DAVID’S SONG OF PRAISE 2 SAMUEL...

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DAVID’S SONG OF PRAISE

2 SAMUEL 22:1-51

Landmark Publications, Inc., 1045 Maynor Avenue, Nashville, TN., 37216, U.S.A., John C. Sewell, Ph.D., Editor


David’s Song of Praise Text: 2 Samuel 22:1-51, 1. David sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. 2. He said: "The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; 3. my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—from violent men you save me. 4. I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. 5. "The waves of death swirled about me; the torrents of destruction over-whelmed me. 6. The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me. 7. In my distress I called to the LORD; I called out to my God. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came to his ears. 8. "The earth trembled and quaked, the foundations of the heavens shook; they trembled because he was angry. 9. Smoke rose from his nostrils; consuming fire came from his mouth, burning coals blazed out of it. 10. He parted the heavens and came down; dark clouds were under his feet. 11. He mounted the cherubim and flew; he soared on the wings of the wind. 12. He made darkness his canopy around him—the dark rain clouds of the sky. 13. Out of the brightness of his presence bolts of lightning blazed forth.



14. The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded. 15. He shot arrows and scattered the enemies , bolts of lightning and routed them. 16. The valleys of the sea were exposed and the foundations of the earth laid bare at the rebuke of the LORD, at the blast of breath from his nostrils. 17. "He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. 18. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. 19. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LORD was my support. 20. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me. 21. "The LORD has dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me. 22. For I have kept the ways of the LORD; I have not done evil by turning from my God. 23. All his laws are before me; I have not turned away from his decrees. 24. I have been blameless before him and have kept myself from sin. 25. The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to my cleanness in his sight. 26. "To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, 27. to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd. 28. You save the humble, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low. 29. You are my lamp, O LORD; the LORD turns my darkness into light.



30. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. 31. "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. 32. For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? 33. It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. 34. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. 35. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. 36. You give me your shield of victory; you stoop down to make me great. 37. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn. 38. "I pursued my enemies and crushed them; I did not turn back till they were destroyed. 39. I crushed them completely, and they could not rise; they fell beneath my feet. 40. You armed me with strength for battle; you made my adversaries bow at my feet. 41. You made my enemies turn their backs in flight, and I destroyed my foes. 42. They cried for help, but there was no one to save them—to the LORD, but he did not answer. 43. I beat them as fine as the dust of the earth; I pounded and trampled them like mud in the streets. 44. "You have delivered me from the attacks of my people; you have preserved me as the head of nations. People I did not know are subject to me, 45. and foreigners come cringing to me; as soon as they hear me, they obey me. 46. They all lose heart; they come trembling from their strongholds.



47. "The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God, the Rock, my Savior! 48. He is the God who avenges me, who puts the nations under me, 49. who sets me free from my enemies. You exalted me above my foes; from violent men you rescued me. 50. Therefore I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations; I will sing praises to your name. 51. He gives his king great victories; he shows unfailing kindness to his anointed, to David and his descendants forever." (NIV) Introduction: I. “David’s Song of Deliverance also appears as Psalm 18,” Smith wrote.

A. Students are referred to Psalm 18 in this lesson series for a commentary on that passage by Dr. Clyde M. Miller.

1. Some textual variations between 2 Samuel 22 and Psalm 18 can be attributed to scribal errors of copyists. (See The Pulpit Commentary.) 2. Psalm 18:1-50, I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. The cords of death entangled me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me. The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry



came before him, into his ears. The earth trembled and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains shook; they trembled because he was angry. Smoke rose from his nostrils; consuming fire came from his mouth, burning coals blazed out of it. He parted the heavens and came down; dark clouds were under his feet. He mounted the cherubim and flew; he soared on the wings of the wind. He made darkness his covering, his canopy around him—the dark rain clouds of the sky. Out of the brightness of his presence clouds advanced, with hailstones and bolts of lightning. The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded. He shot his arrows and scattered the enemies , great bolts of lightning and routed them. The valleys of the sea were exposed and the foundations of the earth laid bare at your rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of breath from your nostrils. He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LORD was my support. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me. The LORD has dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me. For I have kept the ways of the LORD; I have not done evil by turning from my God. All his laws are before me; I have not turned away from his decrees. I have been blameless before him and have kept myself from sin. The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight. To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself



blameless, to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd. You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty. You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn. I pursued my enemies and overtook them; I did not turn back till they were destroyed. I crushed them so that they could not rise; they fell beneath my feet. You armed me with strength for battle; you made my adversaries bow at my feet. You made my enemies turn their backs in flight, and I destroyed my foes. They cried for help, but there was no one to save them—to the LORD, but he did not answer. I beat them as fine as dust borne on the wind; I poured them out like mud in the streets. You have delivered me from the attacks of the people; you have made me the head of nations; people I did not know are subject to me. As soon as they hear me, they obey me; foreigners cringe before me. They all lose heart; they come trembling from their strongholds. The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God my Savior! He is the God who avenges me, who subdues nations



under me, who saves me from my enemies. You exalted me above my foes; from violent men you rescued me. Therefore I will praise you among the nations, O LORD; I will sing praises to your name. He gives his king great victories; he shows unfailing kindness to his anointed, to David and his descendants forever. (NIV)

B. Smith further wrote, “The poem is a powerful celebration of the deliverance of David from the power of all his enemies.”

