Bible Quiz – Psalm 18 (Subjective Questions)

 

Bible Quiz – Psalm 18 (Subjective Questions) 

Welcome to the Ultimate Psalm 18 / 2 Samuel 22 Bible Quiz—designed for scholars, pastors, seminary students, and passionate Bible readers who want to dig beyond surface-level reading.

Psalm 18 is not only a powerful song of deliverance by King David but also closely mirrors 2 Samuel 22. While the texts share verses, subtle differences, poetic compressions, and editorial choices create a unique challenge for careful readers.

This quiz will test your:

Knowledge of key verses and themes

Understanding of literary, theological, and historical nuances

Ability to spot cross-reference traps

Skill in interpreting poetic imagery vs historical narrative

Whether you’re preparing for teaching, personal study, or advanced Bible competitions, this quiz will push your understanding of Davidic poetry and covenant theology to the next level.

 

📝 Instructions

The quiz is divided into four sections. Follow these guidelines for the best results:

 

Section 1: Subjective Questions

Read each question carefully.

Reference the verse(s) directly from Psalm 18.

Provide concise yet complete answers, incorporating context and meaning.

 

Section 2: Extreme “Trap the Scholar” Round

Designed to mislead the overconfident.

Watch for assumptions, common misinterpretations, and subtle theological traps.

Only answer after careful reflection on the wording.

 

Section 3: Cross-Reference Traps (Psalm 18 vs 2 Samuel 22)

Requires parallel reading of Psalm 18 and 2 Samuel 22.

Focus on differences in wording, sequence, omissions, and emphasis.

Do not assume the texts are identical—this is where many scholars slip up.

 

Section 4: Reflection and Analysis (Optional Advanced)

After answering the factual and analytical questions, reflect on:

How David’s poetic imagery communicates theological truth

The implications of divine deliverance for Messianic expectation

Connections to other Old Testament deliverance narratives

 

Tips for Success:

Have a Bible or trusted online reference open.

Take your time; some questions are intentionally tricky.

Focus on wording and literary style, not just memory.

 

📖 Bible Quiz – Psalm 18 (Subjective Questions)

 

1. What opening declaration does David make about his relationship with the LORD, and why is it theologically significant?

Answer:

David begins Psalm 18 by openly declaring his love for the LORD, presenting obedience not merely as duty but as relational devotion. This is one of the rare places where a human explicitly says, “I love You, O LORD,” emphasizing covenantal intimacy.

Complete Reference Verse:

“I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.”

— Psalm 18:1

 

2. List the metaphors David uses to describe God in Psalm 18:2 and explain their combined meaning.

Answer:

David describes God as a rock, fortress, deliverer, strength, buckler, horn of salvation, and high tower. Collectively, these metaphors portray God as both defensive protection and active rescuer, emphasizing security, power, and victory.

Complete Reference Verse:

“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.”

— Psalm 18:2

 

3. According to Psalm 18:3, what is the result of calling upon the LORD?

Answer:

Calling upon the LORD results in deliverance from enemies. The verse connects prayer with salvation and portrays God as responsive to those who invoke Him in faith.

Complete Reference Verse:

 

“I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.”

— Psalm 18:3

 

4. How does David poetically describe his distress in verses 4–6?

Answer:

David uses imagery of death, floods, sorrows, and snares to depict overwhelming danger. His cry reaches God’s temple, emphasizing that prayer transcends earthly boundaries.

Complete Reference Verses:

“The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid.

The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me.

In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.”

— Psalm 18:4–6

 

5. How does Psalm 18 describe God’s dramatic intervention on behalf of David?

Answer:

God is depicted as a divine warrior whose presence shakes the earth, parts the heavens, and unleashes thunder, lightning, and fire—symbolizing God’s supreme authority over creation.

Complete Reference Verses:

“Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth.

There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.”

— Psalm 18:7–8

 

6. What does Psalm 18:16 reveal about God’s method of deliverance?

Answer:

God rescues David personally and powerfully, drawing him out of overwhelming waters, symbolizing rescue from chaos and death.

Complete Reference Verse:

“He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters.”

— Psalm 18:16

 

7. According to verses 20–24, on what basis does David say the LORD rewarded him?

Answer:

David attributes God’s reward to righteousness, clean hands, obedience, and faithfulness—not sinless perfection, but covenant loyalty.

Complete Reference Verses:

“The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.

For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God.”

— Psalm 18:20–21

 

8. What principle of divine justice is stated in Psalm 18:25–26?

Answer:

God responds to people according to their moral posture—merciful to the merciful, upright to the upright, and resistant to the perverse.

Complete Reference Verses:

“With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright;

With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward.”

