Definition: For all his judgments [were] before me, and I did not put away his statutes from me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Psalm 18:22. It’s a really important and somewhat poetic verse that speaks to God's care for us. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Think of it like this: “God knew all the rules he was going to make for us before they even happened. He didn't just decide to stop us – he already had a plan.” Let’s unpack it word by word: "For all his judgments..." : This means God has already decided what’s wrong and how we need to change. It’s not about him currently punishing us, but rather about the consequences of our choices. "...were before me..." : This is a bit tricky – it's like saying "He was thinking about them." God had already foreseen what would happen. "And I did not put away his statutes from me." : This is the core of the verse. “Statutes” means rules, laws, commandments, or guidelines. God didn’t stop him from following those rules. He didn't take them away – he simply didn’t require us to follow them anymore. So, what does it all mean? It suggests a relationship of protection and guidance. God is watching over us, knowing our future, and doesn't want to punish us for anything we've done before He made his plans. It emphasizes that God’s love and care are unconditional. In essence, the verse conveys: God’s foresight: He knew what was coming long before it happened. His protection: He doesn’t want to bring us into trouble. His guidance: He's guiding us towards a good path. Does this mean we don’t need to follow the rules? No, not necessarily! The verse is about how God acts – he doesn’t force obedience; he guides us and protects us based on His knowledge of who we are. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Psalm 18? Discuss the meaning in a different way (perhaps from a theological perspective)?