1. “This poem comes from David’s happiest time when he had won for Israel security and empire,” Smith stated.

a. Others place the writing of this song near the end of his life when victories had been won and the nation had become secure.

2. Israel in this poem is urged to place their faith in God, who had delivered both David and the nation.

C. “David composed a song to celebrate his deliverance from the hand of Saul and other enemies” and “presumably . . . was written very early in his reign,” Smith wrote.



Commentary: 2 Samuel 22:1, David sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. (NIV) I. “David sang to the LORD the words of this song when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.”

A. Smith commented, “Deliverance from the hand of Saul is specifically mentioned, not because it was chronologically last, but because it was the greatest and most glorious – a deliverance out of the deepest misery into regal misery and glory.”

2 Samuel 22:2, He said: "The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; (NIV) I. “He (David) said: . . .”

A. Clarke noted that while what is said in this chapter primarily applies to David, “generally and fully they belong to the Messiah alone.” B. Paul quoted portions of this material as predicting “the conversion of the Gentiles under Christ the Messiah.” (See Kennicott via Clarke.)

1. Romans 15:9, And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. (KJV)



2. Hebrews 2:13, And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. (KJV)

II. “The LORD is my rock (cliff), my fortress (stronghold) and my deliverer; . . .”

A. God served as David’s rock, secure location, fortress, stronghold difficult for enemies to access and forming a secure retreat and deliverer when David was in mortal danger. (See The Pulpit Commentary.)

1. Job 18:4, You who tear yourself to pieces in your anger, is the earth to be abandoned for your sake? Or must the rocks be moved from their place? (NIV) 2. Deuteronomy 32:15, 31, Jeshurun grew fat and kicked; filled with food, he became heavy and sleek. He abandoned the God who made him and rejected the Rock his Savior. For their rock is not like our Rock, as even our enemies concede. (NIV) 3. Isaiah 30:29, And you will sing as on the night you celebrate a holy festival; your hearts will rejoice as when people go up with flutes to the mountain of the LORD, to the Rock of Israel. (NIV)

2 Samuel 22:3, my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior—from violent men you save me. (NIV) I. “my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, . . .”



A. Refuge was a place of safe retreat among the mountains. (The Pulpit Commentary)

II. “my shield and the horn of my salvation.”

A. God was David’s shield.

1. Genesis 15:1, After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shied, your very great reward." (NIV) 2. Deuteronomy 33:29, Blessed are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD? He is your shield and helper and your glorious sword. Your enemies will cower before you, and you will trample down their high places." (NIV)

B. God was David’s horn of salvation which reminds us of both the defensive and offensive functions of horns of certain wild beasts. (See Smith.)

1. Deuteronomy 33:17, In majesty he is like a first born bull; his horns are the horns of a wild ox. With them he will gore the nations, even those at the ends of the earth. Such are the ten thousands of Ephraim; such are the thousands of Manasseh." (NIV) 2. 1 Kings 22:11, Now Zedekiah son of Kenaanah had made iron horns and he declared, "This is what the LORD says: 'With these you will gore the Arameans until they are destroyed.' " (NIV)



3. Psalm 92:10, You have exalted my horn like that of a wild ox; fine oils have been poured upon me. (NIV)

III. “He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior─”

A. A stronghold was a highly fortified and easily defended fort.

1. Psalm 9:9, The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. (NIV)

B. A refuge, a place of security to which David could retreat. C. A savior who saved him from the hand of his enemies.

IV. “from violent man you save me.”

A. These violent men, Smith wrote, were Saul and his supporters. B. David’s adult life was one long series of violent encounters with one enemy after another.

1. God continually saved David from destruction.

2 Samuel 22:4, I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies. (NIV) I. “I call (cry) to the LORD, (for help), who is worthy of praise, . . .”

A. David well realized his dependence on God for deliverance.



B. Because of God’s goodness to his people, God is certainly worthy of praise!

II. “and I am saved from my enemies.”

A. Praise be to God for saving David and his people from their enemies.

2 Samuel 22:5, "The waves of death swirled about me; the torrents of destruction over-whelmed me. (NIV) I. “The waves of death swirled about me; . . .”

