. 43–50)

David’s rule over nations foreshadows Christ’s universal dominion. God has set His King on Zion; the heathen are His inheritance. Every knee will bow to Christ, and His kingdom will be everlasting.

Now, I want you to look at the fourth point. That's dominion. Look in verse 43. Psalm 18, verse 43. David said, "Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people. Thou hast made me to be the head of the heathen. A people who have not known shall serve me. As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me. The stranger shall submit themselves to me. The stranger shall fade away and be afraid out of their close places."

"The Lord liveth and blessed be my rock, and let the God of my salvation be exalted. It is God that avengeth me and subdueth the people under me. He delivered me from mine enemies. Yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me. Thou hast delivered me from the violent man. Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name." "Great deliverance giveth he to his king, and showeth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed forever." Let me just remind you that David did indeed conquer many nations and he ruled over them. Undoubtedly, his fame was great. It was not just the people of Israel who sang of David and who knew the song that "Saul has slain his thousands and David his tens of thousands." Listen, in 1 Samuel 21 and verse 11, even the Philistines said this, "And the servants of Achish, who was the king of the Philistines, and the servants of Achish said unto him, Is not this David, the king of the land? Did they not sing one to another to him, and dancing, saying, Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands?" Even the Philistines knew that tune. They knew who David was. God most certainly, graciously, and mercifully delivered David from the strivings of the people. That's what he said, "Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people," in verse 43. Absalom strove against David.

God delivered him. Absalom died. Sheba, the son of Bichri, strove against David. He died. Any other tumult that came up in the land evidently was put down as well. David said, "You've not only delivered me from the strivings of the people, Thou hast also made me the head of the heathen." I want you to understand something. When you look at Psalm 18, especially verses 43 through 50, it's not just David's dominion that I want you to see. It's the dominion of the greater David, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Let me give you a quote by Calvin. Just one paragraph. He said this concerning this passage. "A people whom I have not known shall serve me." The whole of this passage strongly confirms what I have just now touched upon, that the statements here made are not to be restricted to the person of David, but contain a prophecy respecting the kingdom of Christ which was to come. David, it is true, might have boasted that nations with whose manners and dispositions he was normally very imperfectly acquainted were subject to him, but it is nevertheless certain that none of the nations which he conquered were altogether unknown to him, nor removed at so great a distance as to render it difficult for him to acquire some knowledge of them. The conquest of David, therefore, and the submission of the people to him were only an obscure figure in which God has exhibited to us some faint representation of the boundless dominion of His Son, whose kingdom extends from the rising of the sun even to the going down of the same." Even John Calvin says what you have in Psalm 18 is just a faint picture, just a faint glimmer of the boundless dominion that we have in Jesus Christ. We've got to remember this, that our God is absolutely sovereign.

Listen, He rules over the heathen. He reigns over the heathen. They may not know Him. They may not acknowledge Him. They might not worship Him, but that is immaterial. He is still King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and He reigns sovereignly, supremely, and singularly over them. I want you to hold Psalm 18, but I want you to turn back in your Bibles to Psalm 2. Turn back to Psalm 2. This is a tremendous Psalm in and of itself.

And let's begin reading there with verse 1. You see, it really doesn't matter whether the heathen fight against Christ or not. It really doesn't matter whether they want to acknowledge Him or not. Now watch. Psalm 2, verse 1.

Scripture Reading — Psalm 2:1-12

"Why do the heathen rage and the people imagine a vain thing?"

Well, that's a good question to ask. Why in the world are the heathen raging? Why are they imagining that they can fight successfully against God? Look in verse 2.

"The kings of the earth set themselves and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His anointed," that is against Christ, saying, here's what they say, "Let us break their bands asunder and cast away their cords from us." In other words, we don't like God being sovereign over us. We don't like his law. We don't like the limitations that he's placed upon our kingdoms and our government. In other words, we want to be tyrants. We want to be totalitarians. We want to do what we want to do. We don't care about God and his law and his boundaries. No, no, no. We don't care about that. So let's break their bands. Let's cast their cords away from us. Now, how severely is that going to upset God? Well, watch.

"He that sitteth in heaven shall laugh. The Lord shall have them in derision." Now look, "Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure." So here all these kingdoms and these kings and these civil rulers are fighting against God. They're fighting against God's law. They're fighting against Jesus Christ. Now watch. Verse 5, "Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, he shall vex them in his sore displeasure in the midst of all this rebellion."

He says this, "Yet, in spite and in light of all this, yet have I set my King upon my holy hill in Zion. I will declare the decree, the Lord hath said unto me, My son, this day have I begotten thee, ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession." Boy, all this rebellion really upsets God, doesn't it? God said, "In spite of all that, I've set my Son upon His throne. And all He needs to do is ask. And I will give Him the heathen for His possession." God is on the throne. I want you to turn with me to Psalm 46. Psalm 46. And let's look at just a few verses. Psalm 46 and verse 10. Here's one that most of you can quote. But look at it. And look at it in light of the heathen, OK? Psalm 46, verse 10.

Scripture Reading — Psalm 46:10

"Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the heathen. I'll be exalted in the earth."

Do you realize all the rebellion and wickedness of the heathen? It's not going to stop God from being exalted. Look in Psalm 47 and verse 8. "God reigneth over the heathen. God sits upon the throne of His holiness." Who reigns over them? God does. Look in Psalm 98. Psalm 98. And let's read verse 1 and verse 2. Psalm 98 verse 1.

"O sing unto the Lord a new song, for He hath done marvelous things. His right hand and His holy arm hath gotten Him the victory. The Lord hath made known His salvation. His righteousness hath He openly showed in the sight of the heathen." God is still in control. Look in Psalm 102, verse 15. Psalm 102, verse 15. Here it is. "So the heathen shall fear the name of the Lord and all the kings of the earth." What? The heathen shall fear the name of the Lord and all the kings of the earth by glory. Wow.

Let me just read a couple to you. Let me read Zechariah chapter 9 in verse 10. Listen to this. God says, "And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off, and he shall speak peace unto the heathen."

Now listen, "And his dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth." Do you realize if all the heathen in the world united against God in one vast rebellion, it would not create any uneasiness in God. It would accomplish absolutely nothing. God is still on the throne, and God is going to reign forever and ever. Listen to the book of Malachi chapter 1 verse 11. Scripture says, "From the rising of the sun even to the going down of the same, my name shall be great among the Gentiles, and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name of pure offering, and my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of hosts." I've got news for you. The heathen are going to know who God is either through salvation or damnation, but they're going to know. His name is going to be exalted. You know, the Bible says in Galatians 3 in verse 8, listen now. "And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed." Wow. Yes, Jesus Christ is the greater David, and God has given him all power and all authority in heaven and earth. God has raised Jesus Christ from the dead and has seated Him at His own right hand and given Him absolute, total, and complete dominion so that Jesus Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He's given Him a name which is above every name.

If you will look in your Bible, since you're close there, to the book of Isaiah 55. Isaiah chapter 55. And look what the Bible says concerning Jesus Christ, Isaiah 55, in fact, verse 4. Isaiah 55, verse 4. God says, "Behold, I have given him," that is Christ, "for a witness to the people, a leader and a commander to the people. Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that thou knew not, they shall run unto thee, because of the Lord thy God, for the Holy One of Israel, for He hath glorified thee." God gave Jesus Christ as a commander. The Bible says in Psalm 66 and verse 3, "Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! Through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee." Through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee. So the enemies of God are going to submit either in salvation or condemnation, but they will submit.

Let me give you a quote by Charles Haddon Spurgeon. I don't suppose anyone can say anything more beautifully than Spurgeon, but here's what he said. You're talking about this passage from Psalm 18, verses 43 through 50. He says, "Thus readily did this once struggling captain," talking about David, "become a far renowned victor, and thus easy shall be our triumphs." Now listen, "and thus easy shall be our triumphs." In other words, if God has given David victory, God's going to give us victory. He goes on, "We prefer, however, to speak of Jesus. In many cases, the gospel is speedily received by hearts apparently unprepared for it. Those who have never heard the gospel before have been charmed by its first message and yielded obedience to it, while others, alas, who are accustomed to its joyful sound are rather hardened than softened by its teachings. The grace of God sometimes runs like a fire through the stubble that a nation is born in a day. Love at first sight is no uncommon thing when Jesus is the ruler. He can write Caesar's message without boasting."

