2 Samuel 22:32

KJV

For who [is] God, save the LORD? and who [is] a rock, save our God?

KJV (with Strong's)

For who is God {H410}, save {H1107} the LORD {H3068}? and who is a rock {H6697}, save {H1107} our God {H430}?

Complete Jewish Bible

For who is God but ADONAI, and who is a Rock but our God?

Berean Standard Bible

For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God?

American Standard Version

For who is God, save Jehovah? And who is a rock, save our God?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 22:32, embedded within David's magnificent song of deliverance, stands as a profound and unequivocal declaration of Yahweh's absolute uniqueness and incomparable nature. Through a series of rhetorical questions, David emphatically asserts that no other entity can legitimately claim the title "God" or provide the steadfast security and unwavering refuge symbolized by a "rock," save for the LORD alone. This verse not only encapsulates David's deeply personal experience of divine faithfulness and miraculous intervention but also serves as a foundational statement of biblical monotheism, anchoring the believer's trust in God's exclusive sovereignty, infinite power, and unshakeable strength.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal declaration within David's grand "Song of Deliverance," found in its entirety in [2 Samuel 22](/2_samuel/22 "2 Samuel 22 - David's Song of Deliverance") and nearly identically in [Psalm 18](/psalms/18 "Psalm 18 - David's Psalm of Deliverance"). Composed towards the culmination of David's reign, this hymn serves as a retrospective testament to God's consistent and powerful intervention throughout his tumultuous life—from a hunted fugitive fleeing Saul to the triumphant king of Israel. The song commences with David's heartfelt declaration of love for God, whom he identifies as his "rock, and his fortress, and his deliverer" in [2 Samuel 22:2](/2_samuel/22-2 "2 Samuel 22:2 - God My Rock and Fortress"). This powerful affirmation of God's singular identity and power in verse 32 provides a theological climax, summarizing the divine character revealed through the myriad acts of salvation detailed within the preceding verses, which recount God's active involvement in David's battles and His righteous judgment against his adversaries.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's bold declaration of God's uniqueness must be understood against the pervasive polytheistic landscape of the ancient Near East. This was a world saturated with numerous gods and goddesses, each associated with specific natural phenomena, cities, or human endeavors. Kings in this era routinely attributed their military victories and national prosperity to the strength and favor of their national deities. David's assertion, "For who [is] God, save the LORD?," directly challenges this prevailing worldview, proclaiming the absolute supremacy and exclusivity of Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, over all other purported deities. Furthermore, the metaphor of God as a "rock" would have resonated deeply in a land characterized by rugged, mountainous terrain. Natural rock formations provided literal fortresses, shelters, and places of refuge from enemies and the harsh elements. This imagery would have conveyed an immediate and profound understanding of stability, protection, and unshakeable strength to David's audience, contrasting sharply with the shifting allegiances and unreliable powers of the surrounding nations and their pantheons.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Samuel 22:32](/2_samuel/22-32 "2 Samuel 22:32 - God Our Rock") powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Samuel and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it emphatically underscores the theme of **monotheism**, asserting the exclusive divinity of Yahweh in a world teeming with competing gods. This is a foundational truth for Israel, distinguishing their faith from all others, as profoundly articulated in the Shema in [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema"). Secondly, the verse highlights God's **sovereignty and incomparable power**, emphasizing that no other being possesses His might, authority, or capacity for deliverance. David's entire life journey, from his anointing as a humble shepherd boy to his establishment as king, consistently demonstrates God's sovereign hand, protecting him from formidable foes like Goliath in [1 Samuel 17](/1_samuel/17 "1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath") and the relentless pursuit of Saul in [1 Samuel 23](/1_samuel/23 "1 Samuel 23 - David Flees Saul"). Thirdly, the profound metaphor of God as a **"rock"** emphasizes His **steadfastness, reliability, and role as an ultimate refuge**. This theme of divine protection and unwavering faithfulness is a recurring motif throughout the Psalms, where God is frequently praised as an impregnable fortress and a mighty deliverer, as seen in [Psalm 91:2](/psalms/91-2 "Psalm 91:2 - God My Refuge and Fortress"). Finally, the verse speaks powerfully to the theme of **covenant faithfulness**, as Yahweh, the covenant God, proves Himself true to His promises to David, establishing his kingdom and delivering him from all his adversaries.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼêl'_):** This term (H410), while a general Semitic word for deity, is used here in a rhetorical question ("who is God, save the LORD?") to specifically refer to the one true God. When paired with the proper name YHWH, it serves to distinguish Yahweh from all other so-called gods, asserting His unique and absolute claim to divinity and power. It emphasizes His incomparable nature as the ultimate, mighty divine being.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** Represented by the capitalized "LORD" in the KJV (H3068), this is the sacred, personal, covenant name of God, signifying His self-existence, eternal nature, and active presence in the lives of His people. Its inclusion here underscores that the unique "God" and "Rock" is not merely any deity, but the specific, personal God who has entered into a covenant relationship with Israel and consistently demonstrated His faithfulness to David.
* **rock (Hebrew, _tsûwr'_):** This powerful metaphor (H6697) is frequently used in Scripture to describe God. A _tsûwr_ refers to a cliff or a large, solid rock, often a natural fortress. It conveys multiple layers of meaning: **stability and immutability** (God is unmoving and unchanging), **refuge and protection** (He is a secure shelter from danger and enemies), and **strength and steadfastness** (His power is immense and His faithfulness unwavering). In David's song, it highlights God as his ultimate source of security and defense against all perils.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For who [is] God, save the LORD?":** This is a potent rhetorical question, designed not to elicit an answer but to affirm an undeniable and singular truth. It emphatically declares Yahweh's absolute supremacy and exclusive claim to divinity. The phrase "save the LORD" (from H1107, _bilʻădêy_, meaning "except" or "besides") underscores that there is no other legitimate deity, no other being truly worthy of worship, and no other source of ultimate power or authority. It is a bold, uncompromising monotheistic statement, directly challenging the polytheistic beliefs prevalent in the ancient world.
* **"and who [is] a rock, save our God?":** This second rhetorical question parallels the first, reinforcing the same profound truth through a powerful and evocative metaphor. "Our God" (from H430, _ʼĕlôhîym_, the plural of majesty often used for the supreme God) refers to the God of the covenant, the one with whom Israel has a personal, relational bond. By asking "who is a rock, save our God?", David highlights Yahweh's unique role as the unshakeable foundation, the impenetrable fortress, and the utterly reliable source of strength and refuge. It speaks to God's steadfast character and His proven faithfulness in providing security and deliverance in every time of distress and danger.

