David’s Song of Praise
January 12, 2026
Commentary
This passage is David’s song of praise and parallels Psalm 18. Here, David explains the basic principles the Lord follows when delivering judgment or discipline to people. He shows that God’s actions are not random, consistent with His character.
David explains why the LORD delivered him (vv. 26–30). He teaches God saves the humble but opposes the proud (v. 28). The proud attempt to place themselves where God belongs, and the LORD will not permit this (Prov. 3:34). God reflects the heart of each person.
Second, David describes the extent of the LORD’s deliverance (vv. 31–46). God is shown as a protector, warrior, and faithful guide. Weakness is not found in the LORD, and enemies cannot oppose Him. David’s victories come because God equips and strengthens him.
Third, David concludes with his resolve to praise how the LORD delivered Him from his enemies, even the violent ones (vv. 47–51). He declares God’s greatness, ‘among the nations.’
David shows people see God through the filter of their spiritual condition. Believers see God as loving and forgiving; unrepentant sinners see Him as judge and avenger. God remains holy, just, loving, pure, and compassionate.
The LORD approved of David’s battles and granted him victory wherever he went. God proved Himself greater than all rival gods and armies. This pas-sage highlights David’s praise for God’s deliverance (vv. 31–51). David did not lose his desire to know and please God. His spiritual strength grew from being alone with the LORD, for spiritual greatness is shaped in God’s presence.
Application
I will think about how my heart shapes the way I see God. Am I walking humbly, or acting proud? Do I trust God’s strength when challenges feel too big? Am I praising Him only in private, or also before others? Do my choices show gratitude for His deliverance? How can I honor God through humility, trust, and praise?
2 Samuel 22:26–51 (NET)
26 You prove to be loyal to one who is faithful; you prove to be trustworthy to one who is innocent.
27 You prove to be reliable to one who is blameless, but you prove to be deceptive to one who is perverse.
28 You deliver oppressed people, but you watch the proud and bring them down.
29 Indeed, you are my lamp, Lord. The Lord illumines the darkness around me.
30 Indeed, with your help I can charge against an army; by my God’s power I can jump over a wall.
31 The one true God acts in a faithful manner; the Lord’s promise is reliable; he is a shield to all who take shelter in him.
32 Indeed, who is God besides the Lord? Who is a protector besides our God?
33 The one true God is my mighty refuge; he removes the obstacles in my way.
34 He gives me the agility of a deer; he enables me to negotiate the rugged terrain.
35 He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend even the strongest bow.
36 You give me your protective shield; your willingness to help enables me to prevail.
37 You widen my path; my feet do not slip.
38 I chase my enemies and destroy them; I do not turn back until I wipe them out.
39 I wipe them out and beat them to death; they cannot get up; they fall at my feet.
40 You give me strength for battle; you make my foes kneel before me.
41 You make my enemies retreat; I destroy those who hate me.
42 They cry out, but there is no one to help them; they cry out to the Lord, but he does not answer them.
43 I grind them as fine as the dust of the ground; I crush them and stomp them like clay in the streets.
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.
45 Foreigners are powerless before me; when they hear of my exploits, they submit to me.
46 Foreigners lose their courage; they shake with fear as they leave their strongholds.
47 The Lord is alive! My Protector is praiseworthy! The God who delivers me is exalted as king!
48 The one true God completely vindicates me; he makes nations submit to me.
49 He delivers me from my enemies; you snatch me away from those who attack me; you rescue me from violent men.
50 So I will give you thanks, O Lord, before the nations! I will sing praises to you.
51 He gives his king magnificent victories; he is faithful to his chosen ruler, to David and to his descendants forever!”