"Veni, vidi, vici—I came, I saw, I conquered. His gospel is in some cases no sooner heard than believed. What inducements to spread abroad the doctrine of the Christ!" Wow. And Christ does come and Christ does conquer. Now, I want you to turn to two passages. I want you to turn to Philippians chapter 2 and Revelation chapter 11. Philippians chapter 2, we're going to be reading at verse 5, we're going to see that He came, He saw, and He conquered. Watch this. Philippians chapter 2, verse 5. Get ready.

"Let this mind be in you, which also was in Christ Jesus, who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in likeness of men. Now watch, and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient in death, even the death on the cross. Wherefore, God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name, that the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth, and that every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Men will acknowledge Christ, either in salvation or damnation, but acknowledge Him they will.

And you know the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 15 verse 25, listen to this, "For He shall reign, He must reign, till He hath put all His enemies under His feet." Christ will conquer and subdue every enemy. What did David say? David said, "Thou hast subdued the people under me." That's exactly what Christ says to the Father. "Thou hast subdued all the people under me." How so will God do that? How far? How much? Well, look in your Bibles to Revelation 11 and verse 15. Revelation 11 and verse 15. Here's the answer. Revelation 11 and verse 15.

"And the seventh angel sounded, and there were great voices in heaven saying," Are you looking? "Great voices in heaven saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever." He shall conquer every kingdom. Every nation. And he shall reign forever and ever and ever. David's victories in time and history were just a faint glimmer of the total victory that we have in Jesus Christ. Let me say it like this. The saints' temporary dominion in time and history foreshadows the full and total and complete dominion that Christ will exercise. Scripture tells us that God rewards the righteous in this life. Then he said, "How much more the wicked and the sinner." So if God rewards us with temporary victory and temporary dominion in time and history, that's just a faint glimmer of the permanent and full dominion that will be given to Jesus Christ. Here's another application, folks. In light of all the turmoil in the world, in light of Osama, Obama, and your mama, and McCain, the truth is Jesus Christ is still in control.

Application and Call to Submit

Weaver urges hearers to kiss the Son and make peace with Christ, lest they be broken like a potter’s vessel. The only alternative to submission in grace is submission in judgment.

I'm so thankful for that. He rules. He reigns. He shall prevail. And he shall conquer all of his enemies, and those who fight against Jesus Christ are just setting themselves up for defeat and desolation and destruction. That's it.

Now I want you to go back to one last passage in Psalm 2. I want you to see the biblical advice and the biblical counsel of the psalmist. In Psalm 2, we read about all of these kings and civil rulers who are uniting against God, who wanted to cast away the cords of God and break the bands of God from them. They didn't like God. They didn't like God's law. And God said in verse 6, in spite of their rebellion, "Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion." God said in verse 8 to Christ, "Ask of me and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession." Ah, watch our Lord conquer. Verse 9, "Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron. Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."

Now, if you don't want to be broken, here's the biblical advice. "Be wise now, therefore, O ye kings. Be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish from the way when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him." Kiss the Son. What's the psalmist say?

You better make peace with Jesus Christ. Because if you don't, when his anger is kindled but a little, he shall break them with a rod of iron as a potter's vessel is broken. Kiss the Son, submit to him, surrender to him in peace and grace and mercy, or else submit to him and kiss him in defeat and desolation and destruction. Because every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father, and he shall have dominion over every kingdom and every nation. For the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ. Let's pray. Father, thank You for Jesus Christ. Thank You for the Word of God. Thank You for the hope and the promise that we have in Him. Thank You, Lord, that He is the victor, the conqueror, and that all power and all authority in heaven and earth is given to Jesus Christ. And we bow before Him acknowledging that He is the only Lord and Savior, the only God, the only salvation.

And He is our great victor. And we look to Him and serve Him. And we want to praise Him and honor Him. In Thy holy and blessed name we ask and pray, Amen and Amen.

Study Guide

Major Themes

Divinely Enabled Victory

Summary: God empowers His people to defeat their enemies completely, as seen in David’s conquests and ultimately in Christ’s triumph.

Evidence: David says, 'For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me' (v. 39). Weaver emphasizes that God enabled David to consume his enemies.

The Severity of God’s Judgment

Summary: There is a time when God refuses mercy and will not hear the cries of the wicked, leaving them desolate and destroyed.

Evidence: Verse 41: 'They cried, but there was none to save them: even unto the Lord, but he answered them not.' Weaver cites Proverbs 1:24–31 and other passages to show God’s refusal to hear.

Christ’s Universal Dominion

Summary: David’s kingdom prefigures the greater dominion of Jesus Christ, who will rule over all nations and subdue every enemy.

Evidence: Weaver quotes Calvin: 'the statements here made are not to be restricted to the person of David, but contain a prophecy respecting the kingdom of Christ.' He references Psalm 2, Philippians 2, and Revelation 11.

The Necessity of Submission to Christ

Summary: All people must submit to Christ either willingly in salvation or forcibly in judgment; there is no neutral ground.

Evidence: Weaver concludes with Psalm 2:10–12: 'Kiss the Son, lest he be angry… Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.'

Key Arguments

David’s warfare was total and God-ordained

Summary: David did not seek compromise or truce but pursued complete destruction of his enemies, acting under God’s command and with His strength.

Evidence: Weaver says, 'David did not look for a stalemate… What David looked for was victory, and he meant to have that victory by defeating and destroying his enemies.' He cites Calvin to argue David’s actions were not cruel but faithful execution of God’s judgment.

God’s refusal to hear the wicked is a biblical reality

Summary: Scripture teaches that God will not always answer the prayers of those who persistently reject Him; there is a point of no return.

Evidence: Weaver quotes Isaiah 1:15, Jeremiah 11:14, and Proverbs 1:24–31 to demonstrate that God hides His face and refuses to hear when judgment is determined.

Christ’s kingdom advances through conquest

Summary: Jesus Christ obtains His tranquil kingdom by fighting and destroying His enemies, not through passive acceptance.

Evidence: Weaver quotes Calvin: 'Christ can only obtain a tranquil kingdom by fighting.' He references 1 Corinthians 15:25 and Revelation 11:15 to show Christ’s ultimate victory.

The heathen will acknowledge God’s sovereignty

Summary: Whether through salvation or judgment, every nation and individual will ultimately confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Evidence: Weaver cites Psalm 46:10, Psalm 47:8, and Philippians 2:10–11 to argue that God’s name will be exalted among the heathen and every knee will bow.

Scripture References

Psalm 18:37-50

Context: The primary text of the sermon, describing David’s defeat of his enemies and his dominion, applied to Christ.

2 Thessalonians 1:7-8

Context: Used to show that Christ will return in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, illustrating total warfare.

Joshua 10:22-25

Context: Illustrates the significance of putting feet on the necks of enemies, symbolizing total defeat and subjugation.

Romans 8:31

Context: Quoted to show that if God is for us, He is against our enemies, as He was against David’s enemies.

Exodus 23:22

Context: God’s promise to be an enemy to His people’s enemies if they obey Him, applied to David’s situation.

2 Corinthians 6:2

Context: Emphasizes that now is the day of salvation; there is a limited time of grace before judgment.

Isaiah 1:15

Context: God says He will not hear prayers when hands are full of blood, illustrating His refusal to listen to the wicked.

Jeremiah 11:14

Context: God tells Jeremiah not to pray for the people because He will not hear them, showing divine rejection.

Jeremiah 14:12

Context: God declares He will consume the people by sword, famine, and pestilence rather than accept their offerings.

Micah 3:4

Context: God will hide His face from those who have behaved ill, refusing to hear their cries.

Proverbs 1:22-31

Context: Wisdom personified warns that those who reject her call will not be answered when calamity comes; God will laugh at their destruction.

Matthew 23:38

Context: Jesus tells the Jews their house is left desolate because they would not be gathered, paralleling the desolation of the wicked.

