2 Samuel 22

2 Samuel 22

Henry says, is a None-such. The idols of the heathen he scorns to mention, snuffing them all out as mere nothings when Deity is spoken of. "Who is God save the Lord?" Who else creates, sustains, foresees, and overrules? Who but he is perfect in every attribute, and glorious in every act? To whom but Jehovah should creatures bow? Who else can claim their service and their love? "Who is a rock save our God?" Where can lasting hopes be fixed? Where can the soul find rest? Where is stability to be found? Where is strength to be discovered? Surely in the Lord Jehovah alone can we find rest and refuge. 2 Samuel 22:33 "God is my strong fortress; And He sets the blameless in His way. BGT 2 Samuel 22:33 ὁ ἰσχυρὸς ὁ κραταιῶν με δυνάμει καὶ ἐξετίναξεν ἄμωμον τὴν ὁδόν μου LXE 2 Samuel 22:33 It is the Mighty One who strengthens me with might, and has prepared my way without fault. KJV 2 Samuel 22:33 God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect. NET 2 Samuel 22:33 The one true God is my mighty refuge; he removes the obstacles in my way. CSB 2 Samuel 22:33 God is my strong refuge; He makes my way perfect. ESV 2 Samuel 22:33 This God is my strong refuge and has made my way blameless. NIV 2 Samuel 22:33 It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. NLT 2 Samuel 22:33 God is my strong fortress, and he makes my way perfect. NRS 2 Samuel 22:33 The God who has girded me with strength has opened wide my path. NJB 2 Samuel 22:33 this God who girds me with strength, who makes my way free from blame, NAB 2 Samuel 22:33 The God who girded me with strength and kept my way unerring; YLT 2 Samuel 22:33 God -- my bulwark, my strength, And He maketh perfect my way; strength: Ex 15:2 Ps 18:32 27:1 28:7,8 31:4 46:1 Isa 41:10 Zec 10:12 2Co 12:9 Eph 6:10 Php 4:13 my way: Heb 13:21 perfect: De 18:13 Job 22:3 Ps 101:2,6 119:1 Related Passage: Hebrews 13:20-21+ Now the God of peace, Who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, 21 equip you in every good thing (GOD'S PROVISION) to do His will (OUR RESPONSIBILITY), working in us (THE SPIRIT INITIATING AND ENERGIZING) that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to Whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. God is my strong (chayil) fortress (maoz); And He sets the blameless (tamim having integrity; Lxx - amomos used of blood of Jesus - 1Pe 1:19) in His way - NIV = It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect." I love the English translation of the Septuagint which says "It is the Mighty One Who strengthens me with might, and has prepared my way without fault." What a picture this presents - He gives us the strength and He prepares our way! NET NOTE on sets the blameless in His way or NET's rendering "He removes the obstacles in my way." (I like that latter thought!) - Heb “and he sets free (from the verb נָתַר, natar) [the] blameless, his [Kethib; “my” (Qere)] way.” The translation follows Ps 18:32 in reading “he made my path smooth.” The term תָּמִים (tamim, “smooth”) usually carries a moral or ethical connotation, “blameless, innocent.” However, in Ps 18:33 it refers to a pathway free of obstacles. The reality underlying the metaphor is the psalmist’s ability to charge into battle without tripping (see vv. 33, 36). Kirkpatrick on "He maketh my way perfect" (KJV) - Maketh is a different word from that similarly translated in Psalm 18:32, and seems to express the removal of obstacles which blocked up the path of his life. Note several versions have "girded (or girds) me with strength." (NRSV, NJB, NAB) The girdle was a necessary part of the eastern dress: It strengthened and supported the loins; served to confine the garments close to the body; and to tuck them in when journeying. The strength of God was to his soul what the girdle was to his body. Jamieson adds "Girding was essential to free motion on account of the looseness of Oriental dresses; hence it is an expressive figure for describing the gift of strength." Chuck Swindoll says, “When our walk is weak, God is our only strength.” Paul describes our "girding" with His strength... 2 Corinthians 12:7-10+ Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me–to keep me from exalting myself! 8 Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. 9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for (My) power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. CHS - Surveying all the armour in which he fought and conquered, the joyful victor praises the Lord for every part of the panoply. The girdle of his loins earns the first stanza: "It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect." (2Sa 22:33RSV) Girt about the loins with power from heaven, the warrior was filled with vigour, far above all created might; and, whereas, without this wondrous belt he would have been feeble and with relaxed energies and scattered forces. (On the other hand) he felt himself, when braced with the girdle of truth, to be compact in purpose, courageous in daring, and concentrated in power; so that his course was a complete success, so undisturbed by disastrous defeat as to be called "perfect." Have we been made more than conquerors over sin, and has our life hitherto been such as becometh the gospel? Then let us ascribe all the glory to Him Who girt us with His Own inexhaustible strength (HIS INDWELLING SPIRIT), that we might be unconquered in battle and unwearied in pilgrimage. The Strongest People God is my strength and power, and He makes my way perfect. —2 Samuel 22:33 The picture in the newspaper caught my attention. Above the caption “Strong Man” was a photo of a workman displaying what seemed to be superhuman strength. He appeared to be lifting a piano up to a second story apartment porch. An explanation under the picture plus one discernible clue, however, told the unseen story. By looking closely I could see a cable attached to the piano. The real power to lift it was coming from a crane above, rather than from the man below. That scene reminded me of the way the Lord works in and through those who trust Him. Looking at our circumstances, we don’t see God. Yet He is there. God revealed this truth to men like David, whose psalm of deliverance is recorded in the book of 2 Samuel. Those who observed David might have attributed much of what he did to his own effort, but he knew that it was the Lord who made him strong. God was providing strength from above, even as His servant acted and struggled in obedient faith below. You may not be the strongest or the greatest, Your presence may not even count at all; But when you put your trust in Jesus' power, You are assured He'll never let you fall. —Hess God's strength is best seen in our weakness. 2 Samuel 22:34 "He makes my feet like hinds' feet, And sets me on my high places. BGT 2 Samuel 22:34 τιθεὶς τοὺς πόδας μου ὡς ἐλάφων καὶ ἐπὶ τὰ ὕψη ἱστῶν με LXE 2 Samuel 22:34 He makes my feet like hart's feet, and sets me upon the high places. KJV 2 Samuel 22:34 He maketh my feet like hinds' feet: and setteth me upon my high places. NET 2 Samuel 22:34 He gives me the agility of a deer; he enables me to negotiate the rugged terrain. CSB 2 Samuel 22:34 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer and sets me securely on the heights. ESV 2 Samuel 22:34 He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights. NIV 2 Samuel 22:34 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. NLT 2 Samuel 22:34 He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights. NRS 2 Samuel 22:34 He made my feet like the feet of deer, and set me secure on the heights. NJB 2 Samuel 22:34 who makes me as swift as a deer and sets me firmly on the heights, NAB 2 Samuel 22:34 Who made my feet swift as those of hinds and set me on the heights; YLT 2 Samuel 22:34 Making my feet like hinds, And on my high places causeth me to stand, like hinds': 2Sa 2:18 De 33:25 Hab 3:19 sets: De 32:13 Isa 33:16 58:14 Related Passages: Habakkuk 3:19+ The Lord GOD is my strength, And He has made my feet like hinds’ feet, And makes me walk on my high places. For the choir director, on my stringed instruments. 2 Samuel 2:18 Now the three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab and Abishai and Asahel; and Asahel was as swift-footed as one of the gazelles which is in the field. 1 Chronicles 12:8 From the Gadites there came over to David in the stronghold in the wilderness, mighty men of valor, men trained for war, who could handle shield and spear, and whose faces were like the faces of lions, and they were as swift as the gazelles on the mountains. HOW TO JUMP OVER TALL OBSTACLES He makes my feet like hinds' feet, And sets me on my high places - I life the rendering of the NET version = "He gives me the agility of a deer; He enables me to negotiate the rugged terrain." David was a mighty warrior but he reminds us that he was mighty because he had a mighty God. God accomplishes both of the acts in this passage. David is the recipient of His grace. To his God be the glory. NET NOTE on "enable me to negotiate the rugged terrain" (2Sa 22:34NET) - Hebrew literally = “and on my high places he makes me walk.” The imperfect verbal form emphasizes God’s characteristic provision. The psalmist compares his agility in battle to the ability of a deer to negotiate rugged, high terrain without falling or being injured. Habakkuk uses similar language to describe his faith during difficult times. Hab 3:19NET - NET NOTE = "Difficult times are coming, but Habakkuk is confident the Lord will sustain him. Habakkuk will be able to survive, just as the deer negotiates the difficult rugged terrain of the high places without injury." Kirkpatrick - The hind, like the gazelle, was a type of agility, swiftness, and surefootedness, indispensable qualifications in ancient warfare. Cp. 2Sa 2:18; 1Ch 12:8. The metaphor of the hind, bounding unimpeded over the mountain tops, is continued. David’s high places are the mountain strongholds, the occupation of which secured him in possession of the country. Cp. Dt 32:13. Habakkuk 3:19 is an obvious imitation of this passage. Hannah Hurnard in speaking of this in her book Hind’s Feet on High Places says, “It means there are no obstacles which our Savior’s love cannot overcome. And that to him, mountains or difficulty are as easy as an asphalt road. From the garden at the back of the mission house at the foot of Mt. Gerazim, we could often watch the gazelles bounding up the mountainside, leaping from rock to rock with extraordinary grace and agility. Their motion was one of the most beautiful examples of exultant and apparently effortless ease in surmounting obstacles which I have ever seen. How deeply we who love the Lord of love and desire to follow him long for the power to surmount all the difficulties and tests and conflicts in life in the same exultant and triumphant way. To learn the secret of victorious living has been the heart’s desire of those who love the Lord in every generation. We feel we would give anything if only we could in actual experience live on the high places of love and victory here on this earth and during this life able always to react to evil, tribulation, sorrow, pain, and every wrong thing in such a way that they would be overcome and transformed into something to the praise and glory of God forever.” CHS - The conqueror's feet had been shod by a divine hand, and the next note must, therefore, refer to them. "He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places." Pursuing his foes the warrior had been swift of foot as a young roe, but, instead of taking pleasure in the legs of a man, he ascribes the boon of swiftness to the Lord alone. When our thoughts are nimble, and our spirits rapid, like the chariots of Amminadib, let us not forget that our best Beloved's hand has given us the choice favour. Climbing into impregnable fortresses, David had been preserved from slipping, and made to stand where scarce the wild goat can find a footing; herein was preserving mercy manifested. We, too, have had our high places of honour, service, temptation, and danger, but hitherto we have been kept from falling. Bring hither the harp, and let us emulate the psalmist's joyful thanksgiving; had we fallen, our wailings must have been terrible; since we have stood, let our gratitude be fervent. 2 Samuel 22:35 "He trains my hands for battle, So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. BGT 2 Samuel 22:35 διδάσκων χεῖράς μου εἰς πόλεμον καὶ κατάξας τόξον χαλκοῦν ἐν βραχίονί μου LXE 2 Samuel 22:35 He teaches my hands to war, and has broken a brazen bow by my arm. KJV 2 Samuel 22:35 He teacheth my hands to war; so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms. NET 2 Samuel 22:35 He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend even the strongest bow. CSB 2 Samuel 22:35 He trains my hands for war; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. ESV 2 Samuel 22:35 He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. NIV 2 Samuel 22:35 He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. NLT 2 Samuel 22:35 He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow. NRS 2 Samuel 22:35 He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. NJB 2 Samuel 22:35 who trains my hands for battle my arms to bend a bow of bronze. NAB 2 Samuel 22:35 Who trained my hands for war till my arms could bend a bow of brass. II YLT 2 Samuel 22:35 Teaching my hands for battle, And brought down was a bow of brass by mine arms, GWN 2 Samuel 22:35 He trains my hands for battle so that my arms can bend an archer's bow of bronze. teacheth: Ps 18:33,34 144:1 to war: Heb. for the war a bow: Ps 46:9 Eze 39:3,9,10 GOD'S "POP TESTS" TRAIN US FOR BATTLE He trains my hands for battle, So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze - I like to call the circumstances God allows into our life that catch us off guard "POP TESTS." After all, if God is sovereign, He is 100% sovereign and that means that nothing, absolutely nothing comes into your life or my life that does not first pass muster (so to speak) with His all seeing, all wise eyes, which in fact is what His Spirit can say through Paul that He causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Ro 8:28+). If you are a follower of Christ, you can know beyond a shadow of a doubt that your "Personal Trainer," the Almighty God of Creation, will train you with "POP TESTS," of just the right size and shape (so to speak) ever seeking to may you better, not bitter (cf 1Co 10:13+). When you begin to grasp that "POP TESTS" that come almost daily in your life are one of His prime methods for training you to become more like His Son (James 1:2-4+), you will begin to even give thanks for those tests (enabled by His Spirit to obey 1Th 5:18+), a sure sign that your faith is maturing and you are growing in grace and the knowledge of Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to Whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. (2Pe 3:18+). Kirkpatrick on bend a bow of bronze - The ability to bend a metal bow (cp. Job 20:24) was a mark of superior strength. Readers of the Odyssey will recall Ulysses’ bow, which none but himself could bend. (Homer Odessey xxi. 409). Observe how David recognises that the advantages of physical strength and energy, important qualifications in times when the king was himself the leader of his people in battle, were gifts of God; yet that it was not these that saved him and made him victorious, but Jehovah’s care and help (2 Samuel 22:36 ff.). The Holy Spirit is the great Drillmaster of heavenly soldiers. -- CHS Goettsche - David understood two things: first, He understood that every victory he enjoyed in life came from the hands of a gracious God. Second, he understood that every circumstance in his life was God’s training ground for future effectiveness. These are important lessons. Human nature is such that we are quick to blame others for anything that goes wrong in our life and just as quick to take credit for