Day 169 – 2 Samuel 22:41-51

Scripture Review

2 Samuel 22:41-51

"Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me."

(2 Samuel 22:41)

To be given the "necks" of enemies means they were turned in defeat or placed under David's power. It pictures enemies fleeing, bowing, or being conquered. He says God gave this victory. Again, he places the credit on the LORD. The enemies hated David, but God put them under him.

"They looked, but there was none to save; even unto the LORD, but he answered them not."

(2 Samuel 22:42)

David's enemies looked for help, even looked unto the LORD, but didn't get any. These were not humble prayers of repentance. These were desperate cries from enemies who had resisted God and His anointed. They wanted rescue from consequences, not reconciliation with God. Reminds me of times when I was growing up. My mother was there to provide the consequences of my behavior. When that happened, I wanted rescue, I did not truly desire to change my behavior.

"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."

(2 Samuel 22:43)

David provides a picture of complete humiliation and defeat. Those who once rose proudly against David are brought low. A heart after God trusts that the LORD can bring proud opposition down to nothing.

"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."

(2 Samuel 22:44)

David says God delivered him from the "strivings" that is conflicts, arguments, disputes, and rebellions. He knew not only foreign war, but internal trouble among his own people. God also kept him to be head of the "heathen" or nations outside Israel, the Gentile peoples around them. David became ruler over peoples he had not known before. He faced Saul's jealousy, Israel's divisions, Absalom's rebellion, Sheba's revolt, and wars with surrounding nations. Through it all, God preserved him.

"Strangers shall submit themselves unto me: as soon as they hear, they shall be obedient unto me."

(2 Samuel 22:45)

David is again speaking about says foreign peoples, those outside Israel. They would hear and obey. The LORD did not merely save David from enemies. He gave David authority and influence beyond what David could have made for himself.

"Strangers shall fade away, and they shall be afraid out of their close places."

(2 Samuel 22:46)

David says strangers shall fade away. That means they lose strength, courage, and resistance. Strangers will be afraid out of their "close places" or hidden places, strongholds, enclosed places, or places of defense. Enemies who once hid securely would come out in fear. This is a picture of God exposing what men thought was protected. No stronghold is too hidden for the LORD.

"The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation."

(2 Samuel 22:47)

David exalts the Lord in praise. "The LORD liveth." He is not a dead idol. He is the living God. David has rehearsed what God has done, and now his heart cannot stay quiet.

"It is God that avengeth me, and that bringeth down the people under me,"

(2 Samuel 22:48)

David had many chances to avenge himself, especially against Saul, but he repeatedly left vengeance with the LORD. Now he testifies that God handled what he refused to handle in the flesh.

"And that bringeth me forth from mine enemies: thou also hast lifted me up on high above them that rose up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man."

(2 Samuel 22:49)

God not only kept David alive, but raised him above those who wanted him destroyed. The "violent man" could describe Saul and many others who used force, hatred, and cruelty against David.

"Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name."

(2 Samuel 22:50)

David says his praise will not be hidden. The nations will hear what God has done. The praise of the LORD is meant to be declared among the nations. God's deliverance becomes testimony. This why is so good to brag on the Lord and share what He has done in your life.

"He is the tower of salvation for his king: and sheweth mercy to his anointed, unto David, and to his seed for evermore."

(2 Samuel 22:51)

David closes by calling God "the tower of salvation." God is not a small help. He is a mighty refuge of salvation for His king. The anointed is the king God has chosen and set apart. Here that is David, but it also points forward to David's seed. The phrase "to his seed for evermore" reaches into the covenant promise God made to David. It points beyond Solomon and the kings of Judah to the greater Son of David, the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ is the final Anointed One, the everlasting King.