Matthew 15:12-14

Context: Jesus says to let the Pharisees alone; the blind leading the blind will fall into a ditch, illustrating divine abandonment.

Mark 6:11

Context: Shaking off dust as a testimony against those who reject the gospel, connecting to being beaten as dust.

2 Samuel 22:43

Context: Parallel passage where David says he stamped enemies as mire, reinforcing the image of contempt and destruction.

Proverbs 8:35-36

Context: Those who find Christ find life; those who hate Him love death, summarizing the fate of the wicked.

Psalm 2:1-12

Context: The rebellion of the heathen and God’s response: He sets His King on Zion and gives the nations as an inheritance; the call to kiss the Son.

Psalm 46:10

Context: God will be exalted among the heathen, affirming His sovereignty over all nations.

Psalm 47:8

Context: God reigns over the heathen, sitting on His holy throne.

Philippians 2:5-11

Context: Christ humbled Himself and was exalted; every knee will bow and every tongue confess Him as Lord.

Historical References

Thomas Adams (old author)

Context: Quoted on the lex talionis and the reward of patient hope: 'They have wounds for their wounds… we shall everlastingly tread upon their necks.'

John Calvin

Context: Quoted to argue that David’s victories were from God and that his actions were not cruel but faithful execution of divine judgment; also that the passage prophesies Christ’s kingdom.

General MacArthur (Korean War)

Context: Mentioned as an example of a leader who could have defeated the enemy if allowed, illustrating the principle of fighting to win.

Vietnam War

Context: Used as an example of a conflict where victory was not pursued due to political constraints, contrasting with David’s total warfare.

John Kitto

Context: Cited on the phrase 'cast out as dirt' as a strong image of contempt and rejection.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Context: Quoted on the ease of Christ’s triumphs and the rapid spread of the gospel: 'Love at first sight is no uncommon thing when Jesus is the ruler.'

Important Quotes

I pursued my enemies and overtaken them. Neither did I turn again till they were consumed. I wounded them that they were not able to rise.

Significance: David’s declaration of total victory, setting the theme of defeat and destruction of enemies.

They cried, but there was none to save them, even unto the Lord. But he answered them not.

Significance: Highlights the desolation of the wicked when God refuses to hear their prayers.

Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me.

Significance: Symbolizes total subjugation and the power to destroy, fulfilled in Christ.

The point in which David insists so much is that of showing from the effect of the issue that all of his victories were to be traced to the favor of God, and from this it follows that his cause was good and just.

Significance: Calvin’s defense of David’s warfare as divinely sanctioned, not personal cruelty.

Christ can only obtain a tranquil kingdom by fighting.

Significance: Calvin’s statement that Christ’s reign comes through conquest, not passive acceptance.

Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish from the way when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him.

Significance: The concluding call to submit to Christ in grace to avoid destruction.

Discussion Questions

How does David’s approach to warfare in Psalm 18 challenge modern ideas of political correctness and limited conflict?

Context: Weaver contrasts David’s total victory with contemporary wars fought for economic or political gain.

What does it mean that God will not hear the prayers of the wicked, and how should this affect our urgency in evangelism?

Context: Weaver cites multiple passages where God refuses to listen to those who reject Him, emphasizing a limited time of grace.

In what ways does David’s dominion prefigure the kingdom of Christ, and how should this shape our hope in current world events?

Context: Weaver argues that David’s victories are a faint glimmer of Christ’s ultimate reign over all nations.

How can we reconcile the biblical commands to love our enemies with the imprecatory nature of Psalm 18?

Context: Weaver discusses the principle that there is a time for mercy and a time for judgment, using David as a type of Christ.

What does it mean to 'kiss the Son' in practical terms, and how does this apply to both believers and unbelievers?

Context: Weaver concludes with Psalm 2’s call to submit to Christ, warning of His wrath.

Applications

Trust in God’s sovereignty over world events

Summary: Believers should not be anxious about global turmoil because Christ reigns and will ultimately subdue all enemies.

Evidence: Weaver says, 'In light of all the turmoil in the world… Jesus Christ is still in control. He rules. He reigns. He shall prevail.'

Urgency of repentance and faith

Summary: Since there is a time when God will not hear, people must turn to Christ now while grace is available.

Evidence: Weaver emphasizes 2 Corinthians 6:2: 'now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.'

Confidence in spiritual warfare

Summary: Just as God enabled David to defeat physical enemies, He empowers believers to overcome spiritual foes through Christ.

Evidence: Weaver quotes Spurgeon: 'thus easy shall be our triumphs' and applies David’s victory to the saints.

Submission to Christ’s lordship

Summary: Every person must willingly bow to Christ now or be forced to bow later; the wise choice is to serve Him with fear and rejoice with trembling.

Evidence: Weaver concludes with Psalm 2:11-12, urging hearers to 'Kiss the Son' and put their trust in Him.

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deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | weaver_study | 2026-06-06T11:35:48Z

Clean Transcript

David's Dominion

Clean readable transcript. This view follows the Commentary.net cleaned segment text while preserving timestamps for audio follow-along.