anything that goes right. No matter what goes wrong: a car accident, a downturn in the market, a diminished crop yield, or an argument with our spouse and we are sure to look for someone to blame. And when we can’t find someone to blame, we blame God! On the other hand, when things go well: when we avoid an accident, have a bumper crop, make a killing on the market or have a great weekend with our spouse, we will walk taller and swell with pride at OUR accomplishment. David has learned to do just the opposite! He took responsibility for his failures and praised God for His successes. He recognized that EVERY good and perfect gift comes from above. Every delight is a gift from God. David also learned that God trains us through the circumstances of life. James told us that tribulation is the means God uses to teach us the patience that is the foundation of all our other blessings. When Joseph spoke to his brothers when they came to Egypt he had the same perspective on life. He said, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” (Genesis 50:20) Please realize that both David and Joseph affirmed this lesson as they looked back on life. It’s not always easy to see when you are going through a crisis. They recognized that the hard times when they may have felt most abandoned by God was actually God’s training ground. It will not always be clear in our lives how God is working. However, we can learn from both David and Joseph and say with Job, “He knows the way I take, when He has tested me I will come forth as gold.” (Job 23:10 - ED: See how Job was able to make such a faith-filled declaration - read Job 23:12 - see commentary) CHS - "He teacheth my hands to war." Martial prowess and skill in the use of weapons are gratefully acknowledged to be the result of divine teaching; no sacrifice is offered at the shrine of self in praise of natural dexterity, or acquired skilfulness; but, regarding all warlike prowess as a gift of heavenly favour, thankfulness is presented to the Giver. The Holy Spirit is the great Drillmaster of heavenly soldiers. " CHS - So that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms." A bow of brass is probably meant, and these bows could scarcely be bent by the arms alone, the archer had to gain the assistance of his foot; it was, therefore, a great feat of strength to bend the bow, so far as even to snap it in halves. This was meant of the enemies' bow, which he not only snatched from his grasp, but rendered useless by breaking it in pieces. Jesus not only destroyed the fiery suggestions of Satan, but he broke his arguments with which he shot them, by using Holy Scripture against him (ED: Luke 4:1-12+); by the same means we may win a like triumph, breaking the bow and cutting the spear in sunder by the sharp edge of revealed truth (ED: Eph 6:17+, cf 2Co 6:7+). Probably David had by nature a vigorous bodily frame; but it is even more likely that, like Samson, he was at times clothed with more than common strength (ED: cf 1Sa 16:13+); at any rate, he ascribes the honour of his feats entirely to his God. Let us never wickedly rob the Lord of his due, but faithfully give unto him the glory which is due unto His Name. 2 Samuel 22:36 "You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, And Your help makes me great. BGT 2 Samuel 22:36 καὶ ἔδωκάς μοι ὑπερασπισμὸν σωτηρίας μου καὶ ἡ ὑπακοή σου ἐπλήθυνέν με LXE 2 Samuel 22:36 And thou hast given me the shield of my salvation, and thy propitious dealing has increased me, KJV 2 Samuel 22:36 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy gentleness hath made me great. NET 2 Samuel 22:36 You give me your protective shield; your willingness to help enables me to prevail. CSB 2 Samuel 22:36 You have given me the shield of Your salvation; Your help exalts me. ESV 2 Samuel 22:36 You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your gentleness made me great. NIV 2 Samuel 22:36 You give me your shield of victory; you stoop down to make me great. NLT 2 Samuel 22:36 You have given me your shield of victory; your help has made me great. NRS 2 Samuel 22:36 You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your help has made me great. NJB 2 Samuel 22:36 You give me your invincible shield, you never cease to listen to me, NAB 2 Samuel 22:36 "You have given me your saving shield, and your help has made me great. YLT 2 Samuel 22:36 And Thou givest to me the shield of Thy salvation, And Thy lowliness maketh me great. the shield: Ge 15:1 Ps 84:11 Eph 6:16 help: Ps 18:35 makes me great: Heb. multiplied me, Ge 12:2, Ge 22:17, Ps 115:14 Related Passages: Genesis 15:1+ After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; Your reward shall be very great.” Psalm 84:11+ For the LORD God is a sun and shield. The LORD gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. Psalms 18:35 You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, And Your right hand upholds me; And Your gentleness makes me great. THE BEST SHIELD IN THE UNIVERSE! You have also given me the shield (magen) of Your salvation (yesha; Lxx - soteria), And Your help makes me great - NIV = "you stoop down to make me great." In 2Sa. 22:3; 2Sa. 22:36; 2Sa. 22:47 He is the Horn...Shield...Rock, all related to salvation respectively as the power, the protection, and the foundation. Salvation is a shield in many ways, but one of the most meaningful is it is our protection from the last enemy death! (1Co 15:55-58+) NET NOTES - Another option is to translate the prefixed verb with vav consecutive with a past tense, “you gave me.” Several prefixed verbal forms with vav consecutive also appear in vv. 38-44. The present translation understands this section as a description of what generally happened when the author charged into battle, but another option is to understand the section as narrative and translate accordingly. Hebrew = “and you give me the shield of your deliverance”; KJV, ASV “the shield of thy (your NRSV, NLT) salvation”; NIV84 “your shield of victory.” Ancient Near Eastern literature often refers to a god giving a king special weapons. See R. B. Chisholm, “An Exegetical and Theological Study of Psalm 18/2 Samuel 22” (Th.D. diss., Dallas Theological Seminary, 1983), 260-61. And Your help makes me great (NIV = "you stoop down to make me great.") Heb “your answer makes me great.” David refers to God’s willingness to answer his prayer. Shield of Your salvation would picture God's Salvation as our Protection, our Defense which parallels Paul's command to " take THE HELMET OF SALVATION" (Eph 6:17+). This description of Salvation as a Shield recalls another passage by Paul But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope (ABSOLUTE CERTAINTY/FULL ASSURANCE) of salvation. (IN OTHER WORDS KNOWING WE HAVE SALVATION IS LIKE A HELMET ON OUR HEAD PROTECTING OUR MIND FROM FIERY MISSILES SAYING "HOW CAN YOU BE SAVED AFTER WHAT YOU THOUGHT, SAID OR DID YESTERDAY?") 