2 Samuel 22:40

For thou hast girded me with strength to battle: them that rose up against me hast thou subdued under me.

For thou hast girded {H247} me with strength {H2428} to battle {H4421}: them that rose up {H6965} against me hast thou subdued {H3766} under me.

"For you braced me with strength for the battle and bent down my adversaries beneath me.

You have armed me with strength for battle; You have subdued my foes beneath me.

For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle; Thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me.

Commentary

2 Samuel 22:40 is a powerful declaration from King David's song of deliverance, a psalm of thanksgiving recorded near the end of his life. In this verse, David attributes his military prowess and victories directly to the Lord's enabling power, acknowledging that God equipped him for battle and granted him triumph over all his adversaries.

Context

This verse is part of a lengthy psalm of praise (2 Samuel 22:1-51) that is nearly identical to Psalm 18. David composed 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" (2 Samuel 22:1). It serves as a profound testimony to God's faithfulness, protection, and strength throughout David's tumultuous life, from his anointing as king to his numerous battles and escapes. This specific verse highlights David's conviction that his success was not due to his own might, but to God's direct intervention.

Key Themes

  • Divine Empowerment: David explicitly states, "thou hast girded me with strength to battle." This highlights God as the ultimate source of his capabilities and success in warfare. It's not David's inherent might, but God's strength that enables him to face and overcome formidable foes. This theme resonates with the biblical truth that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
  • Sovereign Victory: The second part of the verse, "them that rose up against me hast thou subdued under me," emphasizes God's active and decisive role in granting triumph. David's enemies were not merely defeated; they were "subdued" by God's hand, placed completely under David's authority. This underscores God's sovereignty over all circumstances and adversaries, demonstrating His power to overcome opposition.
  • Gratitude and Trust: The entire psalm is an outpouring of David's gratitude. This specific verse showcases his deep trust in God as his protector and enabler. It's a model for acknowledging divine assistance in all of life's struggles and attributing success to God's powerful hand.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "girded" (ื—ึธื’ึทืจ - แธฅฤgar) means to bind on, to put on a belt, or to prepare oneself for action. In ancient contexts, girding up one's loins was a common preparation for strenuous activity like work or battle. Here, it signifies that God actively equipped and prepared David, providing him with the necessary readiness and strength.
  • "Subdued" (ื›ึธึผืจึทืข - kฤraสฟ) means to bow down, to kneel, or to bring low. This verb vividly portrays the complete defeat and humiliation of David's enemies, emphasizing that God brought them to their knees before him, signifying total conquest.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Samuel 22:40 offers profound encouragement and timeless principles:

  • God is Our Source of Strength: In the face of spiritual battles, personal challenges, or difficult circumstances, we are not left to our own devices. God promises to equip us with the necessary strength. Just as David was girded for physical battle, we are empowered for life's struggles, often through the strength of the Lord and His mighty power.
  • Victory Comes from God: We can trust that God will fight for us and bring about victory over those things that rise up against us, whether they are external pressures, internal struggles, or spiritual adversaries. Our role is to trust and obey, knowing that the ultimate triumph belongs to Him.
  • Cultivate Gratitude: Like David, we should cultivate a heart of gratitude, acknowledging God's hand in every deliverance and success. Attributing our victories to Him strengthens our faith and deepens our relationship with Him, fostering a spirit of humble dependence.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 44:5

    Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us.

  • Colossians 1:11

    Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

  • Psalms 18:39

    For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me.

  • Isaiah 60:14

    The sons also of them that afflicted thee shall come bending unto thee; and all they that despised thee shall bow themselves down at the soles of thy feet; and they shall call thee, The city of the LORD, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.

  • Isaiah 45:5

    ยถ I [am] the LORD, and [there is] none else, [there is] no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:

  • Revelation 5:9

    And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

  • 1 Samuel 17:49

    And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang [it], and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth.
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