2 Samuel 22:40

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 22:40 is a profound declaration by King David, extracted from his magnificent song of deliverance, a psalm of thanksgiving offered to the Lord for His unwavering faithfulness throughout David's tumultuous life. In this verse, David attributes his military prowess, strategic readiness, and decisive victories not to his own might or skill, but entirely to God's divine empowerment and active intervention. It stands as a testament to the Lord's sovereign power to equip His servants for battle and to grant them complete triumph over all adversaries.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of a lengthy psalm of praise 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 - David's Song of Thanksgiving"). Placed near the conclusion of David's life narrative in 2 Samuel, this song serves as a climactic summary of his lifelong experience of God's deliverance. It is explicitly stated that David sang 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](/2_samuel/22-1 "2 Samuel 22:1 - David's Song of Deliverance Introduction")). The psalm moves from a declaration of God as David's refuge and deliverer, through a vivid description of God's powerful intervention on his behalf, to a celebration of the victories God granted him, culminating in a vision of God's ultimate triumph and worldwide dominion. Verse 40 specifically highlights the practical outworking of God's protective and empowering presence in David's military campaigns.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's reign was characterized by constant warfare. From his early days as a fugitive fleeing Saul, through his establishment as king, and throughout his long rule, David faced numerous external enemies (Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Edomites, Moabites) and internal rebellions (Absalom, Sheba). In ancient Near Eastern warfare, a king's success was often attributed to the favor of his deity. David, however, consistently attributed his victories to Yahweh, the God of Israel. The act of "girding" was a common preparation for strenuous activity like battle, involving tucking up one's long garments into a belt to allow for freedom of movement and strength. Thus, God "girding" David with strength implies a direct, active equipping and preparation for the physical and spiritual demands of warfare, emphasizing divine enablement over human effort. The "subduing" of enemies speaks to the absolute nature of ancient conquest, where defeated foes were brought into complete submission, often kneeling or prostrating themselves before the victor.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Samuel and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Empowerment**, portraying God as the ultimate source of strength and capability for His chosen servant. David's military prowess is not inherent but divinely bestowed, echoing the principle that "the battle is the LORD's" ([1 Samuel 17:47](/1_samuel/17-47 "1 Samuel 17:47 - The Battle is the Lord's")). Secondly, it highlights **Sovereign Victory**, demonstrating God's active and decisive role in granting triumph over adversaries. David's enemies were not merely defeated but "subdued under me," indicating a complete and humiliating subjugation orchestrated by God. This reinforces God's absolute sovereignty over all circumstances and opposition, a theme evident from the Exodus narrative where God triumphs over Pharaoh ([Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea")) to the prophetic promises of future victory. Lastly, the verse, within the context of the entire psalm, exemplifies **Gratitude and Trust**. It is an outpouring of David's deep thankfulness and unwavering trust in God as his protector, deliverer, and enabler, serving as a model for acknowledging divine assistance in all of life's struggles and attributing success solely to God's powerful hand.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Girded (Hebrew, _ḥāgar_):** This verb literally 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 necessary preparation for strenuous activity, whether work, travel, or battle, by tightening one's outer garments around the waist to allow for freedom of movement and exertion. Here, the active voice "thou hast girded me" signifies that God Himself took the initiative to equip and prepare David, providing him with the necessary readiness, agility, and internal fortitude for the rigors of battle. It speaks of divine enablement, not merely human effort.
* **Strength (Hebrew, _ḥayil_):** This multifaceted word can refer to physical strength, military might, wealth, or even moral virtue. In this context, it primarily denotes military power, valor, and effectiveness in warfare. When God "girds with strength," it implies an infusion of divine power that makes David invincible and capable of overcoming formidable opposition. It's not just physical prowess, but an overall capability and effectiveness in the face of conflict, stemming directly from God.
* **Subdued (Hebrew, _kāraʿ_):** This verb means "to bow down," "to kneel," "to bring low," or "to humble." It vividly portrays the complete and utter defeat of David's enemies. God did not just cause them to retreat; He brought them to their knees, signifying total conquest, humiliation, and submission. This emphasizes the decisive and absolute nature of the victory granted by God, where the adversaries are rendered powerless and placed entirely under David's dominion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For thou hast girded me with strength to battle":** This opening clause establishes the divine source of David's military capability. The preposition "For" (כִּי, _kî_) indicates that this is a reason or explanation for David's preceding declarations of God's deliverance. David explicitly states that his ability to engage in warfare and achieve success is not inherent but is a direct endowment from God. The imagery of being "girded" suggests God actively preparing David, equipping him with the necessary power, readiness, and resilience to face the challenges of combat. This strength is specifically "to battle," indicating a divine provision tailored for the specific purpose of overcoming adversaries.
* **"them that rose up against me hast thou subdued under me":** This second clause describes the outcome of God's empowerment: decisive victory over all enemies. The phrase "them that rose up against me" refers to all of David's adversaries, internal and external, who challenged his reign or threatened his life. The verb "subdued" powerfully conveys the complete and humiliating defeat of these foes. God did not merely defeat them; He brought them into absolute submission, placing them "under me," signifying David's divinely ordained authority and triumph. This underscores God's active role as the Divine Warrior who fights on behalf of His servant, ensuring total conquest and establishing David's dominion.