9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. Shield (magen) is repeated in 2Sa 22:3, 31, 36 (see comment above) and is clearly for defense from enemy attacks, which recalls Paul's words in Eph 6:16+ "in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one." Note that the shield must be appropriated, taken up. NET Note says " Ps 18:35 contains an additional line following this one, which reads "your right hand supports me." It may be omitted here due to homoioarcton. See the note at Ps 18:35. Hebrew literally reads "and you give me the shield of your deliverance"; KJV, ASV "the shield of thy (your NRSV, NLT) salvation"; NIV "your shield of victory." Ancient Near Eastern literature often refers to a god giving a king special weapons. See R. B. Chisholm, "An Exegetical and Theological Study of Psalm 18/2 Samuel 22" (Th.D. diss., Dallas Theological Seminary, 1983), 260–61.)" CHS - "Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation." Above all we must take the shield of faith, for nothing else can quench Satan's fiery darts; this shield is of celestial workmanship, and is in all cases a direct gift from God himself; it is the channel, the sign, the guarantee, and the earnest of perfect salvation. "Thy right hand hath holden me up." (ONLY IN Ps 18:35) Secret support is administered to us by the preserving grace of God, and at the same time Providence kindly yields us manifest aid. We are such babes that we cannot stand alone; but when the Lord's right hand upholds us, we are like brazen pillars which cannot be moved. "Thy gentleness hath made me great." There are several readings of this sentence. The word is capable of being translated, "thy goodness hath made me great." David saw much of benevolence in God's action towards him, and he gratefully ascribed all his greatness not to his own goodness, but to the goodness of God. "Thy providence" is another reading, which is indeed nothing more than goodness in action. Goodness is the bud of which providence is the flower; or goodness is the seed of which providence is the harvest. Some render it, "thy help," which is but another word for providence; providence being the firm ally of the saints, aiding them in the service of their Lord. Certain learned annotators tell us that the text means, "thy humility hath made me great." "Thy condescension" may, perhaps, serve as a comprehensive reading, combining the ideas which we have already mentioned, as well as that of humility. It is God's making himself little which is the cause of our being made great. We are so little that If God should manifest his greatness without condescension, we should be trampled under his feet; but God, who must stoop to view the skies and bow to see what angels do, looks to the lowly and contrite, and makes them great. While these are the translations which have been given to the adopted text of the original, we find that there are other readings altogether; as for instance, the Septuagint, which reads, "thy discipline"—thy fatherly correction— "hath made me great;" while the Chaldee paraphrase reads, "thy word hath increased me." Still the idea is the same. David ascribes all his own greatness to the condescending goodness and graciousness of his Father in heaven. Let us all feel this sentiment in our own hearts, and confess that whatever of goodness or greatness God may have put upon us, we must cast our crowns at his feet and cry, "thy gentleness hath made me great." 2 Samuel 22:37 "You enlarge my steps under me, And my feet have not slipped. BGT 2 Samuel 22:37 εἰς πλατυσμὸν εἰς τὰ διαβήματά μου ὑποκάτω μου καὶ οὐκ ἐσαλεύθησαν τὰ σκέλη μου LXE 2 Samuel 22:37 so as to make room under me for my going, and my legs did not totter. KJV 2 Samuel 22:37 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me; so that my feet did not slip. NET 2 Samuel 22:37 You widen my path; my feet do not slip. CSB 2 Samuel 22:37 You widen a place beneath me for my steps, and my ankles do not give way. ESV 2 Samuel 22:37 You gave a wide place for my steps under me, and my feet did not slip; NIV 2 Samuel 22:37 You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn. NLT 2 Samuel 22:37 You have made a wide path for my feet to keep them from slipping. NRS 2 Samuel 22:37 You have made me stride freely, and my feet do not slip; NJB 2 Samuel 22:37 you give me the strides of a giant, give me ankles that never weaken- NAB 2 Samuel 22:37 You made room for my steps; unwavering was my stride. YLT 2 Samuel 22:37 Thou enlargest my step under me, And mine ankles have not slidden. enlarge: Ps 4:1 18:36 Pr 4:12 feet: Heb. ankles, 1Sa 2:9 Ps 17:5 94:18 121:3 Related Passages: 2 Samuel 22:20 “He also brought me forth into a broad place; He rescued me, because He delighted in me. Proverbs 4:12+ When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; And if you run, you will not stumble. GOD'S GIFT OF FIRM FOOTING You enlarge my steps under me, And my feet have not slipped - NET = "You widen my path; my feet do not slip." David's picture is clear - he may have been in a sense walking on a tightrope between life and death (certainly when pursued by Saul) or victory and defeat (when facing strong enemies), but in every case God widened his path giving him ample room to walk the "tightrope," and not to slip and fall into the hands of his enemies. Kirkpatrick on enlarge my steps - Given me free space for unobstructed motion (cp. 2Sa 22:20; Pr 4:12), and the power to advance with firm, unwavering steps. NET NOTE on enlarge my steps - Heb “step.” “Step” probably refers metonymically to the path upon which the psalmist walks. Another option is to translate, “you widen my stride.” This would suggest that God gives him the capacity to run quickly. To stand upon the rocks of affliction is the result of gracious upholding, but that aid is quite as much needed in the luxurious plains of prosperity. CHS - "Thou hast enlarged my steps." A smooth pathway leading to spacious possessions and camping-grounds had been opened up for him. Instead of treading the narrow mountain paths, and hiding in the cracks and corners of caverns, he was able to traverse the plains and dwell under his own vine and fig tree. It is no small mercy to be brought into full Christian liberty and enlargement, but it is a greater favor still to be enabled to walk worthily in such liberty, not being permitted to slip with our feet. To stand upon the rocks of affliction is the result of gracious upholding, but that aid is quite as much needed in the luxurious plains of prosperity. 2 Samuel 22:38 "I pursued my enemies and destroyed them, And I did not turn back until they were consumed. BGT 2 Samuel 22:38 διώξω ἐχθρούς μου καὶ ἀφανιῶ αὐτοὺς καὶ οὐκ ἀναστρέψω ἕως συντελέσω αὐτούς LXE 2 Samuel 22:38 I will pursue my enemies, and will utterly destroy them; and I will not turn again till I have consumed them. KJV 2 Samuel 22:38 I have pursued mine enemies, and destroyed them; and turned not again until I had consumed them. NET 2 Samuel 22:38 I chase my enemies and destroy them; I do not turn back until I wipe them out. CSB 2 Samuel 22:38 I pursue my enemies and destroy them; I do not turn back until they are wiped out. ESV 2 Samuel 22:38 I pursued my enemies and destroyed them, and did not turn back until they were consumed. NIV 2 Samuel 22:38 "I pursued my enemies and crushed them; I did not turn back till they were destroyed. NLT 2 Samuel 22:38 "I chased my enemies and destroyed them; I did not stop until they were conquered. NRS 2 Samuel 22:38 I pursued my enemies and destroyed them, and did not turn back until they were consumed. NJB 2 Samuel 22:38 I pursue my enemies and exterminate them, not turning back till they are annihilated; NAB 2 Samuel 22:38 I pursued my enemies and destroyed them, nor did I turn again till I made an end of them. YLT 2 Samuel 22:38 I pursue mine enemies and destroy them, And I turn not till they are consumed. 2Sa 5:18-25 2Sa 8:1,2,13,14 10:14 Ps 21:8,9 Ro 8:37 Related Passages: Romans 8:37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. Psalms 18:37 I pursued my enemies and overtook them, And I did not turn back until they were consumed. 