A. David was like a drowning man when God came to his rescue, a person desperately in need of divine aid. (Smith)

II. “the torrents of destruction (death) overwhelmed me.”

A. These torrents of destruction, Smith wrote, were calamities that proceed from worthless or base fellows. B. Death is presented “as all engulfing waters, and as an inescapable hunter whose traps and nets are ever ready. (Anderson)

2 Samuel 22:6, The cords of the grave coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me. (NIV) I. “The cords of the grave, (sheol) coiled around me; . . .”

A. Impending death had ensnared David on all sides.

II. “the snares of death confronted me.”

A. Death is ultimately unavoidable, waiting for each of us.



1. All mortals enter this world under the unavoidable sentence of death.

2 Samuel 22:7, In my distress I called to the LORD; I called out to my God. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came to his ears. (NIV) I. “In my distress I called to the LORD; I called out to my God.”

A. In all of our adversities, there is only one to whom we can ultimately go.

II. “From his (heavenly) temple he heard my voice; my cry came to his ears.”

A. Psalm 11:4, The LORD is in his holy temple; the LORD is on his heavenly throne. He observes the sons of men; his eyes examine them. (NIV) B. Temple can be translated palace or heavenly temple and does not here refer to the temple in Jerusalem which had not at this time been built. (The Pulpit Commentary)

2 Samuel 22:8, "The earth trembled and quaked, the foundations of the heavens shook; they trembled because he was angry. (NIV) I. “The earth trembled and quaked, the foundations of the heavens shook; . . .”

A. These highly figurative descriptions of God’s wondrous power are known as a theophany, a visible manifestation of God’s presence. (See Smith.)



1. These figures remind us of the literal manifestations of God on Mt. Sinai.

a. Exodus 19:16, 18, On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the LORD descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, the whole mountain trembled violently, (NIV)

II. “they trembled because he was angry.”

A. God became angry at the injustices evil men had directed toward David and Israel.

2 Samuel 22:9, Smoke rose from his nostrils; consuming fire came from his mouth, burning coals blazed out of it. (NIV) I. “Smoke rose from his nostrils; consuming fire came from his mouth, burning coals blazed out of it.”

A. Exodus 19:18, Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the LORD descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, the whole mountain trembled violently, B. The Pulpit Commentary states that smoke signifies hailstones and, perhaps, also the rain driven in (sheets) along the ground by the wind.



C. Red hot cinders described the flashing lightnings that were shot forth like the coals from the refiner’s furnace when heated to the full. (The Pulpit Commentary) D. “Here Yahweh is depicted as if he were the fire-breathing Leviathan. Smoke and fire usually accompany Yahweh’s theophanies,” Anderson wrote.

1. Exodus 24:17, To the Israelites the glory of the LORD looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain. (NIV) 2. Deuteronomy 4:24, For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. (NIV) 3, Isaiah 30:27, See, the Name of the LORD comes from afar,with burning anger and dense clouds of smoke; his lips are full of wrath, and his tongue is a consuming fire. (NIV)

2 Samuel 22:10, He parted the heavens and came down; dark clouds were under his feet. (NIV) I. “He parted the heavens and came down; dark clouds were under his feet.”

A. God parted the heavens.

1. Isaiah 64:1, To the Israelites the glory of the LORD looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain. (NIV)

B. Dark clouds were under God’s feet.



1. Exodus 19:6, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites." (NIV) 2. Deuteronomy 5:22, These are the commandments the LORD proclaimed in a loud voice to your whole assembly there on the mountain from out of the fire, the cloud and the deep darkness; and he added nothing more. Then he wrote them on two stone tablets and gave them to me. (NIV)

2 Samuel 22:11, He mounted the cherubim and flew; he soared on the wings of the wind. (NIV) I. “He mounted the cherubim and flew; . . .”

A. Cherubim (plural of cherub) were a type of angel (Smith).

1. 1 Samuel 4:4, So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the LORD Almighty, who is enthroned between the cherubim. And Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. (NIV) 2. Numbers 7:89, When Moses entered the Tent of Meeting to speak with the LORD, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the atonement cover on the ark of the Testimony. And he spoke with him. (NIV) 3. 2 Samuel 6:2, He and all his men set out from Baalah of Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the Name, the name of the



LORD Almighty, who is enthroned between the cherubim that are on the ark. (NIV) 4. Exodus 25:20, The cherubim are to have their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover with them. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the cover. (NIV) 5. 1 Kings 6:24, One wing of the first cherub was five cubits long, and the other wing five cubits—ten cubits from wing tip to wing tip. (NIV) 6. Ezekiel 10:8, (Under the wings of the cherubim could be seen what looked like the hands of a man.) (NIV) 7. Ezekiel 10:20, These were the living creatures I had seen beneath the God of Israel by the Kebar River, and I realized that they were cherubim. (NIV) 8. Ezekiel 41:18-19, were carved cherubim and palm trees. Palm trees alternated with cherubim. Each cherub had two faces: the face of a man toward the palm tree on one side and the face of a lion toward the palm tree on the other. They were carved all around the whole temple. (NIV) 9. Psalm 80:1, Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock; you who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth (NIV) 10. Psalm 99:1, The LORD reigns, let the nations tremble; he sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake. (NIV)



II. “he soared on the wings of the wind. . . (to rescue David and his chosen people).”

a. God swooped down as a bird of prey upon its quarry.

