2 Samuel 22:31-41

31 “God’s way is perfect. All the LORD ’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.
32 For who is God except the LORD ? Who but our God is a solid rock?
33 God is my strong fortress, and he makes my way perfect.
34 He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights.
35 He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow.
36 You have given me your shield of victory; your help has made me great.
37 You have made a wide path for my feet to keep them from slipping.
38 “I chased my enemies and destroyed them; I did not stop until they were conquered.
39 I consumed them; I struck them down so they did not get up; they fell beneath my feet.
40 You have armed me with strength for the battle; you have subdued my enemies under my feet.
41 You placed my foot on their necks. I have destroyed all who hated me.

2 Samuel 22:31-41 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO SECOND SAMUEL 22

This chapter contains a song or psalm, the same with the eighteenth psalm, and which, according to Jarchi, was composed by David in his old age, and, as Kimchi says, at the end or close of his days; but Abarbinel is of opinion that it was written in his youthful time, in the midst of his troubles, and was sung by him as often as he had a deliverance from any; and which may account for the several variations in it from the eighteenth psalm, which, the same writer observes, are seventy four; and are not to be ascribed to the difference of copies, or neglect of copiers: and very probably, towards the close of his days, he revised it, and made it fit for general use, and sent it with the rest of his psalms to the chief musician; but the particular consideration of it, and of the differences in it from Ps 18:1-50 are referred to the exposition of that book in its course.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. As in Dead Sea Scrolls; Masoretic Text reads your answering.
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