2 Samuel 22:38-43 deals with David’s destruction of his enemies I pursued my enemies and destroyed them (Ps 18:37 says "overtook them"), And I did not turn back until they were consumed - NET = "I chase my enemies and destroy them; I do not turn back until I wipe them out." 2Sa 5:18-25 gives two successive "whippings" of the Philistines by David, and in both cases he had called on God for His instructions - a good pattern to imitate when confronted by "Philistines" in our lives! In 2Sa 8:1-18 chronicles David's complete victory over Israel's enemies on the west, east, north and south concluding "So David reigned over all Israel; and David administered justice and righteousness for all his people." (2Sa 8:15). This was one of the high points of David's life and reign as king. Consumed (kalah) conveys the idea of completion thus the NET has "I do not turn back until I wipe them out." NJB has "not turning back till they are annihilated." The Lxx translated kalah with sunteleo which means to bring to an end. CHS - The preservation of the saints bodes ill for their adversaries. The Amalekites thought themselves clear away with their booty, but when David's God guided him in the pursuit, they were soon overtaken and cut in pieces. (ED: READ THIS DAVIDIC ESCAPADE IN DESTROYING THE AMALEKITES IN 1Sa 30:1-31+) When God is with us sins and sorrows flee, and all forms of evil are "consumed" before the power of grace. What a noble picture this and the following verses present to us of the victories of our glorious Lord Jesus! Consumed (complete, destroyed, fail, spend)(03615) kalah to be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished, or spent. To bring a process to completion. To consummate. It can have a positive connotation (Ge 2:1-2), but more often is used in a negative sense. Gilbrant - Occurring over 200 times in the Hebrew Bible, this verb conveys a wide range of meanings. The primary meaning is the notion of "completion" of some process. 2 Samuel 22:39 "And I have devoured them and shattered them, so that they did not rise; And they fell under my feet. BGT 2 Samuel 22:39 καὶ θλάσω αὐτούς καὶ οὐκ ἀναστήσονται καὶ πεσοῦνται ὑπὸ τοὺς πόδας μου LXE 2 Samuel 22:39 And I will crush them, and they shall not rise; and they shall fall under my feet. KJV 2 Samuel 22:39 And I have consumed them, and wounded them, that they could not arise: yea, they are fallen under my feet. NET 2 Samuel 22:39 I wipe them out and beat them to death; they cannot get up; they fall at my feet. CSB 2 Samuel 22:39 I wipe them out and crush them, and they do not rise; they fall beneath my feet. ESV 2 Samuel 22:39 I consumed them; I thrust them through, so that they did not rise; they fell under my feet. NIV 2 Samuel 22:39 I crushed them completely, and they could not rise; they fell beneath my feet. NLT 2 Samuel 22:39 I consumed them; I struck them down so they did not get up; they fell beneath my feet. NRS 2 Samuel 22:39 I consumed them; I struck them down, so that they did not rise; they fell under my feet. NJB 2 Samuel 22:39 I strike them down, and they cannot rise, they fall, they are under my feet. NAB 2 Samuel 22:39 I smote them and they did not rise; they fell beneath my feet. III YLT 2 Samuel 22:39 And I consume them, and smite them, And they rise not, and fall under my feet. Ps 18:37 Ps 110:1,5,6 118:10-12 Mal 4:1,3 Related Passage: Psalm 18:38 I shattered them, so that they were not able to rise; They fell under my feet. DAVID'S VICTORIES WERE COMPLETE! And I have devoured them and shattered them - NET = "I wipe them out and beat them to death" NIV = "I crushed them completely" So that (purpose clause) they did not rise; And they fell under my feet - Describes the completeness of David's victories over his enemies. Under my feet is a picture of a conquering general putting his boot/foot on the defeated enemy's neck as in joshua 10:24+. CHS - The destruction of our spiritual enemies is complete. We may exult over sin, death, and hell, as disarmed and disabled for us by our conquering Lord; may he graciously give them a like defeat within us. Vos points out, “You have broadened my path. You have given more room to walk by removing the obstructions, and have given uninterrupted victory and strength for combat. The completeness of victory is indicated by the act of placing the foot on the neck of prostrate or kneeling prisoners.” (Borrow 1, 2 Samuel : Bible study commentary) 2 Samuel 22:40 "For You have girded me with strength for battle; You have subdued under me those who rose up against me. BGT 2 Samuel 22:40 καὶ ἐνισχύσεις με δυνάμει εἰς πόλεμον κάμψεις τοὺς ἐπανιστανομένους μοι ὑποκάτω μου LXE 2 Samuel 22:40 And thou shalt strengthen me with power for the war; thou shalt cause them that rise up against me to bow down under me. KJV 2 Samuel 22:40 For thou hast girded me with strength to battle: them that rose up against me hast thou subdued under me. NET 2 Samuel 22:40 You give me strength for battle; you make my foes kneel before me. CSB 2 Samuel 22:40 You have clothed me with strength for battle; You subdue my adversaries beneath me. ESV 2 Samuel 22:40 For you equipped me with strength for the battle; you made those who rise against me sink under me. NIV 2 Samuel 22:40 You armed me with strength for battle; you made my adversaries bow at my feet. NLT 2 Samuel 22:40 You have armed me with strength for the battle; you have subdued my enemies under my feet. NRS 2 Samuel 22:40 For you girded me with strength for the battle; you made my assailants sink under me. NJB 2 Samuel 22:40 You have girded me with strength for the fight, bent down my assailants beneath me, NAB 2 Samuel 22:40 "You girded me with strength for war; you subdued my adversaries beneath me. YLT 2 Samuel 22:40 And Thou girdest me with strength for battle, Thou causest my withstanders to bow under me. girded: 1Sa 17:49-51 23:5 Ps 18:32,39 Isa 45:5 Col 1:11 them: Ps 44:5 144:2 subdued: Heb. caused to bow, Isa 60:14 Rev 5:9 DAVID GIVE GOD THE GLORY FOR GIRDING HIM WITH STRENGTH For - David explains why his victories over his enemies were so dominating. You have girded me with strength for battle - The Hebrew literally has "you clothed me with strength for battle" which congers up the picture of David being clothed with the Spirit and thus with His power. Once again note the juxtaposition of God's part, David's responsibility. Compare "2 Samuel 22:33 which says "It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect." How did Yahweh gird him with strength? 1Sa 16:13+ tells us "the Spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward." The Spirit of God energized David with supernatural power from on High. And this is exactly what He does for every believer today, albeit we have the Spirit permanently indwelling our bodies, His temple, but the power Source is otherwise the same. Jesus promised the disciples that "you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you." (Acts 1:8+) Every disciple today has full access by grace through faith (faith that obeys) to that same supernatural power, to fight their spiritual battles (which are continual whether we realize it or not!) We must battle like David did, girded with supernatural strength! See "Paradoxical Principle of 100% Dependent and 100% Responsible". Jamieson, Fausset, Brown — Girding was essential to free motion on account of the looseness of Oriental dresses; hence it is an expressive figure for describing the gift of strength. You have subdued under me those who rose up against me - The Hebrew literally reads "you make those who rise against me kneel beneath me." David ascribes the victory not to his military genius, the size or skill of his army, etc, but to the gift of the One Who is the "Captain of the hosts of the LORD." (Joshua 5:13-15+). CHS - It is impossible to be too frequent in the duty of ascribing all our victories to the God of our salvation. It is true that we have to wrestle with our spiritual antagonists, but the triumph is far more the Lord's than ours. We must not boast like the ambitious votaries of vainglory, but we may exult as the willing and believing instruments in the Lord's hand of accomplishing his great designs. 