Psalms 18:28

28 You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.

Psalms 18:28 in Other Translations

KJV
28 For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.
ESV
28 For it is you who light my lamp; the LORD my God lightens my darkness.
NLT
28 You light a lamp for me. The LORD, my God, lights up my darkness.
MSG
28 Suddenly, God, you floodlight my life; I'm blazing with glory, God's glory!
CSB
28 Lord, You light my lamp; my God illuminates my darkness.

Psalms 18:28 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 18:28

For thou wilt light my candle
Or lamp F4: in ( 2 Samuel 22:29 ) , it is, "Thou [art] my lamp, O Lord"; which may either design outward prosperity, and the flourishing condition of David's kingdom; or internal spiritual light, and an increase of it, by giving fresh supplies of the oil of grace, to cause the lamp to burn more clearly; or rather the prosperous estate of Christ's kingdom; and may be the same with the lamp ordained for the Messiah, ( Psalms 132:17 ) ;

the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness;
or "cause light to shine in my darkness" F5; that is, bring me out of darkness into light; either out of adversity to prosperity, or from walking in darkness to the enjoyment of the light of his countenance; and is true of Christ, not only of the prosperity of his kingdom and interest, but of him personally; who though, when on the cross, was in darkness of soul, being forsaken by his God; yet, when raised from the dead, he was received up to heaven, and set down at the right hand of God, and was made full of joy with his countenance, ( Acts 2:28 ) .


FOOTNOTES:

F4 (yrn) "lucernam meam", Pagninus, Montanus, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator
F5 So Gussetius, Comment. Ebr. p. 495.

Psalms 18:28 In-Context

26 to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the devious you show yourself shrewd.
27 You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.
28 You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.
29 With your help I can advance against a troop ; with my God I can scale a wall.
30 As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.

Cross References 2

  • 1. 1 Kings 11:36; Psalms 132:17
  • 2. Job 18:6; Job 29:3; Psalms 97:11; Psalms 112:4; John 1:5; S Acts 26:18; 2 Corinthians 4:6; 2 Peter 1:19
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