#### Literary Devices
2 Samuel 22:40 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its message of divine empowerment and victory. The phrase "thou hast girded me with strength to battle" is a powerful **metaphor**, likening God's act of empowering David to the physical act of a warrior preparing for combat by tightening their belt. This vivid image conveys readiness, agility, and the infusion of robust capability. The enemies are described as "them that rose up against me," which can be seen as a form of **personification**, giving agency to the abstract concept of opposition and rebellion. The subsequent declaration, "hast thou subdued under me," utilizes **hyperbole** to emphasize the totality and decisiveness of the victory. While enemies might be defeated, to be "subdued under me" suggests an absolute, overwhelming, and humiliating conquest, where all opposition is utterly crushed and brought into complete submission. This strong imagery serves to magnify God's power and David's divinely granted authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the biblical truth that God is the ultimate source of strength and victory for His people. David's experience is not unique but exemplifies a recurring theme throughout Scripture: human capability and success are ultimately dependent on divine enablement. It speaks to God's active involvement in the lives of His servants, not merely as a distant observer but as a personal and powerful deliverer. This theological principle extends beyond physical battles to all forms of struggle—spiritual, emotional, or circumstantial—affirming that God equips and empowers believers to overcome. The complete subjugation of enemies highlights God's sovereignty and His commitment to establishing justice and order through His chosen instruments.

* [Psalm 18:39](/psalm/18-39 "Psalm 18:39 - God's Strength and Victory")
* [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ")
* [Ephesians 6:10](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10 - Be Strong in the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, 2 Samuel 22:40 offers profound encouragement and a timeless framework for understanding our own struggles and victories. We are often called to engage in various "battles"—spiritual warfare against unseen forces, personal struggles with sin or doubt, professional challenges, or relational conflicts. This verse reminds us that we are not called to fight these battles in our own strength. Just as God "girded" David, He promises to equip us with the necessary spiritual, emotional, and intellectual strength to face our adversaries. Our victories, whether large or small, are ultimately His doing, a testament to His power working through our yieldedness. Cultivating a heart of gratitude, like David, for every deliverance and every instance of divine enablement strengthens our faith and deepens our dependence on God. It shifts our focus from self-reliance to humble trust, knowing that the God who subdued David's enemies is the same God who empowers us to overcome.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel most "ungirded" or lacking in strength? How can you intentionally invite God to "gird" you with His strength for those specific challenges?**
* **How does attributing your victories and successes to God, rather than solely to your own efforts, change your perspective and foster deeper gratitude?**
* **What "enemies" or obstacles are currently rising up against you? How does David's confidence in God's power to "subdue" them encourage you to trust God with your own battles?**

### FAQ
**Why is this song of deliverance repeated in both 2 Samuel 22 and Psalm 18?**

Answer: The repetition of David's song in both [2 Samuel 22](/2_samuel/22 "2 Samuel 22 - David's Song of Deliverance") and [Psalm 18](/psalm/18 "Psalm 18 - David's Song of Thanksgiving") highlights its profound significance and theological importance. In 2 Samuel, it serves as a climactic summary of God's faithfulness to David throughout his life, placed strategically at the end of his active reign as a testament to his legacy of reliance on God. In the book of Psalms, it functions as a model of individual and corporate thanksgiving, demonstrating how a righteous king, and by extension any believer, should praise God for deliverance. The slight variations between the two versions are common in ancient texts and may reflect different editorial purposes or oral transmission, but the core message of divine deliverance and empowerment remains consistent and powerful in both canonical placements.

**What does "girded me with strength" mean for a modern believer?**

Answer: For a modern believer, "girded me with strength" signifies that God supernaturally equips and empowers us for the challenges we face, whether they are spiritual battles, personal trials, or difficult callings. Just as an ancient warrior prepared for physical combat, God prepares us for life's struggles. This "girding" can manifest as an infusion of spiritual fortitude, wisdom, resilience, or even physical endurance. It means that we are not left to our own limited resources but can draw upon God's infinite power. This concept aligns with New Testament teachings like [Ephesians 6:10](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10 - Be Strong in the Lord"), which exhorts believers to "be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might," reminding us that our true power comes from Him.

**How does David's experience of God subduing his enemies relate to our spiritual battles today?**

Answer: David's experience of God subduing his physical enemies serves as a powerful analogy for our spiritual battles today. While we may not face literal armies, believers contend with spiritual adversaries, the temptations of the flesh, and the pressures of a fallen world. [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Our Struggle Against Spiritual Forces") reminds us that "we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." Just as God actively fought for David, He promises to fight for us. Our victory over sin, temptation, and the schemes of the enemy is not achieved by our own might but by God's power working through us, ultimately through the triumph of Christ on the cross. We are called to stand firm, trusting that God will "subdue" our spiritual foes under our feet, as promised in [Romans 16:20](/romans/16-20 "Romans 16:20 - God Will Crush Satan").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Samuel 22:40 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David, as king, warrior, and deliverer, serves as a significant type of the coming Messiah. While David was "girded with strength to battle" and subdued his earthly enemies, Jesus is the ultimate Divine Warrior, the one truly "girded with power" ([Psalm 93:1](/psalm/93-1 "Psalm 93:1 - The Lord Reigns")) who came to fight the decisive battle against sin, death, and the devil. His victory was not achieved through physical warfare but through His perfect obedience, sacrificial death on the cross, and glorious resurrection. It was through His apparent weakness that He utterly "subdued" the powers of darkness, making a public spectacle of them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). He is the true King who has all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), and it is He who will ultimately put all enemies under His feet ([1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - Christ Must Reign")). Furthermore, Christ empowers His followers, "girding" them with the Holy Spirit's strength ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power of the Holy Spirit")) to live victoriously over sin and to participate in His ongoing mission, knowing that in Him, we are more than conquerors ([Romans 8:37](/romans/8-37 "Romans 8:37 - More Than Conquerors")).

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

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

¶ 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.