King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 22:20 Mean?

2 Samuel 22:20 in the King James Version says “He brought me forth also into a large place: he delivered me, because he delighted in me.” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He brought me forth also into a large place: he delivered me, because he delighted in me.”

2 Samuel 22:20 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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.

20

He brought me forth also into a large place: he delivered me, because he delighted in me.

21

The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.

22

For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God.

Read 2 Samuel 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He brought me forth also into a large place: he delivered me, because he delighted in me.

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 · 7 words
וַיֹּצֵ֥א1 of 7

“He brought me forth”

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

לַמֶּרְחָ֖ב2 of 7

“also into a large place”

H4800

enlargement, either literally (an open space, usually in a good sense), or figuratively (liberty)

אֹתִ֑י3 of 7
H853

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

יְחַלְּצֵ֖נִי4 of 7

“he delivered”

H2502

to pull off; hence (intensively) to strip, (reflexive) to depart; by implication, to deliver, equip (for fight); present, strengthen

כִּי5 of 7
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

חָ֥פֵֽץ6 of 7

“me because he delighted”

H2654

properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire

בִּֽי׃7 of 7
H0

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 22:20 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 22:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 31:82 Samuel 15:26Psalms 118:5Psalms 22:8Psalms 149:4Psalms 147:11

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read 2 Samuel 22 with CommentaryAll 2 Samuel ChaptersComplete 2 Samuel QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes