2 Samuel 22:17

KJV

He sent from above, he took me; he drew me out of many waters;

KJV (with Strong's)

He sent {H7971} from above {H4791}, he took {H3947} me; he drew {H4871} me out of many {H7227} waters {H4325};

Complete Jewish Bible

"He sent from on high, he took me and pulled me out of deep water;

Berean Standard Bible

He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters.

American Standard Version

He sent from on high, he took me; He drew me out of many waters;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 22:17 is a profound declaration of divine rescue, extracted from David's psalm of thanksgiving to the Lord for deliverance from all his enemies, especially Saul. This verse vividly recounts God's sovereign and direct intervention, portraying Him as a transcendent yet intimately involved rescuer who reaches down from heaven to pluck David from overwhelming perils, metaphorically described as "many waters." It underscores God's supreme authority and active faithfulness in the lives of His people, affirming His power to save from seemingly insurmountable dangers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of a lengthy psalm of thanksgiving found in [2 Samuel 22](/2_samuel/22 "2 Samuel 22 - David's Song of Deliverance"), which is almost identical to [Psalm 18](/psalm/18 "Psalm 18 - A Psalm of David"). Positioned near the beginning of David's song, it follows a dramatic description of God's awe-inspiring descent and intervention, where the earth quakes, smoke rises, and lightning flashes as God comes to David's aid ([2 Samuel 22:8-16](/2_samuel/22-8 "2 Samuel 22:8-16 - God's Theophany of Deliverance")). The preceding verses set the stage by describing David's desperate cry for help and the overwhelming nature of his distress, using imagery like "the waves of death" and "the floods of ungodliness" ([2 Samuel 22:5](/2_samuel/22-5 "2 Samuel 22:5 - The Snares of Death")). Verse 17 thus serves as the direct consequence of God's majestic intervention, detailing the specific act of rescue from the depths of his troubles.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King David's life was characterized by relentless conflict, betrayal, and numerous attempts on his life, particularly during his flight from King Saul. This psalm reflects the culmination of a tumultuous period, celebrating God's consistent deliverance through various battles, conspiracies, and personal hardships. The imagery of "waters" as a symbol for overwhelming danger was common in the ancient Near East, where floods and chaotic seas often represented forces of destruction and primordial chaos. For an individual like David, facing powerful enemies and seemingly insurmountable odds, the "many waters" could represent the literal armies pursuing him, the political intrigues threatening his life, or the deep despair that could engulf a person in such circumstances. The concept of a deity "sending from above" or "reaching down" was a powerful affirmation of divine transcendence and omnipotence, assuring the worshipper that help came from a source far greater than any earthly power.

* **Key Themes:** [2 Samuel 22](/2_samuel/22 "2 Samuel 22 - David's Song of Deliverance") and [Psalm 18](/psalm/18 "Psalm 18 - A Psalm of David") are rich with themes of divine sovereignty, deliverance, and faithfulness. This verse particularly highlights **Divine Rescue and Intervention**, emphasizing God's sovereign initiative and direct action in saving David. The phrase "He sent from above, he took me" underscores that help originates from a transcendent, omnipotent source, beyond human capability or expectation. It also powerfully illustrates **Overcoming Overwhelming Adversity**, as the imagery of "many waters" frequently symbolizes profound troubles, dangers, and even death itself, as seen in [Psalm 69:1-2](/psalm/69-1 "Psalm 69:1-2 - Drowning in Deep Waters"). David's deliverance signifies God's ability to rescue His people from seemingly impossible situations. Furthermore, the verse reinforces the theme of **God as a Mighty Deliverer**, portraying Him as attentive to the cries of His servant and capable of snatching him from the brink of destruction, a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and power to save, echoing the Lord's character revealed throughout Israel's history, from the Exodus to the wilderness wanderings.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sent (Hebrew, _shalach'_):** This verb signifies dispatching, extending, or sending forth with a specific purpose or mission. In this context, it emphasizes God's deliberate and purposeful initiative. It is not a passive observation but an active, decisive act of intervention originating from God's heavenly abode, demonstrating His sovereign will and power to act on behalf of His servant.
* **Took (Hebrew, _laqach'_):** This word implies seizing, grasping, or taking hold of something or someone. Here, it conveys a forceful and decisive act of rescue. God doesn't merely observe or wish for David's safety; He actively "takes" him, pulling him out of danger with a firm grip, indicating a personal and powerful engagement in David's deliverance.
* **Drew out (Hebrew, _mashah'_):** This verb specifically means to draw out, often from water or a confined space. It is famously the root of Moses' name (Moshe), because he was "drawn out" of the water ([Exodus 2:10](/exodus/2-10 "Exodus 2:10 - Moses Drawn from the Water")). Its use here powerfully reinforces the imagery of being extracted from a life-threatening, engulfing element. It speaks to a dramatic and definitive rescue from an otherwise inescapable peril.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He sent from above,"**: This clause establishes the divine origin and transcendent nature of the rescue. The help David receives is not earthly or human-generated; it comes directly from God, who is "above" – implying His celestial dwelling, His supreme authority, and His ability to intervene in the earthly realm. It highlights God's initiative and sovereign power.
* **"he took me;"**: This phrase emphasizes the personal and active nature of God's intervention. God doesn't merely send a general blessing or an indirect aid; He personally "takes" David, indicating a direct, forceful, and intimate act of rescue. It speaks to God's attentiveness to David's plight and His direct engagement in his deliverance.
* **"he drew me out of many waters;"**: This final clause describes the nature of the peril and the dramatic rescue. "Many waters" is a potent metaphor for overwhelming, life-threatening dangers, chaos, deep distress, or powerful enemies that threaten to engulf and drown. God's act of "drawing out" signifies a complete and decisive extraction from a situation that would otherwise lead to destruction, emphasizing His power to save from the brink of despair or death.