1. Psalm 18:10, He mounted the cherubim and flew; he soared on the wings of the wind. (NIV) 2. Deuteronomy 28:49, The LORD will bring a nation against you from far away, from the ends of the earth, like an eagle swooping down, a nation whose language you will not understand, (NIV) 3. Jeremiah 48:40, This is what the LORD says: "Look! An eagle is swooping down, spreading its wings over Moab. (NIV)

2 Samuel 22:12, He made darkness his canopy around him—the dark rain clouds of the sky. (NIV) I. “He made darkness his canopy (booths, pavilion) around him—”

A. Exodus 20:18, When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance. (NIV) B. This canopy (booth) would have been made of tree branches and formed into a temporary abode, shelter.

II. “the dark rain clouds (gathering of waters) of the sky.”



A. Dark storm clouds gather at God’s behest to afflict David’s enemies.

2 Samuel 22:13, Out of the brightness of his presence bolts of lightning blazed forth. (NIV) I. Out of the brightness of his presence bolts of lightning (coals of fire) blazed forth. . .(across the sky).”

A. Glorious brightness surrounds God’s presence.

1. 1 Timothy 6:16, Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. (KJV)

2 Samuel 22:14, The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded. (NIV) I. “The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded.”

A. God’s voice is compared with thunder by which David’s enemies were struck with terror and alarm. (The Pulpit Commentary)

1. Psalm 29:3, The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD thunders over the mighty waters. (NIV) 2. Exodus 14:24, During the last watch of the night the LORD looked down from the pillar of fire and cloud at the Egyptian army and threw it into confusion. (NIV)



3. Joshua 10:10, The LORD threw them into confusion before Israel, who defeated them in a great victory at Gibeon. Israel pursued them along the road going up to Beth Horon and cut them down all the way to Azekah and Makkedah. (NIV)

B. Smith wrote that “Most High” is used as a name for God forty-nine (49) times in the Old Testament.

1. Genesis 14:18-20, Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand." Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything. (NIV)

C. Anderson wrote, “Thundering was the most common theophonic motif in the Old Testament” making “Yahweh appear as if he were a storm god.”

1. Exodus 19:16, On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. (NIV) 2. Psalm 77:17-18, The clouds poured down water, the skies resounded with thunder; your arrows flashed back and forth. Your thunder was heard in thewhirlwind, your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked. (NIV)

3. Psalm 144:6, Send forth lightning and scatter {the enemies}; shoot your arrows and rout them. (NIV)



2 Samuel 22:15, He shot arrows and scattered the enemies , bolts of lightning and routed them. (NIV) I. “He shot arrows and scattered (confused) the enemies, bolts of lightning and routed them.

A. Psalm 77:17-18, The clouds poured down water, the skies resounded with thunder; your arrows flashed back and forth. Your thunder was heard in thewhirlwind, your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked. (NIV) B. The heavenly display scattered and routed the enemies. (Smith)

1. 1 Samuel 7:10, While Samuel was sacrificing the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to engage Israel in battle. But that day the LORD thundered with loud thunder against the Philistines and threw them into such a panic that they were routed before the Israelites. (NIV) 2. Psalm 144:6, Send forth lightning and scatter {the enemies}; shoot your arrows and rout them. (NIV)

2 Samuel 22:16, The valleys of the sea were exposed and the foundations of the earth laid bare at the rebuke of the LORD, at the blast of breath from his nostrils. (NIV) I. “The valleys of the sea were exposed and the foundations of the earth laid bare. . .”

A. “David imagines great geologic upheavals accompanying God’s rebuke of the wicked,” Smith wrote.



1. Anderson suggested this may remind the reader of the crossing of the Red Sea.

a. Psalm 106:9, He rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried up; he led them through the depths as through a desert. (NIV)

II. “at the rebuke of the LORD, at the blast of breath from his nostrils.”

A. “The blast of his nostrils is a violent wind which is the evidence and result of his anger,” Smith wrote.

1. Job 4:9, At the breath of God they are destroyed; at the blast of his anger they perish. (NIV) 2. Isaiah 30:33, Topheth has long been prepared; it has been made ready for the king. Its fire pit has been made deep and wide, with an abundance of fire and wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of burning sulfur, sets it ablaze. (NIV)

2 Samuel 22:17, "He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. (NIV) I. “He reached down from on high and took hold of me; . . .”

A. “God reached down and rescued David from the deep waters, flood of calamities which engulfed David,” Smith explained.

II. “he drew me out of deep waters.”

A. God saved David from drowning in the onslaughts of his enemies.



1. Isaiah 37:33, "Therefore this is what the LORD says concerning the king of Assyria: "He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow here. He will not come before it with shield or build a siege ramp against it. (NIV) 2. Remember again God’s drawing Israel out of the Red Sea. a. Exodus 2:10, When the child grew older, she took him to Pharaoh's daughter and he became her son. She named him Moses, saying, "I drew him out of the water." (NIV)

2 Samuel 22:18, He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. (NIV) I. “Rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me.”

A. Only God could have saved David from his enemies which on numerous occasions brought David to imminent risk of being captured or killed. (See Smith.)

1. Isaiah 10:20, In that day the remnant of Israel, the survivors of the house of Jacob, will no longer rely on him who struck them down but will truly rely on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel. (NIV)

2 Samuel 22:19, They confronted me in the day of my disaster, but the LORD was my support. (NIV) I. “They confronted me in the day of my disaster, . . .”



A. David had numerous very close calls as he was confronted by his enemies.

II. “but the LORD was my support.”

A. God was David’s support, staff on which he leaned for support.

2 Samuel 22:20, He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me. (NIV) I. “He brought me out into a spacious place; . . .”

A. A narrow place is a place of trouble while a spacious place is a reference to a place of freedom and peace where he was no longer hemmed in by his enemies. (See Anderson.)

II. “he rescued me because he delighted in me.”

A. David said his wondrous deliverance was due to the fact that God delighted in him.

1. 2 Samuel 15:26, But if he says, 'I am not pleased with you,' then I am ready; let him do to me whatever seems good to him." (NIV)

2 Samuel 22:21, "The LORD has dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me. (NIV) I. “The LORD has dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me.”

A. David’s divine deliverance was, he said, due to his righteousness and moral cleanness.



B. The Pulpit Commentary holds the position that these verses could not have been written after David’s sin with Bathsheba because of David’s claim of righteousness and cleanness. C. “Yahweh’s gracious intervention is also fair in that it takes into consideration one’s loyalty, obedience, and integrity,” Anderson wrote.

2 Samuel 22:22, For I have kept the ways of the LORD; I have not done evil by turning from my God. (NIV) I. “For I have kept the ways of the LORD; . . .”

A. Before David’s sins regarding Bathsheba and Uriah, this was very true regarding David’s conduct.

II. “I have not done evil by turning from my God.”

A. David never worshipped idols nor turned to any other “deity.”

2 Samuel 22:23, All his laws are before me; I have not turned away from his decrees. (NIV) I. “All his laws are before me; I have not turned away from his decrees.”

A. God’s laws were constantly on David’s mind and he earnestly endeavored to walk in the ways of God. (Smith)

2 Samuel 22:24, I have been blameless before him and have kept myself from sin. (NIV)



I. “I have been blameless before him and have kept myself from sin.”

A. David is not here claiming to be sinless, but that in regard to Saul he had done right. (See Smith.)

2 Samuel 22:25, The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to my cleanness in his sight. (NIV) I. “The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to my cleanness in his sight.”

A. Verses 21 and 25 are very similar. B. This is true today as well as in David’s lifetime.

2 Samuel 22:26, "To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, (NIV) I. “To the faithful (pious) you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, . . .”

A. “David recognized that God treats every person in accordance with that person’s conduct toward him,” Smith well wrote. B. God blesses the faithful, the blameless, the pure and the humble. C. God is just both to the righteous and the wicked.

2 Samuel 22:27, to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd. (NIV) I. “to the pure you show yourself pure, . .”



A. We reap what we sow!

II. “but to the crooked (perverse) you show yourself shrewd.”

A. On the other hand, God outsmarts the crooked every time, Smith tells us.

2 Samuel 22:28, You save the humble, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low. (NIV) I. “You save the humble, . . .”

A. People are here divided into two (2) categories, Smith observed, the humble and the haughty. B. The humble are afflicted people, the pious and depressed, those who have learned discipline through suffering. (See Smith.)

II. “but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low.”

A. The haughty do not fear God nor respect their fellowmen but are the godless rich and mighty of the nation. (See Smith.)

2 Samuel 22:29, You are my lamp, O LORD; the LORD turns my darkness into light. (NIV) I. “You are my lamp, O LORD; the LORD turns my darkness into light.”

A. The lamp is used on a figure of prosperity while its extinction is a figure of calamity, Smith wrote.



1. Esther 8:16, For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor. (NIV) 2. Job 18:5-6, "The lamp of the wicked is snuffed out; the flame of his fire stops burning. The light in his tent becomes dark; the lamp beside him goes out. (NIV)

3. Psalm 97:11, Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. (NIV) 4. Psalm 132:17, "Here I will make a horn grow for David and set up a lamp for my anointed one. (NIV) 5. Proverbs 20:20, If a man curses his father or mother, his lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness. (NIV) 6. Proverbs 24:20, for the evil man has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out. (NIV)

B. A burning lamp is indicative of life and activity while darkness represents ruin and desolation, The Pulpit Commentary states.