And we will take up where we left off, and hopefully I'm going to try to bring this one series to a conclusion today. This will be the 10th message from Psalm 18. Let's begin by reading with verse 37 to the end of the chapter. Psalm 18, verse 37. David said, "I pursued my enemies and overtaken them. Neither did I turn again till they were consumed. I wounded them that they were not able to rise."
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"They are fallen under my feet. For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle. Thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me. Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me. They cried, but there was none to save them, even unto the Lord. But he answered them not. Then did I beat them small as the dust before the wind."
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"I did cast them out as the dirt in the streets. Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people, and thou hast made me the head of the heathen. A people whom I have not known shall serve me. As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me. The stranger shall submit themselves unto me. The stranger shall fade away and be afraid out of their close places."
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"The Lord liveth, and blessed be my rock, and let the God of my salvation be exalted. It is God that avengeth me and subdueth the people under me. He delivered me from mine enemies, yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me. Thou hast delivered me from the violent man. Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name."
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"Great deliverance giveth he to his king, and showeth mercy to his anointed, to David and to his seed forever." Very quickly, let me remind you, we've looked at this psalm. Beginning with verse 1, we saw in verses 1 and 2, David's determination, where he said, "I will love thee, O Lord." I told you that biblical love consisted of a biblical attitude, biblical affection, and biblical actions. And then we looked in verse 2 at why David gave his reasons for loving the Lord. The Lord was his strength, his rock, his fortress, his God, his trust, his high tower, his buckler, the horn of his salvation, and all of these wonderful reasons. Then in verses 3 through 6, we looked at David's distress. He said in verse 6, "In my distress I called upon the Lord," and I pointed out the fact that oftentimes God puts our backs against the wall when we forget Him, and He enables us to remember and cry out unto him. So distress sometimes is indeed an incentive to cry out to the Lord.
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Then we looked at David's deliverer in verses 7 through 19. And we saw how God delivered him and how that David now pictures God under all of these wonderful metaphors that he gives. And then in verses 20 through 28, we saw David's deportment, or the tight subtitle of that message was "How to Act If We Want to Be Delivered." And of course, then we saw David's defense in verses 29 through 33, David's discipline in verse 34, where he said, "The Lord God teaches me to fight." And then we saw David's designation in verses 35 and 36. And now today we come to the final point, David's dominion in verses 37 through 50.
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Now, you remember last week in message number nine, I just simply tried to give you three principles to prepare you for these verses that we're going to be looking at today. And I pointed out that these three principles are hardly ever grasped even by those who profess to believe the Bible, those who profess to be Christians. Nevertheless, they are biblical principles and they are pertinent to us today. What are those three principles I pointed out? First of all, I pointed out that we must understand there is a time for mercy and a time to show no mercy. I showed you from the Bible how that generally speaking, we're to be merciful people. But there are times that we're not to have mercy, and there are times that God forbids us to be merciful to certain individuals and to certain people.
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For instance, a convicted murderer. God said, "Thine eyes shall not pity him." "If any will not work, neither should he eat." In other words, we're to have no sympathy for individuals who fight against God and who violate his law.
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Secondly, there are times when total warfare, that is, the complete annihilation of one's enemies, is lawful and right. And I went through the Bible and I showed you where God said, generally speaking, that we're not to harm civilians or individuals who are not involved in the battle. That's a general principle. But there were times when God sent his people in and he said, "Slay them all, man, woman, child, ox, suckling, ass, kill them all." That is total warfare.
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And then the third principle I gave you is this, that we must remember this passage in Psalm 18 is directly applied to Jesus Christ in the New Testament. And thus, when Jesus Christ returns, he will show no mercy to his enemies. And he will wage total warfare against them. That's why in 2 Thessalonians 1 and verse 7, the Apostle Paul wrote, "And you who are troubled, rest with us, when our Lord shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, taking vengeance on those who know not God and obey not the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ." So it will indeed be total warfare. Now, when you grasp these principles, you'll be able to understand what David is saying in verses 37 through 50, because this is a passage which demonstrates not only David's dominion over his enemies, but inevitably the dominion of the Lord Jesus Christ.
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Now, very quickly, I want us to look at verses 37 through 50 under four simple headings. I want you to see defeat, desolation, destruction, and dominion. So we're going to look at defeat in verses 37 through 40. And by that, I mean the defeat of our enemies and the defeat of David's enemies. Notice verse 37, Psalm 18, verse 37. David said, "I pursued my enemies and overtaken them."
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"Neither did I turn again till they were consumed. I have wounded them that were not able to rise. They're fallen under my feet. For thou hast girded me with strength unto battle, thou hast subdued unto me those that rose up against me, thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me."
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Now, David gives us graphic details concerning the defeat of his enemies. Now, I want you to keep in mind, please, as we look at these verses, that we're not just simply talking about the victories of David. But we're talking about the victories of the greater David, the Lord Jesus Christ. Because David, in this passage, prefigures Christ. I told you last week how this passage is directly applied to Jesus Christ in the New Testament. Now, in actual conflict with God's aid, the defeat of David's enemies is absolutely certain.
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But scripture here basically tells us that a present and a continued success is expressed. And I might add, not just for David, but also for those who stand with David and with David's God. Let me give you a quick quote by Thomas Adams. He was an old author and he said this. Listen carefully. By the way, before I give you the quote, remember the Lex Talionis of Scripture? Lex Talionis is just Latin for the law of retribution.
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You reap what you sow. With what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you again. God always makes the punishment fit the crime. Now listen to this. Thomas Adams said on these verses, "Though passion possess our bodies, let patience possess our souls." Now listen to this statement. "The law of our profession binds us to a warfare. Our trouble shall end. Our victory is eternal. Here, David's triumph."
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"I have wounded them that they were not able to rise. They are fallen under my feet. Thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me. Thou hast given me the necks of mine enemies, etc."
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Now listen to what he says. "They have wounds for their wounds, and the treaders down of the poor are trodden down by the poor. The Lord will subdue those to us that would have subdued us to themselves. And though for a short time they rode over our heads, yet now at last we shall everlastingly tread upon their necks. Lo, then, the reward of the humble patience and confident hope."
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Now, all he is saying is, it doesn't matter if the enemies supposedly ride over our heads for a brief period of time. Those who tread us down shall be trodden down. Those who rode over us shall be ridden over themselves. It's the lex talionis.
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Now, I don't know if you noticed, but I want you to take note of the progression in these verses. David said that he had pursued his enemies, that he had overtaken his enemies, that he had consumed his enemies, that he had wounded his enemies, that they are unable to rise, and he destroyed them. Listen, in defeating them, he destroyed them. He destroyed them so that they would not be able to rise again. Here's an interesting point. David was not politically correct. David could not have functioned in today's society. Why? Well, you've got to consider the fact that David did not save his enemies for a future economic benefit, nor did he save them or use them as a means of increasing tax revenue or governmental control. David did not fight a continual war on terror. No, David ended the war by defeating and destroying his enemies to the extent that they were not able to rise up again. Isn't that interesting? How about it?
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Have you ever seen a leader in recent years who was literally interested in just getting rid of the enemy and let us get on with our lives? Not interested in increasing tax revenues. Not interested in destroying our constitutional and biblical liberties. No, no, no, no. Not interested in controlling the people. Let us just get rid of the enemies and live our lives. David certainly could not have functioned in this politically correct climate today. And you see, it really did not matter who David was fighting. It didn't matter if he was after the Amalekites, or the Jebusites, or the Philistines, or the Moabites. Whoever David fought, the principle was the same. David was out to win. David did not look for a stalemate. He did not look for a compromise. He did not look for a truce. He did not look for an honorable withdrawal. What David looked for was victory, and he meant to have that victory by defeating and destroying his enemies.
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I submit to you, that's a lesson we need to learn again. You know, MacArthur would have taken care of the Communists in Korea had he been allowed to do so. Our men could have won in Vietnam if they had been allowed to do so. I'm just simply saying wars are not usually fought for defeating an enemy. They're fought either for economic gain or political control or mass manipulation in today's society. David fought to win. Now look at it, if you would, in verse 37. Look what he says.
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He said, "I have pursued my enemies and overtaken them, neither did I turn again till they were consumed." Now the word "consumed" is the Hebrew word kalah, which means literally to consume, to end, to finish, to accomplish an end, to complete, and to vanquish. David said, it was God who was enabling him to do that. Look in verse 39, he said, "For thou," referring to God, "hast girded me with strength unto the battle, thou hast subdued unto me those that rose up against me." Who was it that was enabling David to consume his enemies? It was God.
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Last week I gave you a quote by John Calvin. I want to just once again quote only a part of that quote in light of what we're reading today. Here's what Calvin said. "The point in which David insists so much is that of showing from the effect of the issue that all of his victories were to be traced to the favor of God, and from this it follows that his cause was good and just. We're apt to think that David here speaks too much after the manner of a soldier."
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"and declaring that he will not cease from the work of slaughter until he's destroyed all of his enemies. Or rather, that he's forgotten the gentleness and meekness which ought to shine in all true believers, and in which they should resemble their Heavenly Father. But as he attempted nothing without the command of God, and as his affections were governed and regulated by the Holy Spirit, we may be assured that these are not the words of a man who is cruel, and who took pleasure in shedding blood, but of a man who faithfully executed the judgment of God which had been committed to him. And indeed we know that he was so distinguished for gentleness of disposition as to abhor the shedding of even a single drop of blood, except insofar as duty and the necessity of his office required." Now listen to this.
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"We must therefore take into consideration David's vocation and also his pure zeal. Moreover, it should be particularly attended to that the psalmist here calls those his enemies, whose indomitable and infatuated obstinacy merited and called forth such vengeance from God. Further, let us remember that under this type there is shouted forth the invincible character and condition of the kingdom of Christ, who, trusting to and sustained by the power of God, overthrows and destroys all his enemies, who in every encounter uniformly comes off victorious, and who continues king in spite of all the resistance which the world makes to his authority and power." And then he makes this statement, that Christ can only obtain a tranquil kingdom by fighting. Isn't that interesting? How does Christ obtain his kingdom? And the answer is by fighting. By making war. He destroys his enemies.
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Now, before I press on to the next point, I want you to look at verse 40. Because here's a very interesting verse. David says this, in defeating his enemies, he says, "Thou hast also given me the necks of my enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me." What does David mean when he says that God has given him the necks of his enemies? Well, I want you to hold Psalm 18, but go back in your Bibles to the book of Joshua chapter 10. Joshua chapter 10. And let's begin reading there with verse 22. Joshua has led the people in the Canaan land. And God has given them victories. And here are several kings now who have been hiding in a cave and they rolled a stone around it until they could get back to them. And Joshua now tells them to move the stone. Look, if you would, in Joshua 10, beginning there in verse 22, "Then said Joshua, Open the mouth of the cave, and bring out those five kings unto me out of the cave."