#### Literary Devices
[2 Samuel 22:32](/2_samuel/22-32 "2 Samuel 22:32 - God Our Rock") masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message with compelling force. Primarily, it utilizes **Rhetorical Question**, posing two interrogatives ("For who [is] God, save the LORD?" and "who [is] a rock, save our God?") that are not meant to be answered but rather to strongly affirm the singular truth of Yahweh's unparalleled nature. This technique powerfully engages the listener, compelling them to acknowledge the self-evident reality of God's unique and exclusive supremacy. Secondly, the verse employs a potent **Metaphor**, describing God as a "rock." This imagery is exceptionally rich with connotations of stability, strength, refuge, and immutability, effectively communicating God's role as David's unshakeable foundation, impenetrable fortress, and ultimate protector. Finally, the verse exhibits clear **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second line reiterates and reinforces the meaning of the first line using different but closely related imagery ("God" paralleled with "rock," and "LORD" with "our God"). This structural repetition strengthens the emphasis on God's exclusive and incomparable nature, driving home the central message of divine supremacy and steadfastness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 22:32 is a cornerstone declaration of biblical monotheism, echoing throughout Scripture to affirm God's absolute uniqueness and His unparalleled capacity as a deliverer and sustainer. It aligns perfectly with the foundational truth that Yahweh alone is God, distinct from and infinitely superior to all other deities and human constructs. This verse serves as a theological anchor, reminding believers that ultimate reality, power, and refuge reside solely in the Creator of the heavens and the earth. David's personal testimony here transcends his individual experience to become a universal truth: in a world of shifting sands, fleeting powers, and unreliable promises, God's character as the "Rock" provides an unshakeable foundation for faith and life, ensuring His people's security and ultimate deliverance.