2 Samuel 22:41 "You have also made my enemies turn their backs to me, And I destroyed those who hated me. BGT 2 Samuel 22:41 καὶ τοὺς ἐχθρούς μου ἔδωκάς μοι νῶτον τοὺς μισοῦντάς με καὶ ἐθανάτωσας αὐτούς LXE 2 Samuel 22:41 And thou hast caused mine enemies to flee before me, even them that hated me, and thou hast slain them. KJV 2 Samuel 22:41 Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me. NET 2 Samuel 22:41 You make my enemies retreat; I destroy those who hate me. CSB 2 Samuel 22:41 You have made my enemies retreat before me; I annihilate those who hate me. ESV 2 Samuel 22:41 You made my enemies turn their backs to me, those who hated me, and I destroyed them. NIV 2 Samuel 22:41 You made my enemies turn their backs in flight, and I destroyed my foes. NLT 2 Samuel 22:41 You placed my foot on their necks. I have destroyed all who hated me. NRS 2 Samuel 22:41 You made my enemies turn their backs to me, those who hated me, and I destroyed them. NJB 2 Samuel 22:41 made my enemies retreat before me; and those who hate me I destroy. NAB 2 Samuel 22:41 My enemies you put to flight before me and those who hated me I destroyed. YLT 2 Samuel 22:41 And mine enemies -- Thou givest to me the neck, Those hating me -- and I cut them off. backs: Ge 49:8 Ex 23:27 Jos 10:24 Ps 18:40,41 I might: Ps 21:8,9 Lu 19:14,27 2Th 1:8,9 GOD CAUSED DAVID'S ENEMIES TO FLEE You have also made my enemies turn their backs to me (retreat) - To turn their backs means the enemy fled. Why? God was the Causative Agent of their fleeing. We too must recognize that any and every victory we experience in the spiritual life is ultimately enabled by the Spirit of God, for the glory of God and to give us a wonderful opportunity to praise the LORD for His provision! Do you pause to praise Him, when he gives you victory over the world, the flesh or the devil, none of whom can be defeated in reliance on our natural power! THOUGHT - David's description reminds me of James word that "He (GOD) gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” Submit (aorist imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) therefore to God. Resist (aorist imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) the devil and he will flee from you." (James 4:6-7+) NET Note on turn their backs to me - Hebrew = "and [as for] my enemies, you give to me [the] back [or "neck" ]." The idiom "give [the] back" means "to cause [one] to turn the back and run away." Exodus 23:27+ “I will send My terror ahead of you, and throw into confusion all the people among whom you come, and I will make all your enemies turn their backs to you." And I destroyed those who hated me - CSB - "I annihilate those who hate me." 2 Samuel 22:42 "They looked, but there was none to save; Even to the LORD, but He did not answer them. BGT 2 Samuel 22:42 βοήσονται καὶ οὐκ ἔστιν βοηθός πρὸς κύριον καὶ οὐχ ὑπήκουσεν αὐτῶν LXE 2 Samuel 22:42 They shall cry, and there shall be no helper; to the Lord, but he hearkens not to them. KJV 2 Samuel 22:42 They looked, but there was none to save; even unto the LORD, but he answered them not. NET 2 Samuel 22:42 They cry out, but there is no one to help them; they cry out to the LORD, but he does not answer them. CSB 2 Samuel 22:42 They look, but there is no one to save them-- they look to the LORD, but He does not answer them. ESV 2 Samuel 22:42 They looked, but there was none to save; they cried to the LORD, but he did not answer them. NIV 2 Samuel 22:42 They cried for help, but there was no one to save them-- to the LORD, but he did not answer. NLT 2 Samuel 22:42 They looked for help, but no one came to their rescue. They even cried to the LORD, but he refused to answer. NRS 2 Samuel 22:42 They looked, but there was no one to save them; they cried to the LORD, but he did not answer them. NJB 2 Samuel 22:42 They cry out, there is no one to save, to Yahweh, but no answer comes. NAB 2 Samuel 22:42 They cried for help-- but no one saved them; to the LORD-- but he answered them not. YLT 2 Samuel 22:42 They look, and there is no saviour; Unto Jehovah, and He hath not answered them. to the Lord: 1Sa 28:6 Job 27:9 Pr 1:28 Isa 1:15 Eze 20:3 Mic 3:4 Mt 7:22,23 Lu 13:25,26 Related Passages: Isaiah 17:7-8 In that day (LAST DAYS - GREAT TRIBULATION) man will have regard for his Maker And his eyes will look to the Holy One of Israel. 8 He will not have regard for the altars, the work of his hands, Nor will he look to that which his fingers have made, Even the Asherim and incense stands. They looked - Better rendered "They cry out." NET NOTE - The translation follows one medieval Hebrew ms and the ancient versions in reading the Piel יְשַׁוְּעוּ (yshavvʿu, “they cry for help”) rather than the Qal of the MT יִשְׁעוּ (yishʿu, “they look about for help”). See Ps 18:41 as well. But there was none to save; Even to the LORD, but He did not answer them - The haters of David had no one to come to their rescue and no open line to God. Psalm 66:18 says "If I regard wickedness in my heart, The Lord will not hear." Clearly they regarded wickedness in their heart explaining the LORD'S silence. NET NOTE on even to the LORD (NET renders it "They cry out to the LORD") - The words “they cry out” are not in the Hebrew text. This reference to the psalmists’ enemies crying out for help to the Lord suggests that the psalmist refers here to enemies within the covenant community, rather than foreigners. However, the militaristic context suggests foreign enemies are in view. Ancient Near Eastern literature indicates that defeated enemies would sometimes cry out for mercy to the god(s) of their conqueror. Kirkpatrick - In their extremity even the heathen might cry for mercy to the “unknown God” of their enemies. Cp. 1Sa 5:12; Jonah 3:7 ff. CHS - "They cried, but there was none to save them; even unto the Lord, but he answered them not." Prayer is so notable a weapon that even the wicked will take to it to in their fits of desperation. Bad men have appealed to God against God's own servants, but all in vain; the kingdom of heaven is not divided, and God never succours his foes at the expense of his friends. There are prayers to God which are no better than blasphemy, which bring no comfortable reply, but rather provoke the Lord to greater wrath. Shall I ask a man to wound or slay his own child to gratify my malice? Would he not resent the insult against his humanity? How much less will Jehovah regard the cruel desires of the enemies of the church, who dare to offer their prayers for its destruction, calling its existence schism, and its doctrine heresy! 2 Samuel 22:43 "Then I pulverized them as the dust of the earth; I crushed and stamped them as the mire of the streets. BGT 2 Samuel 22:43 καὶ ἐλέανα αὐτοὺς ὡς χοῦν γῆς ὡς πηλὸν ἐξόδων ἐλέπτυνα αὐτούς LXE 2 Samuel 22:43 And I ground them as the dust of the earth, I beat them small as the mire of the streets. KJV 2 Samuel 22:43 Then did I beat them as small as the dust of the earth, I did stamp them as the mire of the street, and did spread them abroad. NET 2 Samuel 22:43 I grind them as fine as the dust of the ground; I crush them and stomp on them like clay in the streets. CSB 2 Samuel 22:43 I pulverize them like dust of the earth; I crush them and trample them like mud in the streets. ESV 2 Samuel 22:43 I beat them fine as the dust of the earth; I crushed them and stamped them down like the mire of the streets. NIV 2 Samuel 22:43 I beat them as fine as the dust of the earth; I pounded and trampled them like mud in the streets. NLT 2 Samuel 22:43 I ground them as fine as the dust of the earth; I trampled them in the gutter like dirt. NRS 2 Samuel 22:43 I beat them fine like the dust of the earth, I crushed them and stamped them down like the mire of the streets. NJB 2 Samuel 22:43 I crumble them like the dust of the squares, trample them like the mud of the streets. NAB 2 Samuel 22:43 I ground them fine as the dust of the earth; like the mud in the streets I trampled them down. IV YLT 2 Samuel 22:43 And I beat them as dust of the earth, As mire of the streets I beat them small -- I spread them out! as the dust 2Ki 13:7 Ps 35:5 Da 2:35 Mal 4:1 as the mire: Ps 18:42 Isa 10:6 Mic 7:10 Zec 10:5 stamped them De 32:26 Isa 26:15 Zec 2:6 Lu 21:24 DAVID BEAT HIS ENEMIES TO FINE DUST Then I pulverized them as the dust of the earth - NET - "I grind them as fine as the dust of the ground." I crushed and stamped them as the mire of the streets - NET = "I crush them and stomp on them like clay in the streets." See the metaphor of dust in 2 Kings 13:7. David says he flung the enemy away as worthless refuse. Vos points out, “Pulverizing them to dust in some cases was literal, as bodies unburied on the battlefield quickly decomposed and crumbled to dust. The