King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 22:7 Mean?

2 Samuel 22:7 in the King James Version says “In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did e...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears.”

2 Samuel 22:7 · KJV

Context

5

When the waves of death compassed me, the floods of ungodly men made me afraid; waves: or, pangs ungodly: Heb. Belial

6

The sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares of death prevented me; sorrows: or, cords

7

In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears.

8

Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations of heaven moved and shook, because he was wroth.

9

There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it. out of his nostrils: Heb. by, etc

Read 2 Samuel 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears.

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 · 12 words
בַּצַּר1 of 12

“In my distress”

H6862

a pebble (as in h6864)

לִי֙2 of 12
H0
אֶקְרָ֑א3 of 12

“I called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

יְהוָ֔ה4 of 12

“upon the LORD”

H3068

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

וְאֶל5 of 12
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֱלֹהַ֖י6 of 12

“to my 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

אֶקְרָ֑א7 of 12

“I called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

וַיִּשְׁמַ֤ע8 of 12

“and he did hear”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

מֵהֵֽיכָלוֹ֙9 of 12

“out of his temple”

H1964

a large public building, such as a palace or temple

קוֹלִ֔י10 of 12

“my voice”

H6963

a voice or sound

וְשַׁוְעָתִ֖י11 of 12

“and my cry”

H7775

a hallooing

בְּאָזְנָֽיו׃12 of 12

“did enter into his ears”

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

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 22:7 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 22:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 18:6Psalms 116:4Jonah 2:7Psalms 34:15-17Exodus 3:7Psalms 120:1

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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