Key Verse Spotlight
2 Samuel 22:1 - Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing and how to apply it today
Translation: World English Bible — Catholic Edition
" David spoke to the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul, "
2 Samuel 22:1
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
1 David spoke to the LORD the words of this song in the day that the LORD delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul,
2 and he said: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, even mine;
3 God is my rock in whom I take refuge; my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge. My savior, you save me from violence.
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This shows, first, that it has often been God’s people’s lot to have many enemies and to be in real danger from them. David was a man after God’s own heart, but he was not a man after people’s hearts. Many hated him and wanted to destroy him. Saul is named in particular, either to separate him from David’s other enemies among the heathen nations, or, more likely, because he was the chief of David’s enemies, more hostile and powerful than the rest. Those whom God loves should not be surprised if the world hates them.
Second, those who trust God while doing what is right will find him ready to help them in their greatest dangers. David did this, and God delivered him from Saul’s hand. David gives special notice to that rescue. We should mention striking acts of preservation with special praise. God also delivered him from all his enemies, one after another, sometimes in one way and sometimes in another. From his own experience, David could say that, though many are the troubles of the righteous, the Lord delivers them from them all (Psalm 34:19). We will not be freed from all enemies until we reach heaven, and God will keep all his own people for that heavenly kingdom (2 Timothy 4:18).
Third, those who have received many clear mercies from God should give him the glory for them. Every new mercy should put a new song in our mouths, a song of praise to God. A thankful heart will speak from its abundance. David spoke these words not only to himself for comfort, or to those around him for instruction, but to the Lord for his honor. That is when we truly sing with grace, when we sing to the Lord. In his distress he cried out with his voice (Psalm 142:1), and now with his voice he gives thanks. Thanksgiving to God is the sweetest kind of song.
Fourth, we should be quick to return thanks to God. David sang this song on the very day God delivered him. While mercy is still fresh, and while our hearts are most stirred by it, we should bring the thank-offering, so it may be kindled by that warm gratitude.
From This Chapter
2 Samuel 22:2
"and he said: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, even mine;"
2 Samuel 22:3
"God is my rock in whom I take refuge; my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge. My savior, you save me from violence."
2 Samuel 22:4
"I call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies."
2 Samuel 22:5
"For the waves of death surrounded me. The floods of ungodliness made me afraid."
2 Samuel 22:6
"The cords of Sheol were around me. The snares of death caught me."
2 Samuel 22:7
"In my distress, I called on the LORD. Yes, I called to my God. He heard my voice out of his temple. My cry came into his ears."
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