* [Isaiah 45:5](/isaiah/45-5 "Isaiah 45:5 - God Declares His Uniqueness")
* [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - The Rock, His Work is Perfect")
* [Psalm 62:6](/psalms/62-6 "Psalm 62:6 - God My Rock and Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that constantly offers alternative "gods"—be they the pursuit of wealth, the craving for power, the allure of status, the idolization of self-sufficiency, or the fleeting comforts of material possessions—2 Samuel 22:32 calls us back to the singular, liberating truth of God's absolute supremacy. David's lived experience, recounted in this powerful song, reminds us that true security, lasting peace, and ultimate deliverance are found exclusively in the LORD, the unshakeable "Rock." This verse challenges us to profoundly examine where we place our ultimate trust and from what source we derive our sense of stability and identity. When life's inevitable storms rage, when our perceived foundations seem to crumble, or when adversaries threaten our peace, our only true and dependable refuge is in the God who is incomparable in strength, unwavering in faithfulness, and infinite in love. Embracing this profound truth fosters a deep sense of peace, resilient hope, and unwavering confidence, knowing that our God is not only sovereign over all circumstances but also intimately involved in our personal deliverance and well-being. It compels us to offer Him exclusive worship, to live lives that reflect His unique glory, and to find our deepest identity and ultimate purpose solely in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you most tempted to trust in something or someone other than the LORD as your ultimate "God" or "rock"?**
* **How has God proven Himself to be your "rock" or "deliverer" in past experiences of difficulty, danger, or profound uncertainty?**
* **What practical, tangible steps can you take this week to deepen your reliance on God as your sole source of strength, security, and guidance?**
* **How does acknowledging God's unique supremacy and incomparable nature impact your daily worship, your prayer life, and your interactions with others?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of David calling God "a rock" in this verse?**

Answer: The metaphor of God as a "rock" (Hebrew, _tsûwr_) is profoundly significant, especially in the rugged terrain of the ancient Near East. A rock symbolizes stability, immutability, and an unshakeable foundation. For David, who spent much of his early life as a fugitive hiding in literal rock fortresses and caves (e.g., [1 Samuel 22:1](/1_samuel/22-1 "1 Samuel 22:1 - David at Adullam Cave")), the image of God as his "rock" conveyed His steadfastness, reliability, and role as an impenetrable refuge and source of strength against all his enemies. It speaks to God's unchanging character and His unwavering faithfulness in providing security and deliverance in every circumstance.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of monotheism in the Bible?**

Answer: 2 Samuel 22:32 is a powerful and unequivocal declaration of monotheism, the belief in one God. The rhetorical question "For who [is] God, save the LORD?" emphatically asserts that Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel, is the only true God. This stands in stark contrast to the polytheistic beliefs prevalent in the surrounding cultures of the ancient Near East, where multiple deities were worshipped. David's statement aligns perfectly with foundational biblical truths, such as the Shema in [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Lord is One"), which declares, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD." It underscores God's absolute uniqueness, His supreme authority, and His exclusive claim to worship and devotion, distinguishing Israel's faith from all others.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The profound declarations of 2 Samuel 22:32 find their ultimate and most complete fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. If God the Father is the incomparable "God" and "Rock," then Jesus, as the Son, is the visible, tangible manifestation of that divine uniqueness and steadfastness. He is the very "rock" upon which the church is built, as declared in [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church"), the cornerstone rejected by human builders but chosen and precious in God's sight, fulfilling the prophecy of [Psalm 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Stone the Builders Rejected"), which Jesus Himself referenced in [Matthew 21:42](/matthew/21-42 "Matthew 21:42 - The Parable of the Wicked Tenants"). Just as David found his ultimate refuge and deliverance in the LORD, believers today find their complete security and eternal salvation in Christ, who is our unshakeable foundation, for "no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ" ([1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ Our Foundation")). He is the divine "Rock" from whom living water flows, providing spiritual sustenance and eternal life, just as the spiritual rock followed Israel in the wilderness ([1 Corinthians 10:4](/1_corinthians/10-4 "1 Corinthians 10:4 - Christ the Spiritual Rock")). In Christ, we encounter the very essence of the God who is incomparable, the one who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) and offers eternal life to all who build their lives upon Him, the true and living "Rock" ([Matthew 7:24-25](/matthew/7-24-25 "Matthew 7:24-25 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")). He is the ultimate, divine answer to David's rhetorical question, revealing the "God" and "Rock" in human flesh.

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

1 Samuel 2:2

[There is] none holy as the LORD: for [there is] none beside thee: neither [is there] any rock like our God.

Deuteronomy 32:31

For their rock [is] not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves [being] judges.

Isaiah 44:8

Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared [it]? ye [are] even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, [there is] no God; I know not [any].

Jeremiah 10:16

The portion of Jacob [is] not like them: for he [is] the former of all [things]; and Israel [is] the rod of his inheritance: The LORD of hosts [is] his name.

Deuteronomy 32:39

¶ See now that I, [even] I, [am] he, and [there is] no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither [is there any] that can deliver out of my hand.

Jeremiah 10:6

Forasmuch as [there is] none like unto thee, O LORD; thou [art] great, and thy name [is] great in might.

Jeremiah 10:7

Who would not fear thee, O King of nations? for to thee doth it appertain: forasmuch as among all the wise [men] of the nations, and in all their kingdoms, [there is] none like unto thee.