King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 22:1 Mean?

2 Samuel 22:1 in the King James Version says “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 h... — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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:

2 Samuel 22:1 · KJV


Context

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:

2

And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;

3

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

This verse contributes to the narrative of David's Song, emphasizing praising God for deliverance. David's psalm of deliverance (parallel to Psalm 18) celebrates God's faithfulness throughout his tumultuous reign. The Hebrew poetry employs vivid imagery of divine intervention, warrior language, and covenant terminology. Theological themes include praising God for deliverance, reviewing God's faithfulness in retrospect, the righteousness of God's judgments, and anticipation of ultimate victory through God's anointed (messianic overtones).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 22 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding praising God for deliverance provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of praising God for deliverance?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וַיְדַבֵּ֤ר1 of 16

spake

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

דָּוִד֙2 of 16

And David

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

יְהוָ֥ה3 of 16

that the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶת4 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

דִּבְרֵ֖י5 of 16

the words

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַשִּׁירָ֣ה6 of 16

of this song

H7892

a song; abstractly, singing

הַזֹּ֑את7 of 16
H2063

this (often used adverb)

בְּיוֹם֩8 of 16

in the day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הִצִּ֨יל9 of 16

had delivered

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

יְהוָ֥ה10 of 16

that the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֹת֛וֹ11 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

וּמִכַּ֥ף12 of 16

and out of the hand

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

כָּל13 of 16
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֹֽיְבָ֖יו14 of 16

of all his enemies

H341

hating; an adversary

וּמִכַּ֥ף15 of 16

and out of the hand

H3709

the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-

שָׁאֽוּל׃16 of 16

of Saul

H7586

shaul, the name of an edomite and two israelites


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 22:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 22:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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