#### Literary Devices
2 Samuel 22:17 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine deliverance. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the use of "many waters" to symbolize overwhelming troubles, dangers, and enemies. This imagery transforms abstract perils into a tangible, engulfing force, making God's rescue all the more dramatic. **Anthropomorphism** is also evident, as God is described with human-like actions: "He sent," "he took," "he drew." These actions attribute human agency to God, making His intervention relatable and emphasizing His active, personal involvement in David's life. Furthermore, there is an underlying **Parallelism** in the actions "took me" and "drew me out," which are complementary phrases emphasizing the singular act of rescue. This reinforces the completeness and efficacy of God's deliverance. The overall effect is a vivid, dynamic portrayal of God as a mighty and caring rescuer.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound declaration in 2 Samuel 22:17 resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative of God as the ultimate Deliverer, consistently intervening on behalf of His people. It underscores the theological truth that God is not a distant deity but one who actively engages with the cries and struggles of His servants, reaching into their deepest despair to provide salvation. This verse speaks to God's omnipotence and His compassionate nature, demonstrating that no trial is too great, no "waters" too deep, for His saving power. It affirms His covenant faithfulness, reminding us that His character is to rescue and redeem those who call upon Him, echoing the foundational stories of Israel's deliverance from bondage and throughout their history.

* [Psalm 40:1-3](/psalm/40-1 "Psalm 40:1-3 - God Lifts Me from the Miry Pit")
* [Psalm 69:1-2](/psalm/69-1 "Psalm 69:1-2 - Drowning in Deep Waters")
* [Isaiah 43:2](/isaiah/43-2 "Isaiah 43:2 - Through Waters and Rivers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Samuel 22:17 offers timeless encouragement and a profound spiritual anchor for believers facing their own "many waters." It reminds us that no matter how overwhelming or inescapable our circumstances may feel—whether they are personal crises, relational conflicts, financial distress, physical ailments, or spiritual battles—God possesses the transcendent power and immanent compassion to intervene. Just as He "sent from above" and "drew out" David from the brink of destruction, He is equally capable and willing to extend His saving hand to us. This verse invites us to cultivate a radical trust in God's sovereignty, to find unwavering hope in His historical pattern of deliverance, and to boldly cry out to Him in our distress, confident that He hears and acts. It calls us to remember that our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth, who is able to lift us from the deepest pits and set our feet on solid ground.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "many waters" are you currently facing in your life, and how does David's experience of divine rescue speak to your situation?**
* **How does the imagery of God "sending from above" and "taking" you personally impact your understanding of His involvement in your struggles?**
* **In what ways can you actively cultivate a deeper trust in God's power to deliver, even when circumstances seem overwhelming?**
* **How might remembering God's past faithfulness in your life, or in the lives of biblical figures like David, strengthen your hope for future deliverance?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "many waters" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "many waters" (Hebrew: _mayim rabbim_) is a powerful and common biblical metaphor. While it can sometimes refer to literal floods or large bodies of water, in contexts like 2 Samuel 22:17, it primarily symbolizes overwhelming dangers, profound distress, chaos, or powerful enemies that threaten to engulf and destroy. It represents situations that are beyond human control or ability to escape, from which only divine intervention can provide rescue. This imagery conveys the depth and intensity of David's peril and, by extension, the severity of the trials believers may face.

**How does this verse relate to God's character?**

Answer: This verse beautifully illustrates several key aspects of God's character. Firstly, it highlights His **sovereignty and transcendence**: He is "from above," indicating His supreme authority and ability to act in the earthly realm. Secondly, it showcases His **immanence and compassion**: He "sent," "took," and "drew me out," demonstrating His active, personal, and caring involvement in the lives of His people. He is not a distant, uncaring deity but one who hears the cries of the distressed and intervenes powerfully. Lastly, it affirms His **faithfulness and power as a Deliverer**, proving that He is capable of saving from the most dire and seemingly inescapable circumstances.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Samuel 22:17, with its vivid portrayal of divine rescue from overwhelming "waters," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as God "sent from above" to deliver David, so too did God send His Son from heaven, the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), to enter into humanity's deepest "waters" of sin, death, and judgment. Jesus is the ultimate Deliverer who, through His life, death, and resurrection, "took" us and "drew us out" of the spiritual abyss that no human effort could overcome. He descended into the very depths of human suffering and separation from God, conquering the "waves of death" and the "floods of ungodliness" that threatened to engulf all humanity ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")). Through His sacrifice, He draws us out of the condemnation of the law and the power of sin, granting us new life and eternal salvation ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - New Life in Christ")). Thus, David's cry for deliverance and God's powerful response foreshadow the ultimate rescue accomplished by the Lamb of God, who truly takes away the sin of the world and draws His people into His glorious kingdom ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"); [Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 43:2

When thou passest through the waters, I [will be] with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

Psalms 144:7

Send thine hand from above; rid me, and deliver me out of great waters, from the hand of strange children;

Psalms 32:6

For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.

Psalms 18:16

He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters.

Psalms 124:4

Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul:

Psalms 124:5

Then the proud waters had gone over our soul.

Revelation 17:15

And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.