“The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock, and exalted be the God of my salvation— the God who gave me vengeance and subdued peoples under me, who rescued me from my enemies; yes, you exalted me above those who rose against me; you delivered me from the man of violence. For this I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations, and sing to your name. Great salvation he brings to his king, and shows steadfast love to his anointed, to David and his offspring forever.” -Psalm 18:46–50
This doxology begins with a declaration that “The Lord lives!” The expression is a matter of debate among scholars since it can be translated “Long live YHWH! (the Lord),” which could be an expression of notable consternation since YHWH’s eternality and self-existence is universally acknowledged (Ex 3:14). But even if it were translated such, it would be recognized amongst those familiar with monarchical regimes that it is an idiom and expression borrowed from its customs—and used as a metaphor in speaking of God—giving the highest honor to the King.
Regardless, it is just as easily translated as it is declaring not only the highest honor to God but an acknowledgement that God is endued with sovereign power and that his existence is not simply reducible to his essence but revealed, understood, and acknowledged in the character and magnificence of his work in the lives of men.
The way in which God’s character and magnificence is revealed here is summarized in the next lines where David praises God for giving him vengeance (i.e., retribution) on his enemies and exalting him over these violent godless men, thus justifying his righteous position both as king of Israel and in the conflict with his enemies.
YHWH lives! So blessed be my rock and let the God of our salvation be exalted!