2 Samuel 22:1

¶ And David spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day [that] the LORD had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul:

And David {H1732} spake {H1696} unto the LORD {H3068} the words {H1697} of this song {H7892} in the day {H3117} that the LORD {H3068} had delivered {H5337} him out of the hand {H3709} of all his enemies {H341}, and out of the hand {H3709} of Saul {H7586}:

David said the words of this song to ADONAI on the day ADONAI delivered him from the power of all his enemies and from the power of Sha'ul.

And David sang this song to the LORD on the day the LORD had delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.

And David spake unto Jehovah the words of this song in the day that Jehovah delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul:

Commentary

2 Samuel 22:1 introduces a profound and deeply personal song of thanksgiving from King David. This verse sets the stage for one of the most significant psalms of deliverance in the Old Testament, almost identical to Psalm 18. It highlights David's recognition that his survival and ultimate triumph were solely due to the LORD's intervention.

Context

This "song" (Hebrew: shirah) is placed here in 2 Samuel as a retrospective reflection on David's entire life of struggle and triumph, particularly after he had secured his kingdom and found rest from his many adversaries. The specific mention of being delivered "out of the hand of Saul" points to the long and arduous period of persecution David endured before becoming king. Saul, the first king of Israel, relentlessly pursued David out of jealousy and fear, often seeking his life (see 1 Samuel 19:9). This psalm serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness throughout David's tumultuous journey from fugitive to revered monarch, marking a period of peace and security after years of conflict.

Key Themes

  • Divine Deliverance: The central theme is God's active role in rescuing David from overwhelming odds. It's a declaration that victory comes from the LORD, not merely from human strength or strategy.
  • Thanksgiving and Praise: David's immediate and appropriate response to God's saving acts is a song of heartfelt gratitude. This emphasizes the importance of acknowledging God in all circumstances, especially after experiencing His help.
  • God's Faithfulness: The verse underscores God's unwavering commitment to David, fulfilling His promises despite the numerous threats and trials David faced. This echoes God's covenant with David (2 Samuel 7:16).
  • Victory Over Enemies: It signifies the culmination of David's battles, both personal (Saul) and national (various warring peoples), establishing a period of peace and security for his reign.

Linguistic Insights

The word for "delivered" (Hebrew: natsal) often carries the nuance of being snatched away or rescued from danger, implying a powerful and decisive act of intervention. It's not just a gradual escape but a divine extraction from peril. The term "song" (shirah) indicates a poetic composition intended for worship and public declaration, emphasizing the joyous and reflective nature of David's gratitude.

Practical Application

David's song of deliverance offers a timeless lesson for believers today. Just as David faced enemies and trials, we too encounter challenges in life. This verse encourages us to:

  • Remember God's Past Faithfulness: Reflect on how God has delivered you in the past, building confidence for future trials.
  • Express Gratitude: Cultivate a heart of thanksgiving for God's protection and provision, even when circumstances are difficult.
  • Trust in Divine Deliverance: Recognize that true victory and peace come from the LORD, who is able to deliver us from all our "enemies," whether they are physical threats, spiritual struggles, or internal battles (Psalm 34:7).

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Judges 5:1

    ¶ Then sang Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam on that day, saying,

  • Exodus 15:1

    ¶ Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

  • Isaiah 12:1

    ¶ And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.

  • Isaiah 12:6

    Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great [is] the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.

  • Psalms 103:1

    ¶ [A Psalm] of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, [bless] his holy name.

  • Psalms 103:6

    ¶ The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.

  • Revelation 7:9

    After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
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