— Psalm 18:25–26

 

9. How does David describe God as the source of victory in battle?

Answer:

David credits God with training his hands for war, strengthening him, and enabling supernatural success against enemies.

Complete Reference Verse:

“He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.”

— Psalm 18:34

 

10. What global vision of God’s rule appears in Psalm 18:43–44?

Answer:

David foresees dominion beyond Israel, with foreign nations submitting—anticipating the Messianic reign fulfilled in Christ.

Complete Reference Verses:

“Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people; and thou hast made me the head of the heathen: a people whom I have not known shall serve me.

As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me.”

— Psalm 18:43–44

 

11. How does Psalm 18 conclude, and what is its covenantal significance?

Answer:

The psalm ends by affirming God’s enduring mercy to David and his descendants, highlighting the Davidic covenant.

Complete Reference Verse:

“Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.”

— Psalm 18:50

 

📌 Key Themes of Psalm 18

God as Warrior and Deliverer

Covenant Faithfulness

Righteousness and Divine Justice

Prayer and Divine Response

Messianic Kingship

 

12. What contrast does David draw between God and false gods in Psalm 18:31?

Answer:

David declares the LORD as uniquely perfect and incomparable, affirming monotheism and the absolute reliability of God’s word in contrast to powerless idols.

Complete Reference Verse:

“For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?”

— Psalm 18:31

 

13. How does Psalm 18 describe the perfection of God’s word, and what promise is attached to trusting it?

Answer:

God’s word is described as flawless, refined, and protective. Those who trust in Him receive divine shielding.

Complete Reference Verse:

“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.”

— Psalm 18:30

 

14. What does David mean when he says God “girdeth” him with strength?

Answer:

The imagery suggests divine empowerment and preparation, portraying God as the one who equips His servant for victory and stability.

Complete Reference Verse:

“It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.”

— Psalm 18:32

 

15. How does David describe God’s guidance in elevated or dangerous places?

Answer:

God enables David to stand securely in high and perilous positions, symbolizing both military advantage and spiritual stability.

Complete Reference Verse:

“He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places.”

— Psalm 18:33

 

16. What does Psalm 18:35 reveal about the character of God’s support?

Answer:

God’s salvation is gentle yet powerful, sustaining David not through domination but through divine grace.

Complete Reference Verse:

“Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.”

— Psalm 18:35

 

17. How does Psalm 18 describe the total defeat of David’s enemies?

Answer:

David portrays complete and irreversible victory—his enemies are crushed, unable to rise, demonstrating divine justice.

Complete Reference Verse:

“I have wounded them that they were not able to rise: they are fallen under my feet.”

— Psalm 18:38

 

18. What theological lesson is taught by the enemies’ unanswered cries in Psalm 18:41?

Answer:

The verse shows that calling out without repentance or faith brings no deliverance. God does not respond to cries divorced from covenant relationship.

Complete Reference Verse:

“They cried, but there was none to save them: even unto the LORD, but he answered them not.”

— Psalm 18:41

 

19. How does David interpret his elevation over nations—by personal merit or divine action?

Answer:

David attributes his exaltation entirely to God’s intervention, reinforcing humility and divine sovereignty.

Complete Reference Verse:

“Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me.”

— Psalm 18:40

 

20. What does Psalm 18 teach about God’s faithfulness across generations?

Answer:

God’s mercy extends beyond David to his descendants, affirming the permanence of God’s covenant promises.

Complete Reference Verse:

“Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.”

— Psalm 18:50

 

21. What role does thanksgiving play in David’s theology of victory?

Answer:

David sees praise among the nations as the proper response to divine deliverance, linking victory with worship and testimony.

Complete Reference Verse:

“Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.”

— Psalm 18:49

 

22. How does Psalm 18 portray God’s response speed and reach?

Answer:

God responds immediately and from heaven itself, reinforcing His transcendence and attentiveness.

Complete Reference Verse:

“He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness was under his feet.”

— Psalm 18:9

 

23. What natural elements are portrayed as weapons in God’s arsenal?

Answer:

Wind, thunder, hailstones, lightning, fire, and earthquakes are depicted as instruments of divine judgment and deliverance.

Complete Reference Verse:

“The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire.”

— Psalm 18:13

 

24. How does Psalm 18 connect humility with salvation?

Answer:

God saves the afflicted but brings down the proud, establishing humility as essential to divine favor.

Complete Reference Verse:

“For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks.”

— Psalm 18:27

 

25. What final theological truth does Psalm 18 affirm about God’s kingship?

Answer:

God lives eternally and reigns as the exalted Rock of salvation, deserving universal praise.

Complete Reference Verse:

“The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.”

