Summary: David sings a song to praise God for his protection. This song almost exactly parallels Psalm 18. Evans writes, “It may be that this was an earlier version, a first draft that was then formalized for use in corporate worship.”[]
(22:1) This doesn’t necessarily mean that David wrote this during the life of Saul. Instead, this song “sums up and explains all of the king’s military career and also gives an overriding impression of a personal relationship with God.”[] It must have been written at least after David receives the Davidic Covenant (compare 2 Sam. 7:11-14 with verse 51).
(22:2) These descriptions for God show that David viewed God as stable and a source of protection (e.g. rock, fortress, deliverer).
(22:3) Note how David personalizes his relationship with God: God is “my rock… my shield… my salvation.”
(22:4) David trusted that God would answer his prayers, and God would become active in moving him forward.
(22:5-7) God saved David from death (multiple times). David was convinced that God would rescue him when he called out to him in prayer.
(22:8-16) David uses anthropomorphic language to describe the raw power and presence of God. Of course, God is a spiritual, non-corporeal being (Jn. 4:24), but David captures his grandeur through poetic language.
(22:17) What do the “waters” represent? This could be an allusion to how God “drew” Moses from the Nile. Moreover, the “waters” represent “a cosmic metaphor that symbolizes the most threatening of perils (cf. Davidic Pss 32:6 [‘mighty waters’]; 144:7).”[]
(22:18) Even though David was a tough man, he still refers to his enemies as more powerful. There is no boasting in his self-effort or personal power.
(22:19) David wouldn’t have been able to fight his enemies on his own.
(22:20) The reason God rescued David was because of his love (“He delighted in me…”).
(22:26-27) God dealt with people fairly.
(22:28) God helps the humble, but opposes the proud (Jas. 4:6).
(22:29) God guides David.
(22:30) God empowers David.
(22:31) The reason we can take refuge in God is precisely because he is truthful.
(22:32) God is unique.
(22:33) God is a protector to David.
(22:34) Animals climbing on the tall mountains had incredible balance and poise; otherwise, they would fall to their deaths. David compares God’s work in his life to this picture from nature.
(22:35) God doesn’t do everything for David, but he trains David to become stronger.
(22:36) David attributes his greatness to God’s involvement in his life.
(22:37) Similar to verse 34.
(22:38-43) God gave David power to destroy his enemies. Remember, these enemies were enemies of God and his purposes—not just enemies of David. These are “violent” men (v.49).
(22:44) God even saved David from his own people.
(22:45-46) The surrounding nations are fearful of attacking David, because of God.
(22:47-49) David extends the concept that God is his “rock” to the surrounding, attacking nations.
(22:50) David’s gratitude has an evangelistic effect on the nations.
(22:51) David closes this song by reflecting on God’s promise of the Davidic Covenant (2 Sam. 7:11-15). Even with all of David’s sin, David knew that God would still be faithful to his promise.
Mary J. Evans, 1 & 2 Samuel, ed. W. Ward Gasque, Robert L. Hubbard Jr., and Robert K. Johnston, Understanding the Bible Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2012), 234.
Mary J. Evans, 1 & 2 Samuel, ed. W. Ward Gasque, Robert L. Hubbard Jr., and Robert K. Johnston, Understanding the Bible Commentary Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2012), 234.
Ronald F. Youngblood, “1, 2 Samuel,” in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, vol. 3 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1992), 1071.
James is an elder at Dwell Community Church, where he teaches classes in theology, apologetics, and weekly Bible studies.
