King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 22:47 Mean?

2 Samuel 22:47 in the King James Version says “The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation.” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation.”

2 Samuel 22:47 · KJV

Salvation

Context

45

Strangers shall submit themselves unto me: as soon as they hear , they shall be obedient unto me. Strangers: Heb. Sons of the stranger submit: or, yield feigned obedience: Heb. lie

46

Strangers shall fade away, and they shall be afraid out of their close places.

47

The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation.

48

It is God that avengeth me, and that bringeth down the people under me, avengeth: Heb. giveth avengement for

49

And that bringeth me forth from mine enemies: thou also hast lifted me up on high above them that rose up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.

Read 2 Samuel 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation.

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 · 8 words
חַי1 of 8

“liveth”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

יְהוָ֖ה2 of 8

“The LORD”

H3068

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

וּבָר֣וּךְ3 of 8

“and blessed”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

צ֥וּר4 of 8

“be my rock”

H6697

properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)

וְיָרֻ֕ם5 of 8

“and exalted”

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

אֱלֹהֵ֖י6 of 8

“be the God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

צ֥וּר7 of 8

“be my rock”

H6697

properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)

יִשְׁעִֽי׃8 of 8

“of my salvation”

H3468

liberty, deliverance, prosperity

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 22:47 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 22:47 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 89:262 Samuel 22:3Job 19:25Deuteronomy 32:39-40Luke 1:47

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