1. Job 21:17, "Yet how often is the lamp of the wicked snuffed out? How often does calamity come upon them, the fate God allots in his anger? (NIV) 2. 2 Samuel 21:17, But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to David's rescue; he struck the Philistine down and killed him. Then David's men swore to him, saying, "Never again will you go out with us to battle, so



that the lamp of Israel will not be extinguished." (NIV)

2 Samuel 22:30, With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. (NIV) I. “With your help I can advance (run) against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall (of a fortified, walled city such as Jerusalem).”

A. God enabled David to overcome superior military forces and the defenses of his enemies, Smith stated. B. David felt invincible with God on his side, Smith wrote. C. A troop signifies a lightly armed band of mobile marauders whom, because of their God given speed, could overtake and overcome. D. A siege of a walled city was usually a long and tedious process, but David was enabled to scale city walls and overcome an enemy city. E. Anderson paraphrases this verse, “With your help I can charge a whole troop of foes single-handed, with the help of my God I can scale the enemy’s walls.”

1. With God’s help, David could overcome all odds. (See Anderson.)

2 Samuel 22:31, "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. (NIV) I. “As for God, his way is perfect; . . .”



A. The way of God is absolutely good and without impurities like refined gold.

1. Psalm 12:6, And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times. (NIV)

II. “the word of the LORD is flawless.

A. there is no error in God’s word!

1. We can place our full confidence in his word. 2. God has spoken! We believe it, every word.

III. “He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.”

A. God acts as a shield to protect all who seek protection in him.

Note: Anderson said this verse forms a tricolon: (1) God’s way is perfect, (2) God’s word is flawless, (3) God is a shield for all who take refuge in him. 2 Samuel 22:32, For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? (NIV) I. “For who is God (elohim) besides the LORD?”

A. There is one God!

1. David was monotheistic. 2. Jehovah alone is God! (The Pulpit Commentary)



B. Scripture references:

1. 1 Samuel 2:2, "There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. (NIV) 2. 2 Samuel 7:22, "How great you are, O Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears. (NIV) 3. Isaiah 43:11, I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior. (NIV) 4. Isaiah 44:7-8, Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and lay out before me what has happened since I established my ancient people, and what is yet to come—yes, let him foretell what will come. Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one." (NIV)

II. “And who is the Rock except our God?”

A. Only God is the immovable rock!

2 Samuel 22:33, It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. (NIV) I. “It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.”



A. God provided guidance for David and is ready to guide us in the ways of righteousness.

2 Samuel 22:34, He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. (NIV) I. “He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; . . .”

A. Agility, speed and sureness of foot were tremendous benefits to the warrior. (See The Pulpit Commentary.)

II. “he enables me to stand on the heights, (the tops of the mountains).”

A. David had taken possession of such rocky citadels as Bozez and Seneh which made him the master of the whole country, The Pulpit Commentary states.

2 Samuel 22:35, He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. (NIV) I. “He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.”

A. God gave David great battle skills and superior strength. (See Smith.) B. Bows of bronze were not unknown in the time of David.

1. Job 20:24, Though he flees from an iron weapon, a bronze-tipped arrow pierces him. (NIV)

Note: It is interesting to observe the changes in grammatic use from one to another (first person, second person, third person) as the chapter progresses.



2 Samuel 22:36, You give me your shield of victory; you stoop down to make me great. (NIV) I. “You give me your shield of victory; . . .”

A. God gave David protection and victory. (See Smith.)

II. “You stoop down to make me great.”

A. God reaches down from heaven to encourage, bless and preserve his faithful people.

2 Samuel 22:37, You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn. (NIV) I. “You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.”

A. In agile movements as required in battle, God provided a broad, smooth path so David would suffer no broken bones or loss of sure footedness.

2 Samuel 22:38, "I pursued my enemies and crushed them; I did not turn back till they were destroyed. (NIV) I. “I pursued my enemies and crushed them; I did not turn back till they were destroyed.”

A. David’s enemies were God’s enemies. B. David was tenacious and relentless in pursuing his enemies until they were destroyed!



2 Samuel 22:39, I crushed them completely, and they could not rise; they fell beneath my feet. (NIV) I. “I crushed them completely, and they could not rise; they fell beneath my feet.”

A. David completely crushed his enemies to the point they were no longer able to fight.

1. They fell beneath David’s feet and, in their defeat, David rejoiced and thanked God.

2 Samuel 22:40, You armed me with strength for battle; you made my adversaries bow at my feet. (NIV) I. “You armed me with strength for battle; . . .”

