2 Samuel 22:1-7 KJV: A Psalm of Deliverance
Verse 1 And David spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul.
The Background
In 2 Samuel 22, David celebrates the Lord's deliverance by singing a song of praise and thanksgiving. This chapter is often referred to as the "Song of David" and is almost identical to Psalm 18. The background of this passage is the lord's deliverance of David from the hands of all his enemies, including King Saul.
The Expression of Gratitude
In verse 1, David speaks unto the Lord, expressing his gratitude and praise for the Lord's deliverance. The phrase "out of the hand of all his enemies" suggests that David had faced multiple threats and dangers, but the Lord had rescued him from all of them. The specific mention of Saul implies that David's greatest enemy was his own king, who had relentlessly pursued him.
Verse 2-3 And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.
The Metaphors of God
In verses 2-3, David uses several metaphors to describe God's role in his life. The Lord is portrayed as:
- My rock: a symbol of stability and strength
- My fortress: a place of safety and protection
- My deliverer: one who rescues and sets free
- My shield: a defender who protects from harm
- The horn of my salvation: a symbol of power and rescue
- My high tower: a place of elevation and refuge
- My refuge: a safe haven from danger
These metaphors emphasize God's role as a protector, defender, and deliverer in David's life.
Verse 4-5 I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. When the waves of death compassed me, the floods of ungodly men made me afraid;
The Call to Praise
In verses 4-5, David expresses his intention to call upon the Lord, who is worthy of praise. He acknowledges that the Lord is the one who has saved him from his enemies and delivered him from the waves of death and the floods of ungodly men.
Verse 6-7 The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me. In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple; and my cry did enter into his ears.
The Cry of Distress
In verses 6-7, David describes his distress and cry for help. He Uses vivid imagery to describe his situation, saying that the sorrows of hell compassed him about and the snares of death prevented him. However, in his distress, David cried unto the Lord, and God heard his voice and responded to his cry.
Conclusion
In 2 Samuel 22:1-7, David's song of praise and thanksgiving serves as a testimony to God's deliverance and faithfulness. Through his metaphors and expressions of gratitude, David emphasizes God's role as a protector, defender, and deliverer in his life. This passage encourages us to trust in God's power and provision, even in the midst of trouble and distress.