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"And they did so, and brought forth those five kings unto him out of the cave, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon. And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the captains of the men of war which went with him, Come near, and put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them. And Joshua said unto them, Fear not, nor be dismayed."
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"Be strong and of good courage. Now look, for thus shall the Lord do to all your enemies against whom you fight." What is the significance of putting your feet upon the necks of your enemies? Well, may I remind you, if your foot is upon the neck of your enemy, number one, he's down. He's defeated. Secondly, I don't know if you're aware of it or not, but a neck is very easily broken. And you can break a man's neck with just one swift kick, and that's it. And when David says that God has given him the necks of his enemies, what David is saying is, "Lord, you have defeated them."
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"You have brought them down under me. They are under my subjugation. I am in control, not my enemies. Their lives and their livelihoods are at my disposal." And Joshua said, "Don't fear, because this is what God is going to do to all of your enemies." And here, David, this victory is personifying, as you shall see, the total victory of Jesus Christ. So we have, first of all, in this passage, defeat.
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Now look in verse 41, because the second truth is we have desolation. This is a very awesome verse. Look in Psalm 18 and verse 41. After he said in verse 40, "Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me." Now watch verse 41. "They cried, but there was none to save them, even unto the Lord. But he answered them not."
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Now, let me tell you something. It is bad to be defeated. But it's even worse to be deserted and left desolate by the only one who is able to deliver. Are you listening? Since God had delivered these enemies under David, that means that God was the enemy of David's enemies. Do you remember that passage in Romans 8 in verse 31, where Paul said, "If God be for us, who can be against us?" So since God was for David, he was against David's enemies. Now listen carefully. God even refused to hear the prayers of David's enemies. That's what verse 41 says. Look at it. "They cried, but there was none to save them, even unto the Lord, but he answered them not." Do you realize that God gave us a wonderful promise in Exodus 23 and verse 22? Listen to what God said. "But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice and do all that I speak, I will be an enemy to thine enemies and an adversary to thine adversaries." God said, "If you obey me, I'll be an enemy to your enemy and an adversary to your adversary."
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And we find in Psalm 18 and verse 41, God was indeed an enemy and an adversary to David's enemies. This is a very horrific thought, yet it is indeed a biblical truth. There will be individuals, there will be men and women who cry to God in times of distress and defeat. And God will not hear them. God will be their enemy. Now, let me tell you, here's a very awesome truth. If one does not call upon God in the season of grace and mercy, there will come a time when no grace or mercy shall be extended. You know what our Lord said in 2 Corinthians chapter 6 and verse 2? Now listen. "For he said, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee. Behold, now is the accepted time. Behold, now is the day of salvation." In other words, if you're not reconciled to God and saved by God in God's spirit of grace and time, you're not going to be. You'll not have grace and mercy.
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You'll have judgment and desolation. I want you to note that there are numerous passages in the Bible where God said that he will refuse to hear people when they cry. For instance, in Isaiah 1 in verse 15. Let me just quote it. Listen to what God says. "And when you spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you. Yea, when you make many prayers, I will not hear, for your hands are full of blood." What did God say? "I'm not going to listen to you." In Jeremiah 11 and verse 14, God told Jeremiah, "Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up crying or prayer for them, for I will not hear them in the time that they cry unto me for their trouble." God said, "Jeremiah, I'm not going to listen to them when they cry and pray. And I don't want you praying for them, because I'm not going to listen to you. I'm going to destroy them. That's exactly what I'm going to do." And in Jeremiah 14 and verse 12, God said this, "When they fast, I will not hear their crying."
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"And when they offer burnt offering and an oblation, I will not accept them, but I will consume them by the sword and by the famine and by the pestilence." Wow. Sounds to me like there's a time when folks will be left desolate. They will cry, but there will be none to save them. They'll even cry unto the Lord, but he will not hear them. In Micah 3 and verse 4, the Scripture says, "Then shall they cry unto the Lord, but he will not hear them. He will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doing."
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God said, "You didn't want to obey me. You didn't want to listen to me. Fine. Now I'm not going to listen to you. You didn't want to hear me. Fine. Now I'm not going to hear you."
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Now let me show you. I want you to turn in your Bibles. Hold Psalm 18. But turn, if you would, to Proverbs chapter 1. If I could spend hours on this one point, but this passage will sum it up for you. Look in Proverbs chapter 1 and let's begin reading there with verse 22. Proverbs 1 and verse 22. There's not only defeat, but there is desolation. Proverbs 1 verse 22. Look what wisdom—and by the way, in Proverbs 8, Jesus Christ is wisdom personified. In Proverbs 1 in verse 22, God asked, "How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity?"
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"And the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge." Now look what God says. "Turn you at my reproof. Behold, I will pour out my spirit upon you. I'll make known my words unto you." That's God's reproof. That's God's words. God says, "Because I have called and you refused. I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded. But you have set at nought all my counsel, and would have none of my reproof." Look what God says.
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"You wouldn't listen to me. I will also laugh at your calamity. I will mock when your fear cometh. When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind, when distress and anguish cometh upon you, then shall they call unto me. But I will not answer. They shall seek me early, but they shall not find me. Why? For that they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, they would have none of my counsel, they despised all of my reproof."
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"Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way and be filled with their own devices." I've got news for you folks. It's bad to be defeated. But it's even worse to be left desolate by God. There is no hope and there is no help for the wicked who constantly and continually fight against God and his people. They shall be left desolate. Do you remember what our Lord said to the Jews in Matthew 23 and verse 38?
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He said to them, "Behold, your house is left to you desolate. I would have gathered you, but you would not. Since you didn't hear me, I won't hear you. Your house is left unto you desolate." Do you remember that passage in Matthew 15 when our Lord was teaching and then his disciples came to him and said, "Lord, do you not know that the Pharisees were offended at thy word?" They were upset.
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They got their feelings hurt. They got mad. "Do you not know that the Pharisees were offended at thy word?" You know what our Lord said? "Let them alone. Let them alone. Every plant which my heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up. Let them alone. If the blind lead the blind, they shall both fall into the ditch. Let them alone." Those who will not hear God
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shall only be left defeated. They shall be left desolate.
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Thirdly, if you look in verse 42 of Psalm 18, you'll see destruction. Watch this. Oh, you're talking about destruction. Watch Psalm 18, verse 42. David says, "Then did I beat them small as the dust before the wind. I did cast them out as dirt of the street." Wow. "I did beat them small as the dust before the wind, and did cast them out as dirt in the street." This verse demonstrates the sure overthrow, final shame, and ruin of evil to all of those who oppose Jesus Christ. Now listen carefully. To be beaten as fine and as small as the dust before the wind is to be virtually destroyed. What does the wind do to fine dust and fine particles?
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It blows it whithersoever it pleases. So to be beaten as small as the dust and to be cast out as the dirt in the streets is another way of saying that their destruction is irrevocable. Those who are thus destroyed will never ever recover. They're given up by God. He will not answer their cry. They're not only defeated, they're not only desolate, they are destroyed.
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Now, I think you will probably remember this passage without turning there. But since David said he did beat his enemies as small as the dust before the wind, do you remember that passage in Mark chapter 6 and verse 11? Our Lord told His disciples, "And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when you depart thence, shake off the dust of your feet for a testimony against them."
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Then He said, "I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah than for them in the day of judgment." Shake off the dust of your feet as a testimony against those fine particles that they will be beaten into will testify against them that they refuse to hear the Word of God. Beaten to dust is indeed a sign of the judgment of God.
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Now notice what else David said in verse 42. He said the latter phrase, "I did cast them out as the dirt in the streets." Now, to be cast out as dirt is to be treated with contempt and indignation. In 2 Samuel 22 and verse 43, and I told you that Psalm 18 is found in 2 Samuel 22, almost word for word, few small variations. But in 2 Samuel 22 and verse 43, David says it like this, "I did stamp them as the mire of the street and did spread them abroad." So the phrase then indicates the low and miserable condition to which they were reduced and it also shows their complete and total conquest and destruction. John Kitto pointed out that to cast forth anyone therefore as the dirt of the streets is a strong image of contempt and rejection. Think about this. If David is casting his enemies as dirt in the streets or mire in the streets, what does that indicate? What is usually put in the streets?
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Garbage, trash, that which is worthless, that which is useless. No one notices it. And no one's going to bother to stoop down and pick it up. Have you ever thought about this? When God withdraws His sovereign protection from an individual or from a people, it is easy to beat them down as the dust of the earth and cast them out as the dirt of the streets. If men will not flee to Jesus Christ and repent of their sins and bow to His Lordship and obey Him, truthfully speaking, the only thing left for them is destruction.
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There can be nothing else. There's only one Lord and one Savior and one salvation. And that's found in Jesus Christ. If you reject Him, there is nothing left but destruction. Our Lord spoke this truth very plainly in Proverbs 8 verses 35 and 36. I love this passage. Our Lord said, "But whoso findeth me findeth life and obtaineth favor of the Lord." Isn't that true? Whoever finds Jesus Christ finds life and obtains favor of the Lord.
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But listen to the next verse. "But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul. All they that hate me love death." All those that hate Jesus Christ love death. Wow! You have defeat, desolation, destruction.
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Now, I want you to look at the fourth point. That's dominion. Look in verse 43. Psalm 18, verse 43. David said, "Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people. Thou hast made me to be the head of the heathen. A people who have not known shall serve me. As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me. The stranger shall submit themselves to me. The stranger shall fade away and be afraid out of their close places."
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"The Lord liveth and blessed be my rock, and let the God of my salvation be exalted. It is God that avengeth me and subdueth the people under me. He delivered me from mine enemies. Yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me. Thou hast delivered me from the violent man. Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name."
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"Great deliverance giveth he to his king, and showeth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed forever." Let me just remind you that David did indeed conquer many nations and he ruled over them. Undoubtedly, his fame was great. It was not just the people of Israel who sang of David and who knew the song that "Saul has slain his thousands and David his tens of thousands." Listen, in 1 Samuel 21 and verse 11, even the Philistines said this, "And the servants of Achish, who was the king of the Philistines, and the servants of Achish said unto him, Is not this David, the king of the land? Did they not sing one to another to him, and dancing, saying, Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands?" Even the Philistines knew that tune. They knew who David was. God most certainly, graciously, and mercifully delivered David from the strivings of the people. That's what he said, "Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people," in verse 43. Absalom strove against David.