— Psalm 18:46

 

🔥 EXTREME “Trap the Scholar” Round – Psalm 18

Instructions (for scholars):

Each question contains a textual trap—a false assumption, parallel confusion, or theological shortcut. Answer only from Psalm 18, unless the question explicitly allows comparison.

 

🧠 TRAP 1: Love or Loyalty?

Question:

Psalm 18 opens with “I will love thee, O LORD.” Why is this phrase a theological anomaly in the Psalter, and what error do scholars often commit when interpreting it?

Answer (Trap Explained):

Most Psalms command love toward God or describe fear and trust, but very few record a direct declaration of love spoken by a human to God. The common error is reducing the phrase to mere loyalty or covenant obligation, rather than acknowledging its explicit emotional and relational depth.

Reference Verse:

“I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.”

— Psalm 18:1

 

🧠 TRAP 2: Temple Confusion

Question:

Psalm 18:6 says David’s cry reached God’s “temple.” Why is it incorrect to assume this refers to Solomon’s Temple?

Answer (Trap Explained):

Solomon’s Temple did not yet exist in David’s lifetime. The “temple” here refers to God’s heavenly dwelling, not an earthly structure.

Reference Verse:

“He heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.”

— Psalm 18:6

 

🧠 TRAP 3: Literal or Theophanic?

Question:

Does Psalm 18 describe a literal earthquake and fire-breathing God, or something else? Why is a strictly literal reading flawed?

Answer (Trap Explained):

The imagery is theophanic, not biological. The language reflects cosmic disturbance in response to divine presence, a common Old Testament motif. The error is reading poetic theophany as physical anatomy.

Reference Verses:

“There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured.”

— Psalm 18:8

 

🧠 TRAP 4: Waters of Baptism?

Question:

Some interpreters link “many waters” in Psalm 18:16 to baptism or ritual cleansing. Why is this an exegetical error?

Answer (Trap Explained):

In Hebrew poetry, “many waters” symbolize chaos, danger, and death, not purification. Importing later theological meanings ignores the ancient Near Eastern context.

Reference Verse:

“He drew me out of many waters.”

— Psalm 18:16

 

🧠 TRAP 5: Righteousness or Self-Righteousness?

Question:

How does Psalm 18:20–24 avoid promoting works-based salvation, and where do scholars often misstep?

Answer (Trap Explained):

David speaks of covenant faithfulness, not sinless perfection. The trap is reading the text through a post-Reformation lens instead of its covenantal framework.

Reference Verse:

“The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.”

— Psalm 18:20

 

🧠 TRAP 6: Moral Relativism?

Question:

Psalm 18:25–26 says God shows Himself differently to different people. Why is it wrong to interpret this as divine moral flexibility?

Answer (Trap Explained):

God’s character does not change; human experience of God does. The trap is assuming God adapts morally rather than responding justly.

Reference Verses:

“With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful… with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward.”

— Psalm 18:25–26

 

🧠 TRAP 7: Militarism vs Dependence

Question:

Does Psalm 18 glorify human military power? Why does verse 34 actually argue the opposite?

Answer (Trap Explained):

David’s strength is derivative, not inherent. The trap is focusing on David’s skill while ignoring God as the trainer.

Reference Verse:

“He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.”

— Psalm 18:34

 

🧠 TRAP 8: Gentiles as Enemies Only?

Question:

Why is it incorrect to assume that “the heathen” in Psalm 18 are merely destroyed enemies?

Answer (Trap Explained):

They become subjects, not annihilated foes. This anticipates Gentile inclusion, not exclusion.

Reference Verse:

“Thou hast made me the head of the heathen: a people whom I have not known shall serve me.”

— Psalm 18:43

 

🧠 TRAP 9: Immediate Obedience?

Question:

Psalm 18:44 says strangers submit “as soon as they hear.” Why is this not mere political propaganda?

Answer (Trap Explained):

The phrase indicates divinely compelled recognition, not propaganda. The trap is assuming psychological coercion rather than theological authority.

Reference Verse:

“As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me.”

— Psalm 18:44

 

🧠 TRAP 10: David Only?

Question:

Why does Psalm 18:50 force the reader beyond David himself?

Answer (Trap Explained):

The promise extends to David’s “seed forever,” demanding a messianic reading. Limiting it to David alone truncates the covenant.

Reference Verse:

“Sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.”

— Psalm 18:50

 

Psalm 18 is:

Not mere autobiography

Not simplistic triumphalism

Not isolated poetry

It is theology in poetic warfare language, culminating in messianic kingship.

 

🔥 EXTREME “Cross-Reference Trap” Round – Psalm 18 & 2 Samuel 22

Instructions:

Each question requires examining both texts.

