In this passage King David provides us with yet another example of why Scripture calls him a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22). He was an accomplished warrior from his youth, veteran of numerous battles and hero of an adoring nation (1 Sam. 18:7). Yet never once did he allow himself to be lifted up with pride in his own achievements, as did Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 4:30). At the peak of his prestige as one of the foremost leaders of his time, he could have decided that he no longer needed the shielding of the Almighty. He might have forgotten Who had crushed all his enemies underfoot, and felt after all his years of experience, that he ought to be able to defend himself and rely on his own prowess.
Such an attitude, however, could not have been more foreign to David. It would have been unthinkable for him to place any trust in the flesh, for he was well aware of his own weakness (Psa. 40:17). Nor could he ever have abandoned the all-encompassing protection of Him to whom all power belongs (Psa. 62:11). We would do well to follow David's example in our world today, which is in many ways far more menacing than anything David could have ever imagined. Thankfully our God is the same One Who so mightily delivered David, causing his heart to rejoice, and three thousand years later He will do the same for us if we will only put our trust in Him.
All Scripture references from KJV. Commentary ©2011 Hitchcock Family Ministry. Unaltered text may be reproduced freely without financial gain. Original commentary and Scripture song available at http://www.freescripturesongs.org/the-Lord-is-my-strength-and-my-shield.