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God delivered him. Absalom died. Sheba, the son of Bichri, strove against David. He died. Any other tumult that came up in the land evidently was put down as well. David said, "You've not only delivered me from the strivings of the people, Thou hast also made me the head of the heathen." I want you to understand something. When you look at Psalm 18, especially verses 43 through 50, it's not just David's dominion that I want you to see. It's the dominion of the greater David, the Lord Jesus Christ.
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Let me give you a quote by Calvin. Just one paragraph. He said this concerning this passage. "A people whom I have not known shall serve me." The whole of this passage strongly confirms what I have just now touched upon, that the statements here made are not to be restricted to the person of David, but contain a prophecy respecting the kingdom of Christ which was to come. David, it is true, might have boasted that nations with whose manners and dispositions he was normally very imperfectly acquainted were subject to him, but it is nevertheless certain that none of the nations which he conquered were altogether unknown to him, nor removed at so great a distance as to render it difficult for him
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to acquire some knowledge of them. The conquest of David, therefore, and the submission of the people to him were only an obscure figure in which God has exhibited to us some faint representation of the boundless dominion of His Son, whose kingdom extends from the rising of the sun even to the going down of the same." Even John Calvin says what you have in Psalm 18 is just a faint picture, just a faint glimmer of the boundless dominion that we have in Jesus Christ. We've got to remember this, that our God is absolutely sovereign.
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Listen, He rules over the heathen. He reigns over the heathen. They may not know Him. They may not acknowledge Him. They might not worship Him, but that is immaterial. He is still King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and He reigns sovereignly, supremely, and singularly over them. I want you to hold Psalm 18, but I want you to turn back in your Bibles to Psalm 2. Turn back to Psalm 2. This is a tremendous Psalm in and of itself.
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And let's begin reading there with verse 1. You see, it really doesn't matter whether the heathen fight against Christ or not. It really doesn't matter whether they want to acknowledge Him or not. Now watch. Psalm 2, verse 1. "Why do the heathen rage and the people imagine a vain thing?" Well, that's a good question to ask. Why in the world are the heathen raging? Why are they imagining that they can fight successfully against God? Look in verse 2.
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"The kings of the earth set themselves and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His anointed," that is against Christ, saying, here's what they say, "Let us break their bands asunder and cast away their cords from us." In other words, we don't like God being sovereign over us. We don't like his law. We don't like the limitations that he's placed upon our kingdoms and our government. In other words, we want to be tyrants. We want to be totalitarians. We want to do what we want to do. We don't care about God and his law and his boundaries. No, no, no. We don't care about that. So let's break their bands. Let's cast their cords away from us. Now, how severely is that going to upset God? Well, watch.
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"He that sitteth in heaven shall laugh. The Lord shall have them in derision."
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Now look, "Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure." So here all these kingdoms and these kings and these civil rulers are fighting against God. They're fighting against God's law. They're fighting against Jesus Christ. Now watch. Verse 5, "Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, he shall vex them in his sore displeasure in the midst of all this rebellion."
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He says this, "Yet, in spite and in light of all this, yet have I set my King upon my holy hill in Zion. I will declare the decree, the Lord hath said unto me, My son, this day have I begotten thee, ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession." Boy, all this rebellion really upsets God, doesn't it? God said, "In spite of all that, I've set my Son upon His throne. And all He needs to do is ask. And I will give Him the heathen for His possession." God is on the throne.
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I want you to turn with me to Psalm 46. Psalm 46. And let's look at just a few verses. Psalm 46 and verse 10. Here's one that most of you can quote. But look at it. And look at it in light of the heathen, OK? Psalm 46, verse 10. "Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the heathen. I'll be exalted in the earth." Do you realize all the rebellion and wickedness of the heathen? It's not going to stop God from being exalted. Look in Psalm 47 and verse 8. "God reigneth over the heathen. God sits upon the throne of His holiness." Who reigns over them? God does. Look in Psalm 98. Psalm 98. And let's read verse 1 and verse 2. Psalm 98 verse 1.
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"O sing unto the Lord a new song, for He hath done marvelous things. His right hand and His holy arm hath gotten Him the victory. The Lord hath made known His salvation. His righteousness hath He openly showed in the sight of the heathen." God is still in control. Look in Psalm 102, verse 15. Psalm 102, verse 15. Here it is. "So the heathen shall fear the name of the Lord and all the kings of the earth." What? The heathen shall fear the name of the Lord and all the kings of the earth by glory. Wow.
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Let me just read a couple to you. Let me read Zechariah chapter 9 in verse 10. Listen to this. God says, "And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off, and he shall speak peace unto the heathen."
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Now listen, "And his dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth." Do you realize if all the heathen in the world united against God in one vast rebellion, it would not create any uneasiness in God. It would accomplish absolutely nothing. God is still on the throne, and God is going to reign forever and ever. Listen to the book of Malachi chapter 1 verse 11. Scripture says, "From the rising of the sun even to the going down of the same, my name shall be great among the Gentiles, and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name of pure offering, and my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of hosts."
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I've got news for you. The heathen are going to know who God is either through salvation or damnation, but they're going to know. His name is going to be exalted. You know, the Bible says in Galatians 3 in verse 8, listen now. "And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed." Wow. Yes, Jesus Christ is the greater David, and God has given him all power and all authority in heaven and earth. God has raised Jesus Christ from the dead and has seated Him at His own right hand and given Him absolute, total, and complete dominion so that Jesus Christ is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He's given Him a name which is above every name.
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If you will look in your Bible, since you're close there, to the book of Isaiah 55. Isaiah chapter 55. And look what the Bible says concerning Jesus Christ, Isaiah 55, in fact, verse 4. Isaiah 55, verse 4. God says, "Behold, I have given him," that is Christ, "for a witness to the people, a leader and a commander to the people. Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that thou knew not, they shall run unto thee, because of the Lord thy God, for the Holy One of Israel, for He hath glorified thee." God gave Jesus Christ as a commander. The Bible says in Psalm 66 and verse 3, "Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! Through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee." Through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee. So the enemies of God are going to submit either in salvation or condemnation, but they will submit.
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Let me give you a quote by Charles Haddon Spurgeon. I don't suppose anyone can say anything more beautifully than Spurgeon, but here's what he said. You're talking about this passage from Psalm 18, verses 43 through 50. He says, "Thus readily did this once struggling captain," talking about David, "become a far renowned victor, and thus easy shall be our triumphs." Now listen, "and thus easy shall be our triumphs." In other words, if God has given David victory, God's going to give us victory.
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He goes on, "We prefer, however, to speak of Jesus. In many cases, the gospel is speedily received by hearts apparently unprepared for it. Those who have never heard the gospel before have been charmed by its first message and yielded obedience to it, while others, alas, who are accustomed to its joyful sound are rather hardened than softened by its teachings. The grace of God sometimes runs like a fire through the stubble that a nation is born in a day. Love at first sight is no uncommon thing when Jesus is the ruler. He can write Caesar's message without boasting."
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"Veni, vidi, vici—I came, I saw, I conquered. His gospel is in some cases no sooner heard than believed. What inducements to spread abroad the doctrine of the Christ!" Wow. And Christ does come and Christ does conquer. Now, I want you to turn to two passages. I want you to turn to Philippians chapter 2 and Revelation chapter 11. Philippians chapter 2, we're going to be reading at verse 5, we're going to see that He came, He saw, and He conquered. Watch this. Philippians chapter 2, verse 5. Get ready.
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"Let this mind be in you, which also was in Christ Jesus, who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant and was made in likeness of men. Now watch, and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient in death, even the death on the cross. Wherefore, God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name, that the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth, and that every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Men will acknowledge Christ, either in salvation or damnation, but acknowledge Him they will.
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And you know the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 15 verse 25, listen to this, "For He shall reign, He must reign, till He hath put all His enemies under His feet." Christ will conquer and subdue every enemy. What did David say? David said, "Thou hast subdued the people under me." That's exactly what Christ says to the Father. "Thou hast subdued all the people under me." How so will God do that? How far? How much? Well, look in your Bibles to Revelation 11 and verse 15. Revelation 11 and verse 15. Here's the answer. Revelation 11 and verse 15.
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"And the seventh angel sounded, and there were great voices in heaven saying," Are you looking? "Great voices in heaven saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever." He shall conquer every kingdom. Every nation. And he shall reign forever and ever and ever. David's victories in time and history were just a faint glimmer of the total victory that we have in Jesus Christ.
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Let me say it like this. The saints' temporary dominion in time and history foreshadows the full and total and complete dominion that Christ will exercise. Scripture tells us that God rewards the righteous in this life. Then he said, "How much more the wicked and the sinner." So if God rewards us with temporary victory and temporary dominion in time and history, that's just a faint glimmer of the permanent and full dominion that will be given to Jesus Christ. Here's another application, folks. In light of all the turmoil in the world, in light of Osama, Obama, and your mama, and McCain, the truth is Jesus Christ is still in control.
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I'm so thankful for that. He rules. He reigns. He shall prevail. And he shall conquer all of his enemies, and those who fight against Jesus Christ are just setting themselves up for defeat and desolation and destruction. That's it.
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Now I want you to go back to one last passage in Psalm 2. I want you to see the biblical advice and the biblical counsel of the psalmist. In Psalm 2, we read about all of these kings and civil rulers who are uniting against God, who wanted to cast away the cords of God and break the bands of God from them. They didn't like God. They didn't like God's law. And God said in verse 6, in spite of their rebellion, "Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion." God said in verse 8 to Christ, "Ask of me and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession."
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Ah, watch our Lord conquer. Verse 9, "Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron. Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."
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Now, if you don't want to be broken, here's the biblical advice. "Be wise now, therefore, O ye kings. Be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish from the way when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him." Kiss the Son. What's the psalmist say?
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You better make peace with Jesus Christ. Because if you don't, when his anger is kindled but a little, he shall break them with a rod of iron as a potter's vessel is broken. Kiss the Son, submit to him, surrender to him in peace and grace and mercy, or else submit to him and kiss him in defeat and desolation and destruction. Because every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father, and he shall have dominion over every kingdom and every nation. For the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ. Let's pray. Father, thank You for Jesus Christ. Thank You for the Word of God. Thank You for the hope and the promise that we have in Him. Thank You, Lord, that He is the victor, the conqueror, and that all power and all authority in heaven and earth is given to Jesus Christ. And we bow before Him acknowledging that He is the only Lord and Savior, the only God, the only salvation.
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And He is our great victor. And we look to Him and serve Him. And we want to praise Him and honor Him. In Thy holy and blessed name we ask and pray, Amen and Amen.
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deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | clean_readable_transcript | 2026-06-05T18:50:23Z

