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Psalm 18:33,34
He maketh my feet like hinds'feet, and setteth me upon my high places…

Psalm 144:1
A Psalm of David. Blessedbe the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war,and my fingers to fight:

to war [heb] for the war

Psalm 46:9
He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.

Ezekiel 39:3,9,10
And I will smite thy bow out of thy left hand, and will cause thine arrows to fall out of thy right hand…

my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
Bending a bow of bronze signifies extraordinary strength and capability, as bronze was a strong and durable metal in ancient times. This imagery suggests that with God's help, David was able to achieve feats beyond natural human ability. Historically, bronze was used for weapons and armor, indicating advanced military technology of the time. The mention of a bronze bow also symbolizes resilience and power, qualities that God imparts to His followers. This strength is not merely physical but also spiritual, as seen inPhilippians 4:13, where Paul speaks of doing all things through Christ who strengthens him. The bow of bronze can also be seen as a type of Christ, who provides strength and victory to believers, enabling them to overcome spiritual adversaries.

• David speaks from lived experience: as a shepherd-boy facing lions and bears (1 Samuel 17:34-37) and later as Israel’s warrior-king, he recognized that every skill came directly from the LORD.

• The phrase is literal—God personally “trains” him, just asPsalm 144:1 echoes: “Blessed be the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.”

• Yet the training is also spiritual.Ephesians 6:10-17 urges believers to “put on the full armor of God,” showing that the One who taught David physical warfare now equips us for spiritual warfare.

• Through practice, discipline, and dependence on God, David’s abilities were sharpened. AsPsalm 18:32-34 (parallel to this song) says, “It is God who arms me with strength… He trains my hands for battle.”

• A bronze bow was heavier and stiffer than common wooden bows. To bend it required extraordinary strength—strength David attributes solely to God.Judges 14:6 recounts Samson’s similar empowerment: “The Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him, and he tore the lion apart,” underscoring that supernatural might is a divine gift.

• This line illustrates tangible evidence of God’s provision.2 Samuel 23:8-39 lists exploits of David’s mighty men; each feat was possible because “the LORD brought about a great victory” (v.10).

• For believers today, the image encourages confidence that God enables what seems impossible.Philippians 4:13 reminds, “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength,” while2 Corinthians 12:9 assures, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.”

God personally equips His servants. He teaches the skills they need (“He trains my hands for battle”) and supplies the power to accomplish tasks beyond natural ability (“my arms can bend a bow of bronze”). David’s testimony calls every believer to rely wholly on the LORD for preparation, strength, and victory—whether facing physical challenges or the spiritual battles of daily life.

"He teaeheth my hands to war;
And mine arms can bend a bow of bronze.
And thou hast given me thy saving shield;
And thy hearing of me hath made me great.
Thou hast enlarged my steps under me;
And my feet have not slipped."Bow of bronze. InJob 20:24 we also read of bows made of this metal, or compound of metals, which was a far more ancient material for weapons than steel. The bending of such a bow was proof of great strength, and the last artifice of Penelope, to save herself from the suitors, was to promise her hand to the man who could bend Ulysses' bow.Thy hearing of me; inPsalm 18:35, and Authorized Version and Revised Version here, "thy gentleness." The words in the Hebrew are very nearly alike, but the Septuagint notices the difference, and translates "hearing" in this place, but "chastisement" in the psalm. The Vulgate has "gentleness" or "mildness" here, and "discipline" in the psalm. The Syriac alone has "discipline" in both places.My feet; literally,ankle bones, the weakness of which causes men to totter.

Parallel Commentaries ...