enemies of Israel got no help from their idols, and not even from praying to Yahweh, because they had no claim to his protection.” (Borrow 1, 2 Samuel : Bible study commentary) CHS - The defeat of the nations who fought with King David was so utter and complete that they were like powders pounded in a mortar; their power was broken into fragments and they became as weak as dust before the wind, and as mean as the mire of the roads. Thus powerless and base are the enemies of God now become through the victory of the Son of David upon the cross. Arise, O my soul, and meet thine enemies, for they have sustained a deadly blow, and will fall before thy bold advance. "Hell and my sins resist my course, But hell and sin are vanquish'd foes My Jesus nail'd them to his cross, And sung the triumph when he rose." 2 Samuel 22:44 "You have also delivered me from the contentions of my people; You have kept me as head of the nations; A people whom I have not known serve me. BGT 2 Samuel 22:44 καὶ ῥύσῃ με ἐκ μάχης λαῶν φυλάξεις με εἰς κεφαλὴν ἐθνῶν λαός ὃν οὐκ ἔγνων ἐδούλευσάν μοι LXE 2 Samuel 22:44 And thou shalt deliver me from the striving of the peoples, thou shalt keep me to be the head of the Gentiles: a people which I knew not served me. KJV 2 Samuel 22:44 Thou also hast delivered me from the strivings of my people, thou hast kept me to be head of the heathen: a people which I knew not shall serve me. NET 2 Samuel 22:44 You rescue me from a hostile army; you preserve me as a leader of nations; people over whom I had no authority are now my subjects. CSB 2 Samuel 22:44 You have freed me from the feuds among my people; You have appointed me the head of nations; a people I had not known serve me. ESV 2 Samuel 22:44 "You delivered me from strife with my people; you kept me as the head of the nations; people whom I had not known served me. NIV 2 Samuel 22:44 "You have delivered me from the attacks of my people; you have preserved me as the head of nations. People I did not know are subject to me, NLT 2 Samuel 22:44 "You gave me victory over my accusers. You preserved me as the ruler over nations; people I don't even know now serve me. NRS 2 Samuel 22:44 You delivered me from strife with the peoples; you kept me as the head of the nations; people whom I had not known served me. NJB 2 Samuel 22:44 You free me from the quarrels of my people, you place me at the head of the nations, a people I did not know are now my servants, NAB 2 Samuel 22:44 "You rescued me from the strife of my people; you made me head over nations. A people I had not known became my slaves; YLT 2 Samuel 22:44 And -- Thou dost deliver me From the strivings of my people, Thou placest me for a head of nations; A people I have not known do serve me. delivered: 2Sa 3:1 5:1 18:6-8 19:9,14 20:1,2,22 Ps 2:1-6 18:43 Ac 4:25-28 Ac 5:30,31 head: 2Sa 8:1-14 De 28:13 Ps 2:8 60:8,9 72:8,9 110:6 Isa 60:12 Da 7:14 Ro 15:12 Rev 11:15 a people: Isa 55:5 65:1 Ho 2:23 Ro 9:25 GOD ENABLES DAVID TO ESTABLISH DOMINION 2 Samuel 22:44-46 deals with the establishment of David’s dominion You have also delivered me from the contentions of my people - This seems to refer to ABSALOM’S UPRISING, and the fact that the Lord once again had delivered him from this attack. After Absalom's defeat we see their was internal strife between the "men of Israel" (10 northern tribes) and the men of Judah (e.g., see 2Sa 19:40-43+) which was followed by Sheba's revolt in 2Sa 20:1-22+. Kirkpatrick - The reference seems to be to the civil wars and internal dissensions which had disturbed the early years of David’s reign, while Saul’s house still endeavoured to maintain its position. Through all these conflicts he had been safely brought, and preserved to exercise dominion over the heathen nations round (ED: BUT SEE ABOVE FOR INTERNAL STRIFE IN ISRAEL). Cp. 2 Samuel 8:1-14; Psalm 2:8. NET NOTE - Heb “from the strivings of my people.” In this context רִיב (riv, “striving”) probably has a militaristic sense (as in Jdg 12:2; Isa 41:11), and עַם (ʿam, “people”) probably refers more specifically to an army (for other examples, see the verses listed in BDB 766 s.v. עַם 2.d). The suffix “my” suggests David is referring to attacks by his own countrymen, the “people” being Israel. However, the parallel text in Ps 18:43 omits the suffix. CHS - "Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people." Internal strife is very hard to deal with. A civil war is war in its most miserable form; it is a subject for warmest gratitude when concord rules within. Our poet praises Jehovah for the union and peace which smiled in his dominions, and if we have peace in the three kingdoms of our spirit, soul, and body, we are in duty bound to give Jehovah a song. Unity in a church should assuredly excite like gratitude. You have kept me as head of the nations; A people whom I have not known serve me - We how God enabled David's to defeat Israel's enemies on the west, east, north and south in 2Sa 8:1-14+. CHS "Thou hast made me the head of the heathen; a people whom I have not known shall serve me." The neighbouring nations yielded to the sway of Judah's prince. Oh, when shall all lands adore King Jesus, and serve him with holy joy? Surely there is far more of Jesus than of David here. Missionaries may derive rich encouragement from the positive declaration that heathen lands shall own the Headship of the Crucified. 2 Samuel 22:45 "Foreigners pretend obedience to me; As soon as they hear, they obey me. BGT 2 Samuel 22:45 υἱοὶ ἀλλότριοι ἐψεύσαντό μοι εἰς ἀκοὴν ὠτίου ἤκουσάν μου LXE 2 Samuel 22:45 The strange children feigned obedience to me; they hearkened to me as soon as they heard. KJV 2 Samuel 22:45 Strangers shall submit themselves unto me: as soon as they hear, they shall be obedient unto me. NET 2 Samuel 22:45 Foreigners are powerless before me; when they hear of my exploits, they submit to me. CSB 2 Samuel 22:45 Foreigners submit to me grudgingly; as soon as they hear, they obey me. ESV 2 Samuel 22:45 Foreigners came cringing to me; as soon as they heard of me, they obeyed me. NIV 2 Samuel 22:45 and foreigners come cringing to me; as soon as they hear me, they obey me. NLT 2 Samuel 22:45 Foreign nations cringe before me; as soon as they hear of me, they submit. NRS 2 Samuel 22:45 Foreigners came cringing to me; as soon as they heard of me, they obeyed me. NJB 2 Samuel 22:45 foreigners come wooing my favour, no sooner do they hear than they obey me, NAB 2 Samuel 22:45 as soon as they heard me, they obeyed. YLT 2 Samuel 22:45 Sons of a stranger feign obedience to me, At the hearing of the ear they hearken to me. Foreigners: Heb. Sons of the stranger, Isa 56:3,6 submit themselves: or, yield feigned obedience, Heb. lie, De 33:29 Ps 18:44,45 66:3 81:15 Ac 8:13,21-23 ENEMIES SUBMIT TO DAVID Foreigners pretend obedience to me; As soon as they hear, they obey me - NET = "Foreigners are powerless before me" CSB = "Foreigners submit to me grudgingly" The idea is that even though David's enemies were unwilling to bow, they were forced to bow and obey David, so complete was the dominance that God had enabled David to have over them. NET NOTE - foreigners - For the meaning “to be weak; to be powerless” for the verb כָּחַשׁ (kakhash), see Ps 109:24. Verse 46, which also mentions foreigners, favors this interpretation. Another option is to translate “cower in fear” (see Deut 33:29; Ps 66:3; 81:15). Kirkpatrick on as soon as they hear, they obey me - At the mere rumour of David’s victories they offer their allegiance, as for example Toi king of Hamath did (ch. 2 Samuel 8:9ff.). CHS - "As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me." Thus readily did the once struggling captain become a far-renowned victor, and thus easy shall be our triumphs. We prefer, however, to speak of Jesus. In many cases the gospel is speedily received by hearts apparently unprepared for it. Those who have never heard the gospel before, have been charmed by its first message, and yielded obedience to it; while others, alas! who are accustomed to its joyful sound, are rather hardened than softened by its teachings. The grace of God sometimes runs like fire among the stubble, and a nation is born in a day. "Love at first sight" is no uncommon thing when Jesus is the wooer. He can write Caesar's message without boasting, Veni, vidi, vici; his gospel is in some cases no sooner heard than believed. What inducements to spread abroad the doctrine of the cross! 