King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 22:17 Mean?

2 Samuel 22:17 in the King James Version says “He sent from above, he took me; he drew me out of many waters; many: or, great” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He sent from above, he took me; he drew me out of many waters; many: or, great”

2 Samuel 22:17 · KJV

Context

15

And he sent out arrows, and scattered them; lightning, and discomfited them.

16

And the channels of the sea appeared, the foundations of the world were discovered, at the rebuking of the LORD, at the blast of the breath of his nostrils.

17

He sent from above, he took me; he drew me out of many waters; many: or, great

18

He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them that hated me: for they were too strong for me.

19

They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay.

Read 2 Samuel 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He sent from above, he took me; he drew me out of many waters;

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 · 6 words
יִשְׁלַ֥ח1 of 6

“He sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

מִמָּר֖וֹם2 of 6

“from above”

H4791

altitude, i.e., concretely (an elevated place), abstractly (elevation, figuratively (elation), or adverbially (aloft)

יִקָּחֵ֑נִי3 of 6

“he took”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

יַֽמְשֵׁ֖נִי4 of 6

“me he drew”

H4871

to pull out (literally or figuratively)

מִמַּ֥יִם5 of 6

“waters”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

רַבִּֽים׃6 of 6

“me out of many”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

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 22:17 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 22:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 43:2Psalms 144:7Psalms 18:16Psalms 32:6Psalms 130:1Revelation 17:15

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 22 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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