David's Dominion

John Weaver | Freedom Ministries

In this concluding sermon on Psalm 18, John Weaver examines verses 37–50 under the headings of defeat, desolation, destruction, and dominion. He argues that David’s military victories prefigure the ultimate triumph of Jesus Christ, who will utterly defeat His enemies, refuse them mercy, and establish His eternal kingdom. The sermon emphasizes that God enables His people to conquer, that there is a time when God will not hear the cries of the wicked, and that all nations will ultimately submit to Christ’s rule.

Introduction and Review

Scripture Reading — Psalm 18:37-50

"I pursued my enemies and overtaken them. Neither did I turn again till they were consumed. I wounded them that they were not able to rise." "They are fallen under my feet. For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle. Thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me. Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me. They cried, but there was none to save them, even unto the Lord. But he answered them not. Then did I beat them small as the dust before the wind." "I did cast them out as the dirt in the streets. Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people, and thou hast made me the head of the heathen. A people whom I have not known shall serve me. As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me. The stranger shall submit themselves unto me. The stranger shall fade away and be afraid out of their close places." "The Lord liveth, and blessed be my rock, and let the God of my salvation be exalted. It is God that avengeth me and subdueth the people under me. He delivered me from mine enemies, yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me. Thou hast delivered me from the violent man. Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name." "Great deliverance giveth he to his king, and showeth mercy to his anointed, to David and to his seed forever."

Three Preparatory Principles

Scripture Reading — 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8

"And you who are troubled, rest with us, when our Lord shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, taking vengeance on those who know not God and obey not the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ."

Defeat of Enemies (vv. 37–40)

"I have wounded them that they were not able to rise. They are fallen under my feet. Thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me. Thou hast given me the necks of mine enemies, etc."

Desolation of the Wicked (v. 41)

Scripture Reading — Romans 8:31

"If God be for us, who can be against us?"

shall only be left defeated. They shall be left desolate.

Destruction of the Wicked (v. 42)

David beats his enemies as small as dust and casts them out as dirt, signifying irrevocable destruction and contempt. Those who reject Christ love death and face complete ruin.

Scripture Reading — Mark 6:11

"And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when you depart thence, shake off the dust of your feet for a testimony against them."

Then He said,

Scripture Reading — Mark 6:11

"I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah than for them in the day of judgment."

Scripture Reading — 2 Samuel 22:43

"I did stamp them as the mire of the street and did spread them abroad."

Dominion of Christ (vv. 43–50)

Scripture Reading — Psalm 2:1-12

"Why do the heathen rage and the people imagine a vain thing?"

Well, that's a good question to ask. Why in the world are the heathen raging? Why are they imagining that they can fight successfully against God? Look in verse 2.

Scripture Reading — Psalm 46:10

"Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the heathen. I'll be exalted in the earth."

Application and Call to Submit

Weaver urges hearers to kiss the Son and make peace with Christ, lest they be broken like a potter’s vessel. The only alternative to submission in grace is submission in judgment.

And He is our great victor. And we look to Him and serve Him. And we want to praise Him and honor Him. In Thy holy and blessed name we ask and pray, Amen and Amen.

