King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 22:49 Mean?

2 Samuel 22:49 in the King James Version says “And that bringeth me forth from mine enemies: thou also hast lifted me up on high above them that rose up against me: th...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

2 Samuel 22:49 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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.

50

Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name.

51

He is the tower of salvation for his king: and sheweth mercy to his anointed, unto David, and to his seed for evermore.

Read 2 Samuel 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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
וּמֽוֹצִיאִ֖י1 of 7

“And that bringeth me forth”

H3318

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

מֵאֹֽיְבָ֑י2 of 7

“from mine enemies”

H341

hating; an adversary

וּמִקָּמַי֙3 of 7

“above them that rose up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

תְּר֣וֹמְמֵ֔נִי4 of 7

“thou also hast lifted me up on high”

H7311

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

מֵאִ֥ישׁ5 of 7

“man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

חֲמָסִ֖ים6 of 7

“me from the violent”

H2555

violence; by implication, wrong; by metonymy unjust gain

תַּצִּילֵֽנִי׃7 of 7

“against me thou hast delivered”

H5337

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

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 22:49 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 22:49 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 140:12 Samuel 5:12Psalms 18:48Numbers 24:72 Samuel 7:8-91 Samuel 2:8

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