Psalm 18

In this Psalm God is presented as a bringer of justice. According to the author (probably David) God not only protects the faithful but also punishes the wicked. God's justice seems to be carried out through man; David remarks that God has given him a "miraculous bow" and trained him for battle.

In response to the question about elements that are very similar to different religious traditions being problematic...

Problematic for whom? For the readers of the Psalm at the time it was written? No. The similarities were probably used so that the common people would connect to the text in a more immediate fashion. The Psalm is automatically accessible due to those similarities.

Problematic for the modern reader? Not necessarily. Again, these similarities make the text more widely accessible and the reader is able to understand things from multiple viewpoints. But the modern reader will probably not be able to "buy into" the message nearly as easily due to these similarities. A modern reader will be much less keen on a religion that seems to borrow from others instead of being unique. On the other hand, a different modern reader might appreciate the message in a more widespread manner, though I see that as difficult (since the speaker is crushing enemies and ruling over foreigners). The message seems to apply directly to American patriotism. I mean, the image of God that is presented in this chapter is indeed frightening--in any context.