Beware of minor word changes, verse ordering, and omissions.

Answer based only on careful comparison—not memory or assumption.

 

🧠 TRAP 1: Opening Line Shift

Question:

Psalm 18:1 begins, “I will love thee, O LORD, my strength.”

Compare 2 Samuel 22:2. What is the subtle difference, and why is it significant?

Answer:

2 Samuel 22:2 reads, “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer.”

Trap: Scholars often assume the opening of Psalm 18 mirrors 2 Samuel 22 exactly, but Psalm 18 begins with personal love, while 2 Samuel emphasizes God as strength and deliverer. The shift highlights a more devotional tone in the psalm.

 

🧠 TRAP 2: Verses of Divine Fire

Question:

Psalm 18:8 describes “fire out of his mouth devoured.” Compare with 2 Samuel 22:8–9. What is added in Samuel, and why is this easy to overlook?

Answer:

2 Samuel 22:9 adds “and coals of fire were kindled at it” slightly earlier in sequence.

Trap: Assuming the psalm and Samuel are word-for-word identical ignores minor poetic reordering and intensification.

 

🧠 TRAP 3: “Many Waters” Reference

Question:

Psalm 18:16 says, “He drew me out of many waters.” How does 2 Samuel 22:17 phrase it, and what trap does it present?

Answer:

2 Samuel 22:17 reads, “He drew me out of many waters; he delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me.”

Trap: Scholars may overlook the extended detail about enemies in Samuel, assuming the psalm includes it. Psalm 18 is more compressed, focusing on the act of deliverance rather than enemies.

 

🧠 TRAP 4: The LORD’s Answer in Distress

Question:

Psalm 18:6 emphasizes, “he heard my voice out of his temple.” Compare 2 Samuel 22:7. What subtle difference exists?

Answer:

2 Samuel 22:7 adds, “and the earth shook and trembled.”

Trap: Some scholars assume “temple” imagery is the main point; in Samuel, physical reaction of creation precedes God’s hearing, showing literary restructuring.

 

🧠 TRAP 5: Verse Numbering Differences

Question:

Psalm 18:28 says, “For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.” Compare 2 Samuel 22:29. What do you notice?

Answer:

2 Samuel 22:29 is almost identical, but verse divisions differ, which can cause mis-citations.

Trap: Treating verse numbers as identical can lead to mis-references in scholarly work.

 

🧠 TRAP 6: “My Enemies” vs “They Hated Me”

Question:

Psalm 18:40–41 mentions David’s enemies falling and crying. How does 2 Samuel 22:41–42 differ?

Answer:

2 Samuel explicitly mentions “from them which hated me”, while Psalm 18 phrases it more poetically as “they cried, but there was none to save them.”

Trap: Assuming Psalm 18 is more precise than Samuel or vice versa can lead to theological misinterpretation of enemy defeat.

 

🧠 TRAP 7: Closing Verses

Question:

Psalm 18:50 concludes, “to David, and to his seed for evermore.” Compare 2 Samuel 22:51. Any notable difference?

Answer:

2 Samuel 22:51 adds, “Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight.”

Trap: Psalm 18 condenses some praise; assuming all final expressions of victory and skill appear identically is misleading.

 

🧠 TRAP 8: Omissions

Question:

Identify one key line present in 2 Samuel 22 but absent in Psalm 18, and explain the trap.

Answer:

2 Samuel 22:20: “He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.”

Trap: Scholars assuming Psalm 18 is complete neglect intentional editorial compression to suit the psalmic liturgy.

 

🧠 TRAP 9: Poetic vs Historical Emphasis

Question:

Why might Psalm 18 emphasize divine love (v.1) while 2 Samuel 22 emphasizes God as warrior?

Answer:

Psalm 18 is poetic liturgy, intended for worship, while 2 Samuel 22 is a historical record.

Trap: Treating both as identical literary genres leads to misreading devotional intent as historical report.

 

🧠 TRAP 10: Practical Tip for Scholars

Question:

When citing Psalm 18 alongside 2 Samuel 22, what is the “biggest trap”?

Answer:

Assuming verse-for-verse identity. Minor wording changes, omissions, reordering, and different emphases can alter theological interpretation if overlooked. Always cross-check context, content, and literary style.

 

This cross-reference round ensures only careful, textually attentive scholars correctly navigate Psalm 18 alongside 2 Samuel 22.

 

Think you have what it takes to master David’s song of deliverance?

💡 Dive into the quiz, sharpen your Bible knowledge, and share your results with fellow scholars!

Challenge your friends, compare answers, and see who truly knows Psalm 18 and 2 Samuel 22 inside and out.