Psalm 144, Part 2: God’s Arsenal
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In his psalms, David repeatedly acknowledges God’s deliverance.
“The depths of the earth are the Lord’s arsenal. . . . Waters gushing from the earth united with the waters from heaven to accomplish the work of desolation. Since the Flood, fire as well as water has been God’s agent to destroy very wicked cities. These judgments are sent that those who lightly regard God’s law and trample upon His authority may be led to tremble before His power and to confess His just sovereignty. As men have beheld burning mountains pouring forth fire and flames and torrents of melted ore, drying up rivers, overwhelming populous cities, and everywhere spreading ruin and desolation, the stoutest heart has been filled with terror and infidels and blasphemers have been constrained to acknowledge the infinite power of God.” God reigns supreme over His creation.
“The LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers” (Nahum 1:3, 4).
David contrasts humanity’s insignificance with God’s omnipotence and marvels that God notices humankind (Psalm 144:3, 4).
“How transitory is this life of ours! We scarcely have developed our physical and mental powers when we are taken by death.” “When heaven’s artillery is set in motion how puny is the strength of man to resist it.” The Lord is an ever-present help in times of trouble (see Psalm 46:1), but we must accept His assistance. Ellen G. White quotes Psalm 144:5, 6 as a portrayal of the breaking up of the earth at the second coming of Christ.3 Nahum 1:5, 6; Acts 2:19; and Revelation 16:18, 20, 21 lend additional descriptions. David routinely asked God for deliverance (Psalm 144:7). We also may obtain strength when facing seemingly insurmountable problems.
“A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord, / He taketh my burden away, / He holdeth me up, and I shall not be moved, / He giveth me strength as my day.”