2 Samuel 22:46 "Foreigners lose heart, And come trembling out of their fortresses. BGT 2 Samuel 22:46 υἱοὶ ἀλλότριοι ἀπορριφήσονται καὶ σφαλοῦσιν ἐκ τῶν συγκλεισμῶν αὐτῶν LXE 2 Samuel 22:46 The strange children shall be cast away, and shall be overthrown out of their hiding places. KJV 2 Samuel 22:46 Strangers shall fade away, and they shall be afraid out of their close places. NET 2 Samuel 22:46 Foreigners lose their courage; they shake with fear as they leave their strongholds. CSB 2 Samuel 22:46 Foreigners lose heart and come trembling from their fortifications. ESV 2 Samuel 22:46 Foreigners lost heart and came trembling out of their fortresses. NIV 2 Samuel 22:46 They all lose heart; they come trembling from their strongholds. NLT 2 Samuel 22:46 They all lose their courage and come trembling from their strongholds. NRS 2 Samuel 22:46 Foreigners lost heart, and came trembling out of their strongholds. NJB 2 Samuel 22:46 foreigners grow faint of heart, they come trembling out of their fastnesses. NAB 2 Samuel 22:46 The foreigners fawned and cringed before me; they staggered forth from their fortresses." YLT 2 Samuel 22:46 Sons of a stranger fade away, And gird themselves by their close places. fade away: Isa 64:6 Jas 1:11 out: Isa 2:19,21 Am 9:3 Mic 7:17 Foreigners lose heart - CSB = "Foreigners lose heart." NLT = "They all lose their courage" They faded away like plants scorched up by the burning sun. CHS - "The strangers shall fade away." Like sear leaves or blasted trees our foes and Christ's foes shall find no sap and stamina remaining in them. Those who are strangers to Jesus are strangers to all lasting happiness; those must soon fade who refuse to be watered from the river of life. And come trembling out of their fortresses - NET - "they shake with fear as they leave their strongholds." CHS "And be afraid out of their close places." Out of their mountain fastnesses the heathen crept in fear to own allegiance to Israel's king, and even so, from the castles of self-confidence and the dens of carnal security, poor sinners come bending before the Saviour, Christ the Lord. Our sins which have entrenched themselves in our flesh and blood as in impregnable forts, shall yet be driven forth by the sanctifying energy of the Holy Spirit, and we shall serve the Lord in singleness of heart. Thus with remembrance of conquests in the past, and with glad anticipations of victories yet to come, the sweet singer closes the description, and returns to exercise of more direct adoration of his gracious God. 2 Samuel 22:47 "The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock; And exalted be God, the rock of my salvation, BGT 2 Samuel 22:47 ζῇ κύριος καὶ εὐλογητὸς ὁ φύλαξ μου καὶ ὑψωθήσεται ὁ θεός μου ὁ φύλαξ τῆς σωτηρίας μου LXE 2 Samuel 22:47 The Lord lives, and blessed be my guardian, and my God, my strong keeper, shall be exalted. KJV 2 Samuel 22:47 The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation. NET 2 Samuel 22:47 The LORD is alive! My protector is praiseworthy! The God who delivers me is exalted as king! CSB 2 Samuel 22:47 The LORD lives-- may my rock be praised! God, the rock of my salvation, is exalted. ESV 2 Samuel 22:47 "The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock, and exalted be my God, the rock of my salvation, NIV 2 Samuel 22:47 "The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be God, the Rock, my Savior! NLT 2 Samuel 22:47 "The LORD lives! Praise to my Rock! May God, the Rock of my salvation, be exalted! NRS 2 Samuel 22:47 The LORD lives! Blessed be my rock, and exalted be my God, the rock of my salvation, NJB 2 Samuel 22:47 Life to Yahweh! Blessed be my rock! Exalted be the God of my salvation, NAB 2 Samuel 22:47 "The LORD live! And blessed be my Rock! Extolled be my God, rock of my salvation. YLT 2 Samuel 22:47 Jehovah liveth, and blessed is my Rock, And exalted is my God -- The Rock of my salvation. Lord: De 32:39,40 Job 19:25 Rock: Ps 89:26 Lu 1:47 Related Passsage: Psalm 18:46 The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock; And exalted be the God of my salvation, 1 Corinthians 8:4 Therefore concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that there is no such thing as an idol in the world, and that there is no God but one. AFFIRMATION OF LORD'S PRESENCE AND POWER 2 Samuel 22:47–51 concludes with thanksgiving and doxology The LORD lives - This is not "as the LORD lives" which would introduce an oath, but that He indeed does which is "an affirmation of the Lord’s active presence and intervention. In contrast to pagan deities, he demonstrates that he is the living God by rescuing and empowering the psalmist." (NET NOTE) Kirkpatrick on the LORD lives - Life is the essential attribute of Jehovah, Who is the Living God in contrast to the dead idols of the heathen. The experience of David’s life was to him a certain proof that God is the living, acting Ruler of the World. Cp. Joshua 3:10. And blessed (praised) be my Rock (tsur) - Both uses of Rock in this verse are translated in the Septuagint with with phulax which means guard or sentinel which gives a wonderful picture of the protecting grace of our Great God, for when we are in Christ, we are ever under His eye and ever in His protecting Hand! Praise the Lord! Amen! Kirkpatrick on my Rock - God who is strong and faithful to work out deliverance for me. Cp. 2Sa 22:3. Psalm 18:46 has merely “the God of my salvation.” “I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today. I know that he is living, Whatever men may say. I see his hand of mercy I hear his voice of cheer, And just the time I need him, He’s always near. He lives; He lives Christ Jesus lives today. He walks with me and talks with me Along life’s narrow way. He lives; He lives Salvation to impart. You ask me how I know He lives, He lives within my heart.” CHS - "The Lord liveth." Possessing underived, essential, independent and eternal life. We serve no inanimate, imaginary, or dying God. He only hath immortality. Like loyal subjects let us cry, Live on, O God. Long live the King of kings. By thine immortality do we dedicate ourselves afresh to thee. As the Lord our God liveth so would we live to him. "And blessed be my rock." He is the ground of our hope, and let him be the subject of our praise. Our hearts bless the Lord, with holy love extolling him. Jehovah lives, my rock be blessed! Praised be the God who gives me rest! And exalted be God, the Rock (tsur) of my salvation (yesha; Lxx - soteria) - NET = "The God who delivers me is exalted as king!" In 2Sa 22:48 He is the Horn of my salvation and in 2Sa 22:36 He is the Shield of my salvation. Horn...Shield...Rock all related to salvation, respectively the power, the protection, the foundation. NET NOTE on exalted be God - The words “as king” are supplied in the 2Sa 22:42NET translation for clarification. In the Psalms the verb רוּם (rum, “be exalted”) when used of God, refers to his exalted position as king (Pss 99:2; 113:4; 138:6) and/or his self-revelation as king through his mighty deeds of deliverance (Pss 21:13; 46:10; 57:5, 11). "CHS - Let the God of my salvation be exalted." As our Saviour, the Lord should more than ever be glorified. We should publish abroad the story of the covenant and the cross, the Father's election, the Son's redemption, and the Spirit's regeneration. He who rescues us from deserved ruin should be very dear to us. In heaven they sing "Unto him that loved us and washed us in his blood;" the like music should be common in the assemblies of the saints below. James M