David Praises God Forr Deliverance
October 19, 2020
Commentary
At different times in Israel’s history, the people believed the ark of the covenant or the king himself would save them from their enemies. In this passage, David makes it clear that this is not true. The Lord alone is the one who delivered him (v. 1). In these opening words of praise, David declares that the Lord is everything to him and all he truly needs (vv. 2–4). Death is pictured as a hunter setting traps for its victims, but David knew where to turn. He cried out to the Lord in his distress (vv. 5–7). God heard David’s plea, and his cry for help reached the ears of the Lord.
The poetic description of God’s self-revelation is connected to a powerful storm and earthquake (vv. 8–9). Earth and heaven tremble when the Lord is angry, especially at the enemies of His people (Isa. 13:13; 1 Sam. 14:15). Smoke from the Lord’s nostrils pictures judgment and burning coals point to divine punishment (Isa. 65:5; Ezek. 10:2). When the Lord comes down from heaven, His appearance is overwhelming (v. 10). His feet rest on dark clouds that bring violent storms (vv. 11–12). Bright light surrounds Him, and thunder and lightning scatter David’s enemies (vv. 13–16). David then makes this personal, explaining how God reached down from heaven to rescue him on earth (vv. 17–20). He concludes by praising the all-powerful, self-revealing God who saved him. He prepares to describe God’s saving deliverance and the righteousness of those He rescues, reminding believers that trust in the Lord brings safety, hope, lasting peace, daily guidance, and renewed confidence in every season of life (vv. 21–25).
Application
I will remember that God, not people or things, is my true Deliverer. When fear feels close, will I cry out to the Lord first? Do I trust His power when life shakes like a storm? Am I thankful for past rescues, even the small ones I often forget? How can I praise God today through my words, choices, and daily obedience?
2 Samuel 22:1–25 (NET)
1 David sang to the Lord the words of this song when the Lord rescued him from the power of all his enemies, including Saul. 2 He said: “The Lord is my high ridge, my stronghold, my deliverer.
3 My God is my rocky summit where I take shelter, my shield, the horn that saves me, my stronghold, my refuge, my savior. You save me from violence!
4 I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I was delivered from my enemies.
5 The waves of death engulfed me; the currents of chaos overwhelmed me.
6 The ropes of Sheol tightened around me; the snares of death trapped me.
7 In my distress I called to the Lord; I called to my God. From his heavenly temple he heard my voice; he listened to my cry for help.
8 The earth heaved and shook; the foundations of the sky trembled. They heaved because he was angry.
9 Smoke ascended from his nose; fire devoured as it came from his mouth; he hurled down fiery coals.
10 He made the sky sink as he descended; a thick cloud was under his feet.
11 He mounted a winged angel and flew; he glided on the wings of the wind.
12 He shrouded himself in darkness, in thick rain clouds.
13 From the brightness in front of him came coals of fire.
14 The Lord thundered from the sky; the Most High shouted loudly.
15 He shot arrows and scattered them, lightning and routed them.
16 The depths of the sea were exposed; the inner regions of the world were uncovered by the Lord’s battle cry, by the powerful breath from his nose.
17 He reached down from above and grabbed me; he pulled me from the surging water.
18 He rescued me from my strong enemy, from those who hate me, for they were too strong for me.
19 They confronted me in my day of calamity, but the Lord helped me.
20 He brought me out into a wide open place; he delivered me because he was pleased with me.
21 The Lord repaid me for my godly deeds; he rewarded my blameless behavior.
22 For I have obeyed the Lord’s commands; I have not rebelled against my God.
23 For I am aware of all his regulations, and I do not reject his rules.
24 I was blameless before him; I kept myself from sinning.
25 The Lord rewarded me for my godly deeds; he took notice of my blameless behavior.