A. God enabled David to defeat his enemies!

II. “you made my adversaries bow at my feet.”

A. This includes both Israelite (Saul) and non-Israelite enemies (Goliath). B. God was on David’s side, or rather, David was on God’s side!

2 Samuel 22:41, You made my enemies turn their backs in flight, and I destroyed my foes. (NIV) I. “You made my enemies turn their backs in flight, and I destroyed my foes.”

A. David pursued his enemies while they were in full retreat and destroyed them.



1. When David finished fighting, his enemies were in no condition to regroup and fight another day.

B. Scriptural references:

1. Exodus 23:27, "I will send my terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter. I will make all your enemies turn their backs and run. (NIV) 2. Joshua 10:24, When they had brought these kings to Joshua, he summoned all the men of Israel and said to the army commanders who had come with him, "Come here and put your feet on the necks of these kings." So they came forward and placed their feet on their necks. (NIV)

2 Samuel 22:42, They cried for help, but there was no one to save them to the LORD, but he did not answer. (NIV) I. “They cried for help, but there was no one to save them—to the LORD, but he did not answer.”

A. Neither potential allies nor even the LORD came to the rescue of David’s enemies in their distress.

2 Samuel 22:43, I beat them as fine as the dust of the earth; I pounded and trampled them like mud in the streets. (NIV) I. “I beat them as fine as the dust of the earth; I pounded and trampled them like mud in the streets.”

A. David thoroughly trampled his enemies and was proud that he did.



1. Better to trample than be trampled?

2 Samuel 22:44, "You have delivered me from the attacks of my people; you have preserved me as the head of nations. People I did not know are subject to me, (NIV) I. “You have delivered me from the attacks of my people; . . .”

A. The words my people refer to Israel, as contrasted with heathen enemies.

II. “you have preserved me as the head of the nations.”

A. David here gave God all thanks for his victories in battle, his not being killed in these military encounters and for preserving him as head of the nations.

III. “People I did not know are subject to me, . . .”

A. The Pulpit Commentary states that these may have included Hadarezer, king of Zobah, Toi and the kingdom of Hamath.

1. 2 Samuel 8:9, When Tou king of Hamath heard that David had defeated the entire army of Hadadezer, (NIV)

2 Samuel 22:45, and foreigners come cringing to me; as soon as they hear me, they obey me. (NIV) I. “and foreigners come cringing (trembling) to me; . . .”

A. David was both feared and respected by his enemies.



II. “as soon as they hear me, they obey me.”

A. David was regarded as the authority to be heard and obeyed.

2 Samuel 22:46, They all lose heart; they come trembling from their strongholds. (NIV) I. “They all lose heart; . . .”

A. Those who had been defeated by David had become depressed and discouraged.

II. “they come trembling from their strongholds.”

A. David’s enemies forsook their strongholds which could not withstand David’s attacks and came fearfully trembling to David.

2 Samuel 22:47, "The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God, the Rock, my Savior! (NIV) I. “The LORD lives! Praise be to my rock! Exalted be God, the Rock, my Savior!” Note: David concluded this song with praise of God.

A. The LORD lives, is living, is everlasting and eternal. (See Anderson.)

1. Psalm 21:4, He asked you for life, and you gave it to him—length of days, for ever and ever. (NIV)

2 Samuel 22:48, He is the God who avenges me, who puts the nations under me, (NIV)



I. “He is the God who avenges me, . . .”

A. Psalm 94:1, O LORD, the God who avenges, O God who avenges, shine forth. (NIV)

II. “who puts the (heathen) nations under me, . . .”

A. Divine providence never forsook David.

1. In good times and bad, God was working his will in David’s life.

2 Samuel 22:49, who sets me free from my enemies. You exalted me above my foes; from violent men you rescued me. (NIV) I. “who sets me free from my enemies.”

A. God is given credit for all David’s blessings.

II. “You exalted me above my foes; from violent men you rescued me.”

A. God provided victory and rescued David from violent men.

1. God provided positive blessings and protection from negative problems.

2 Samuel 22:50, Therefore I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations; I will sing praises to your name. (NIV) I. “Therefore I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations; I will sing praises to your name.”



A. For reasons too numerous to count, David praised the name of the LORD.

2 Samuel 22:51, He gives his king great victories; he shows unfailing kindness to his anointed, to David and his descendants forever." (NIV) I. “He gives his king great victories; he shows unfailing kindness (mercy) to his anointed (messiah), to David and his descendants forever.”

A. David, and we, are deeply indebted to God, so deeply in debt that we can never begin to pay what we owe Him. B. This mercy, kindness was shown to David as the anointed theocratic king, whose rule was the symbol of that of Christ. (See The Pulpit Commentary.)

