2 Samuel 22 Study Notes

22:26 Qualities such as faithful and blameless are characteristic of both God and his children, who become more like him as they grow in their relationship with him (Rm 8:29).

22:27 God does not behave the same toward all people.

22:28 Humble is literally “bring low.”

22:29 Both the Lord and his Word function as a lamp for his people (Ps 119:105).

22:30 David was quick to credit the Lord as the source of his power (5:12,21; 1Sm 17:45-47).

22:31-33 God’s way, his word, and his protection are perfect (Robert Bergen). David answered his two rhetorical questions in v. 32; only Yahweh was God. The Lord is our rock.

22:34 The deer David described are sure-footed. They are a powerful picture of the firm footing on which believers stand.

22:35 See Ps 144:1.

22:36 In Dt 33:29 the Lord is “the shield that protects you.” In 2Sm 22:3 he is “My shield, the horn of my salvation.”

22:37 Compare Pr 4:12: “When you walk, your steps will not be hindered; when you run, you will not stumble.”

22:38-43 David celebrates his overwhelming defeat of all his enemies.

22:43 The words pulverize . . . crush, and trample describe the overwhelming victories David won with God’s help (Rm 8:37).

22:44 David’s sovereignty extended to the nations around him (5:17-25; 8:1-14; 10:1-19).

22:45-46 Reports of David’s strength caused his enemies to lose heart before they ever battled him.

22:47-51 A final praise is given “in which the themes and imagery of earlier sections are given a brief encore” (R. P. Gordon).

22:47 On rock, see note at v. 2.

22:51 Loyalty can also be translated as “faithfulness” or “covenant love.” It denotes all that comes to God’s children from him. Anointed (Hb mashiach) designated God’s anointed king (1:14,16; 1Sm 24:6). David and his descendants would enjoy the blessings of God forever (7:16).