(Psalms 18:30-31) “As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. (31)  For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?”

In this devotion David gives a definition of who God is. David used a Hebrew Word, H410 ‘êl, (ale) translated “God”; which means, “strength; as an adjective mighty; esp. the Almighty (but used also of any deity): – God (god), X goodly, X great, idol, might (-y one), power, strong. Compare names in “-el.”

First, “…his way is perfect.” The translators used the word “perfect” in the KJV version; this Hebrew word means “without blemish, complete, full, perfect, sincerely (-ity), sound, without spot, undefiled, upright (-ly), whole.” Jehovah is the only Perfect, Undefiled, without spot, and the True and Living God of all so-called deities (Isa. 46:9-11). Isaiah used the Hebrew “el” (Isa 46:9)  “Remember the former things of old: for I am God (el), and there is none else; I am God (el-‘ĕlôhı̂ym, el-o-heem), and there is none like me,” Here in this verse the prophet Isaiah fully explains the use of “el” and “ohiym” to describe Jehovah as the only True and Living God. Moses used the Hebrew word, “elohiym” in (Genesis 1:1), “In beginning God…” revealing that “el” was the Creator of all things. Therefore, it must be concluded that when David used the Hebrew word “el,” he was speaking of Jehovah (elohiym) the Creator, Controller, and Consummator of all things – for He alone, and no other, is God (the Supreme Sovereign God).

Secondly, “…the word of the LORD is tried.” The Hebrew word translated “tried” is “a primitive root; to fuse (metal), that is, refine (literally or figuratively): – cast, (re-) fine (-er), founder, goldsmith, melt, pure, purge away, try.” The Word of the LORD is tried, or refined, as precious metals as silver and gold are refined in a furnace. The Word of God is proven to be clear of all dross, of error and lies. It is free from human error. God’s Word of promise has proven true, faithful, and constant, and amen in Christ by the saints in all ages. Not one Promise, not one word of God’s Word, has ever failed to be and to do exactly what it says.

Thirdly, “… he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.”  The Hebrew word translated “buckler” is “from H1598; a shield (that is, the small one or buckler); figuratively a protector; also, the scaly hide of the crocodile: –  armed, buckler, defence, ruler, + scale, shield.” So, David said that God, his God, the only True and Living God was his Shield; his Protector; even “the scaly hide of the crocodile”; obviously, a Protector.

God is a Buckler to all those that trust in Him, or abide in His Word – not in man, nor in themselves, nor in their own righteousness, or in any creature – but in the purpose and power of God, and in His grace and mercy, as is defined in His Word. The key is the word “trust.” The Hebrew word used here and translated as “trust” figuratively means “to make refuge,” “to have Hope,” and to “confide in.” This word “trust” is a word of limitation; that is limited to all of those who possess “The Faith – Christ.” Faith is a gift of God (Eph. 2:8-9). God rewards “faith”; (Heb. 11:6) “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Therefore, God is a Buckler (a Shield, a Protector) to those who possess “the Faith” or “Christ.” Those who possess the gift of Faith are the only ones that diligently seek God. Therefore, this promise is only to those who are in Christ and Christ in them.

This is a precious and glorious Promise to the people of God. What god of wood, stone and ideology of the flesh can make or carry such a promise as this?

Fourthly, (31) “For who is God save the LORD?” The Hebrew word translated “LORD” is “yehôvâh, yeh-ho-vaw’, the self-Existent or eternal One; Jehovah, is the Jewish national name of God.” LORD in the Old Testament is used only of the One True and Living God; where (Isaiah 46:9-11) says, there is none beside Him; nor any like Him. The idols of the Gentiles, made of gold, silver, brass, wood and stone are called gods. But they are not alive; and they are not the Creator, Controller and Consummator of all things; and therefore, they have no power to save or to deliver. At times, some civil authorities are called “gods”; but, only One, Jehovah Elohim is God.

Here David confirms (Psalms 18:31) that “EL” is Jehovah Elohim.

David finally gives his last identifying mark of Who God is, as follows;

Fifthly, “…or who is a rock save our God?”  In this last phrase of his description of Who God is, David uses the Hebrew word, “Elohim” or “Eloheem” meaning the Supreme God, or God Almighty. There are many Old Testament references to the word “rock.” And there are two Hebrew words in the Old Testament translated as “rock.” One of the Hebrew words (Strong #5553) alludes to a physical stone or rock (Jer.23:25). The second Hebrew word (Strong #6697) points directly to Jehovah (Ps. 95:1). This word also means a stone or boulder. However, it is used figuratively “as a refuge; and points directly to Jehovah; (mighty) God (one), rock, X sharp, stone, X strength, X strong. See also H1049.”

The figurative language of David’s statement that God is The Rock gives the reader the idea of a Firm Foundation; an unmovable object; an object that can be relied upon. The Word of God; the Righteousness of God; the Eternal Purpose of God in Christ Jesus for sinners; the Work of Redemption in Christ; and the Promises of God are yea and amen in Christ Jesus. There is no other Foundation but Christ Jesus (1 Cor. 3:11) “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Jesus Christ is The Rock (1 Cor. 10:4).

Application:

Who is your God? Is your God Perfect, Holy and Righteous, and without error? Is your God (Psa 18:2) “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”

The God (Jehovah-Eloheem) is the Only True and Living God Who is Sovereign in everything; for He alone is Omnipotent (all powerful), Omniscience (has all knowledge), and Omnipresent (everywhere at all times). He alone is the way of eternal Salvation; for He alone is the Author and Giver of life. He alone is the only God that came to earth; took on human flesh, yet without sin; and became the only Sacrifice, Substitute, and Savior for sinners; was crucified for the sin debt of sinners, and in His Atonement on the Cross for sinners, reconciled, and redeemed sinners from the penalty, punishment, power, and practice of sin for the believers. He alone was buried and was raised from the dead (Rom. 1:4; 1 Cor. 15:1-28) and ascended to the Father – and this Foundation David declared “…or who is a rock save our God?”  

Let our song be as believers, as was penned by Edward Mole in 1832, in his song, “The Solid Rock.” In the chorus he wrote, “On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand, All other ground is sinking sand.”

Hallelujah! Let the believers in Christ not only sing this song; but let Christ be the believer’s Hope, Pattern of Walk, and Rest from all enemies of the Cross.