Conclusion: I. The LORD is described as David’s:

A. rock B. fortress C. deliverer D. refuge E. shield F. horn of salvation G. stronghold



H. savior I. worthy of praise J. perfect K. flawless in word L. unique, the only deity M. God N. avenger

II. David’s problems:

A. waves of death swirled about him. B. torrents of destruction overwhelmed him. C. cords of the grave coiled around him. D. snares of death confronted him E. distress

III. God’s response:

A. became angry. B. earth trembled and quaked. C. foundations of the heavens shook, trembled.



D. smoke rose from God’s nostrils. E. consuming fire, burning coals blazed, came from his mouth. F. parted the heavens and came down with dark clouds under his feet. G. mounted the cherubim and flew H. soared on the wings of the wind I. darkness, dark rain clouds became God’s canopy. J. bolts of lightning blazed forth from the brightness of his presence. K. his voice thundered from heaven. L. shot arrows, bolts of lightning and scattered, routed David’s enemies. M. exposed the valleys of the sea, laid bare the foundations of the earth by his rebuke, the blast of breath from his nostrils. N. shows himself faithful to the faithful. O. shows himself blameless to the blameless. P. shows himself pure to the pure. Q. shows himself shrewd to the crooked. R. saves the humble.



S. brings low the haughty.

IV. What did God do for David?

A. saved from violent men. B. saved from enemies. C. heard his prayer. D. reached down from on high and drew David out of deep waters. E. rescued David from his powerful enemy, from foes who were too strong for him. F. supported David in the hour of his disaster. G. brought David out into a spacious place. H. rewarded David according to his righteousness, cleanness. I. turned his darkness into light. J. enabled David to become a mighty victorious warrior. K. delighted in David. L. armed David with strength. M. made David’s way perfect. N. made his feet like those of a deer, able to stand on the heights.



O. trained his hands for battle, and made them strong enough to bend a bow of bronze. P. gave David his shield of victory. Q. stooped down to make David great. R. broadened the path so David would not turn his ankles. S. armed David with strength for battle. T. made David’s adversaries bow at his feet. U. made David’s enemies turn their backs and flee. V. gave David’s enemies no help W. delivered David from the attacks of his own people and preserved him as the head of nations who obey him. X. gave David great victories. Y. shows unfailing kindness to David and his descendants forever.

V. What did David do?

A. called out to the Lord. B. pursued and completely crushed his enemies. C. destroyed his foes.



D. beat his enemies as fine as the dust and trampled them like mud in the streets. E. praised God in word and song.

VI. David’s description of himself:

A. righteous B. clean C. one who kept the Lord’s ways D. did not turn away from God E. obeyed God’s decrees F. blameless G. kept himself from sin H. faithful I. pure

Questions



on

2 Samuel 22:1-51

(Questions based on NIV text.)

1. David’s “Song of Praise” is recorded twice (2) in the Bible, once in __________________ and once in __________________. 2. Why is this material found twice (2) in the Bible? Give other examples of similar duplication of Biblical material especially in the New Testament. _____________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. “This ____________________ is a ______________________ _______________________ of the ________________________ of ___________________ from the _________________________ of all his ____________________,” Smith wrote. 4. When in David’s life was this song of praise written? Give reasons for your answer. _________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



5. Show how what is said in this chapter primarily applies to David, but that it also “generally and fully belongs to the Messiah.” _____________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. For what purpose did Paul quote portions of 2 Samuel 18? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 7. The Lord in 2 Samuel 22 is described as David’s ___________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 8. What is meant by each of these terms? Define each in regard to David. ________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



9. List David’s problem as mentioned in 2 Samuel 22. _________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 10. How did God respond to David’s problems? _______________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 11. What did God do for David? ___________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



12. What has God done for you? ___________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 13, What did David do? __________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 14. How did David describe himself? Was this description of himself accurate? _______________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 15. How would you describe yourself? Is this description accurate? _____________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



16. What are cherubim? What does the Bible say about cherubim? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 17. What possible references are found in 2 Samuel 22 to the Israelites crossing the Red Sea? ___________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 18. On what basis did God deal with David? On what basis does God deal with us? _______________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 19. To the ____________________ (_____________________) God shows himself ______________________, to the __________ __________________ he shows himself ____________________, but to the __________________ (_______________) he shows himself _______________________. 20. God saves the ___________________________, but brings the _________________________ ______________________. God’s ___________________________ is _____________________; the



____________________ of the ____________________________ is ________________________. 21. Was David’s fierce treatment of his enemies justified? Why or why not? ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 22. In defeat, what did David’s enemies do? __________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 23. In view of God’s goodness, God is to be praised. How can we praise God? List as many ways as possible. _________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 24. Who were David’s enemies? What enemies have been especially troublesome in your life? ________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________



25. What emotional reactions did David experience as his life’s circumstances changed? List each and cite the scriptures on which you based each answer. __________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


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