Psalm 144, written by David’s hand (in an earthly sense) and by the good Holy Spirit (in a much more powerful sense) opens with these words: “Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight.” (Psalm 144:1)

I specifically mentioned David (the Psalm being Davidic) because he was such a mighty warrior! Whereas Solomon his son was clearly a man of peace! (They here comprise two pictures of Jesus … David as Jesus conquering Goliath, dying on the Cross to overcome Satan … and then Solomon whose reign was tainted by not one single war, which typifies Jesus as the Prince of Peace, the unique Millennial Ruler on this earth some glorious day!)

Obviously in our Text verse this morning the LORD is being praised, worshipped. “Blessed be the Lord!” But here He is particularly honored as the Source of our “Strength” as Christian “soldiers.” (Just as Paul in Ephesians 6:10-18 begins his great “Whole Armour of Giod” Paragraph with a verse about “Power,” verse 6! Using three different Greek words for “power” or “strength!” Those being “dunamis”, then “kratos” and lastly “ischus.”)

The great God Who imparts to us Strength is also an incomparable Teacher! (Think of what a masterful Instructor Jesus was! His “Parables” alone prove my point.)

So … in Psalm 144:1 the LORD “teaches” us to fight!

Precisely stated … “Which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight.”

No wonder Exodus 15:3 calls Him “a Man of War!”

One could almost characterize the LORD’S pedological approach here “confrontational.” The Hebrew verb “teacheth” is “lamad,” which literally is an “ox-goad!” The Lord “prods” us to be good “fighters” to His Glory!

I am NOT taking about hurting anyone physically. Neither was Jesus. I am talking about fighting the devil! Fighting sin! Fighting whatever opposes the Righteousness of God in my life, including “laziness, lethargy, selfishness,” among others.

“Hands to war” and “fingers to fight” … two short Clauses hinting at a prolonged war (the former) and shorter, more personal and intensive battles (the latter)!

Jesus taught us … “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Fighting the world, the flesh, the devil … the Saint’s life story!

But not fighting without help … from our dear LORD!

Help in the sense of His Strength!

And help in the sense of His Tutelage! He is the Teacher!

Jesus overcame, defeated Satan two specific times in His earthly Ministry, and in two specific ways … first, through the Word of God during the 40-day wilderness temptation and secondly, through Prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane!

So, maybe not only our hands and fingers … but also our tongues (as used when quoting Scripture) and knees (as utilized when praying)!

Wow!

I too, with David, say … “blessed be the LORD!”

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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