David's Dominion

John Weaver | SermonAudio

Lecture Metadata	Details
Speaker	John Weaver
Source	SermonAudio
Media ID	42508933132
Subject	Old Testament Studies
Course	Proverbs: The Fear of the Lord and Wisdom: The Doctrine of Election
Genre	Sermon
Date	2008-03-02
Dictation Name
Book	Book 081: Proverbs: The Fear of the Lord and Wisdom - Volume 1 — Chapter 4
Source Timed Segments	81

Lecture Guide

Outline

Introduction and Review: Weaver reviews the previous nine messages on Psalm 18, summarizing David’s determination, distress, deliverer, deportment, defense, discipline, and designation, and introduces the final point: David’s dominion.
Three Preparatory Principles: Weaver recaps three biblical principles: there is a time for mercy and a time to show no mercy; total warfare is sometimes lawful; and Psalm 18 is applied to Christ, who will show no mercy and wage total warfare at His return.
Defeat of Enemies (vv. 37–40): David’s enemies are pursued, overtaken, consumed, wounded, and destroyed. God enables this victory, giving David the necks of his enemies, signifying total subjugation. David fought to win, not for political or economic gain.
Desolation of the Wicked (v. 41): David’s enemies cry out but find no savior; even the Lord does not answer them. This desolation is worse than defeat, as God becomes the enemy of those who reject Him and refuses to hear their prayers.
Destruction of the Wicked (v. 42): David beats his enemies as small as dust and casts them out as dirt, signifying irrevocable destruction and contempt. Those who reject Christ love death and face complete ruin.
Dominion of Christ (vv. 43–50): David’s rule over nations foreshadows Christ’s universal dominion. God has set His King on Zion; the heathen are His inheritance. Every knee will bow to Christ, and His kingdom will be everlasting.
Application and Call to Submit: Weaver urges hearers to kiss the Son and make peace with Christ, lest they be broken like a potter’s vessel. The only alternative to submission in grace is submission in judgment.

Major Themes

Key Arguments

David’s warfare was total and God-ordained

David did not seek compromise or truce but pursued complete destruction of his enemies, acting under God’s command and with His strength.

Weaver says, 'David did not look for a stalemate… What David looked for was victory, and he meant to have that victory by defeating and destroying his enemies.' He cites Calvin to argue David’s actions were not cruel but faithful execution of God’s judgment.

God’s refusal to hear the wicked is a biblical reality

Scripture teaches that God will not always answer the prayers of those who persistently reject Him; there is a point of no return.

Weaver quotes Isaiah 1:15, Jeremiah 11:14, and Proverbs 1:24–31 to demonstrate that God hides His face and refuses to hear when judgment is determined.

Christ’s kingdom advances through conquest

Jesus Christ obtains His tranquil kingdom by fighting and destroying His enemies, not through passive acceptance.

Weaver quotes Calvin: 'Christ can only obtain a tranquil kingdom by fighting.' He references 1 Corinthians 15:25 and Revelation 11:15 to show Christ’s ultimate victory.

The heathen will acknowledge God’s sovereignty

Whether through salvation or judgment, every nation and individual will ultimately confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Weaver cites Psalm 46:10, Psalm 47:8, and Philippians 2:10–11 to argue that God’s name will be exalted among the heathen and every knee will bow.

Scripture References

Psalm 18:37-50: The primary text of the sermon, describing David’s defeat of his enemies and his dominion, applied to Christ.
2 Thessalonians 1:7-8: Used to show that Christ will return in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, illustrating total warfare.
Joshua 10:22-25: Illustrates the significance of putting feet on the necks of enemies, symbolizing total defeat and subjugation.
Romans 8:31: Quoted to show that if God is for us, He is against our enemies, as He was against David’s enemies.
Exodus 23:22: God’s promise to be an enemy to His people’s enemies if they obey Him, applied to David’s situation.
2 Corinthians 6:2: Emphasizes that now is the day of salvation; there is a limited time of grace before judgment.
Isaiah 1:15: God says He will not hear prayers when hands are full of blood, illustrating His refusal to listen to the wicked.
Jeremiah 11:14: God tells Jeremiah not to pray for the people because He will not hear them, showing divine rejection.
Jeremiah 14:12: God declares He will consume the people by sword, famine, and pestilence rather than accept their offerings.
Micah 3:4: God will hide His face from those who have behaved ill, refusing to hear their cries.
Proverbs 1:22-31: Wisdom personified warns that those who reject her call will not be answered when calamity comes; God will laugh at their destruction.
Matthew 23:38: Jesus tells the Jews their house is left desolate because they would not be gathered, paralleling the desolation of the wicked.
Matthew 15:12-14: Jesus says to let the Pharisees alone; the blind leading the blind will fall into a ditch, illustrating divine abandonment.
Mark 6:11: Shaking off dust as a testimony against those who reject the gospel, connecting to being beaten as dust.
2 Samuel 22:43: Parallel passage where David says he stamped enemies as mire, reinforcing the image of contempt and destruction.
Proverbs 8:35-36: Those who find Christ find life; those who hate Him love death, summarizing the fate of the wicked.
Psalm 2:1-12: The rebellion of the heathen and God’s response: He sets His King on Zion and gives the nations as an inheritance; the call to kiss the Son.
Psalm 46:10: God will be exalted among the heathen, affirming His sovereignty over all nations.
Psalm 47:8: God reigns over the heathen, sitting on His holy throne.
Philippians 2:5-11: Christ humbled Himself and was exalted; every knee will bow and every tongue confess Him as Lord.

Historical References

Thomas Adams (old author): Quoted on the lex talionis and the reward of patient hope: 'They have wounds for their wounds… we shall everlastingly tread upon their necks.'
John Calvin: Quoted to argue that David’s victories were from God and that his actions were not cruel but faithful execution of divine judgment; also that the passage prophesies Christ’s kingdom.
General MacArthur (Korean War): Mentioned as an example of a leader who could have defeated the enemy if allowed, illustrating the principle of fighting to win.
Vietnam War: Used as an example of a conflict where victory was not pursued due to political constraints, contrasting with David’s total warfare.
John Kitto: Cited on the phrase 'cast out as dirt' as a strong image of contempt and rejection.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon: Quoted on the ease of Christ’s triumphs and the rapid spread of the gospel: 'Love at first sight is no uncommon thing when Jesus is the ruler.'

Important Quotes

I pursued my enemies and overtaken them. Neither did I turn again till they were consumed. I wounded them that they were not able to rise.

David’s declaration of total victory, setting the theme of defeat and destruction of enemies.

They cried, but there was none to save them, even unto the Lord. But he answered them not.

Highlights the desolation of the wicked when God refuses to hear their prayers.

Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me.

Symbolizes total subjugation and the power to destroy, fulfilled in Christ.

The point in which David insists so much is that of showing from the effect of the issue that all of his victories were to be traced to the favor of God, and from this it follows that his cause was good and just.

Calvin’s defense of David’s warfare as divinely sanctioned, not personal cruelty.

Christ can only obtain a tranquil kingdom by fighting.

Calvin’s statement that Christ’s reign comes through conquest, not passive acceptance.

Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish from the way when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in Him.

The concluding call to submit to Christ in grace to avoid destruction.

Discussion Questions

[Question]

How does David’s approach to warfare in Psalm 18 challenge modern ideas of political correctness and limited conflict?

[Context]

Weaver contrasts David’s total victory with contemporary wars fought for economic or political gain.

[Question]

What does it mean that God will not hear the prayers of the wicked, and how should this affect our urgency in evangelism?

[Context]

Weaver cites multiple passages where God refuses to listen to those who reject Him, emphasizing a limited time of grace.

[Question]

In what ways does David’s dominion prefigure the kingdom of Christ, and how should this shape our hope in current world events?

[Context]

Weaver argues that David’s victories are a faint glimmer of Christ’s ultimate reign over all nations.

[Question]

How can we reconcile the biblical commands to love our enemies with the imprecatory nature of Psalm 18?

[Context]

Weaver discusses the principle that there is a time for mercy and a time for judgment, using David as a type of Christ.

[Question]

What does it mean to 'kiss the Son' in practical terms, and how does this apply to both believers and unbelievers?

[Context]

Weaver concludes with Psalm 2’s call to submit to Christ, warning of His wrath.

Applications

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deepseek | deepseek-v4-pro | weaver_study | 2026-06-06T11:35:48Z