Psalms 18:34 (KJV)

Passage

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

Nearby Context

Psalms 18:32 It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.

Psalms 18:33 He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon my high places.

Psalms 18:34 He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.

Psalms 18:35 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.

Psalms 18:36 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "teacheth", "hands", "steel", "broken", "mine", and "arms". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "teacheth" and "hands", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The nearby context moves from verse 33's "He maketh my feet like hinds feet..." into verse 35's "Thou hast also given me the shield...", so "teacheth" and "hands" belong inside that flow. In Psalms context, the local focus is worship, trust, the LORD's kingship, and covenant mercy.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "teacheth" and "hands" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.