Psalms 18:30

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 18:30 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “As for God, his way is perfect: The word of Jehovah is tried; He is a shield unto all them that take refuge in him.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

As for God, his way is perfect: The word of Jehovah is tried; He is a shield unto all them that take refuge in him.
Psalms 18:30 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 18

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
30As for God, his way is perfect: The word of Jehovah is tried; He is a shield unto all them that take refuge in him.

What do historical commentaries say?

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“God's perfection is the source of his own, which has resulted from his trust on the one hand, and God's promised help on the other. tried--"as metals are tried by fire and proved genuine" (Psa 12:6). Shield (Psa 3:3). Girding was essential to free motion on account of the looseness of Oriental dresses; hence it is an expressive figure for describing the gift of strength.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“As for God - The declaration in this verse is suggested by the facts narrated in the previous verses. The contemplation of those facts leads the thoughts of the author of the psalm up to the Great Source of all these blessings, and to these general reflections on his character. “As for God,” that is, in respect to that Great Being, who has delivered me, his ways are all perfect; his word is tried; he is a shield to all those who trust in him. His way is perfect - That is, his doings are perfect; his methods of administration are perfect; his government is perfect. There is nothing wanting, nothing defective, nothing redundant, in what he does. On the word perfect, see the note at Job 1:1.…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Perfect - His providence, though it may sometimes be dark, yet is always wise and just, and unblameable. Tried - The truth of God's promises is approved by innumerable experiences. Psalms 18:31”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“18:30-36 The psalmist experiences God’s rescue and provision of victory. 18:30 perfect: God’s character has integrity (see 18:26). • God promises to protect his people, and he does so. • Seeking God’s protection entails trust and faith. Regardless of his feelings or external circumstances, the psalmist makes a deep commitment to the Lord. He experiences joy (5:11; 64:10) as he awaits the Lord’s rescue (57:1).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“his way: Psa 19:7, Psa 25:10; Deu 32:4; Sa2 22:31; Dan 4:37; Rom 12:2; Rev 15:3 tried: or, refined, Psa 12:6, Psa 19:8-10, Psa 119:140; Pro 30:5 a buckler: Psa 18:2, Psa 17:7, Psa 84:11, Psa 84:12 Psalms 18:31”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification