2 Samuel 22:45

KJV

Strangers shall submit themselves unto me: as soon as they hear, they shall be obedient unto me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Strangers {H1121}{H5236} shall submit {H3584} themselves unto me: as soon as they hear {H8085}{H241}, they shall be obedient {H8085} unto me.

Complete Jewish Bible

Foreigners come cringing to me; the moment they hear of me, they obey me.

Berean Standard Bible

Foreigners cower before me; when they hear me, they obey me.

American Standard Version

The foreigners shall submit themselves unto me: As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 22:45, part of David's magnificent psalm of deliverance, articulates the universal submission of foreign nations to his God-anointed authority. It expresses David's profound conviction that his dominion and the obedience of "strangers" were not products of his own might, but direct manifestations of God's sovereign power and faithfulness to His covenant promises. This verse encapsulates the immediate and decisive nature of this submission, emphasizing that mere recognition of God's power, as demonstrated through David, compels obedience from even the most distant peoples.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a lengthy psalm of thanksgiving and praise, recorded almost identically in [Psalm 18](/psalm/18 "Psalm 18 - David's Song of Deliverance"). The psalm, attributed to David, recounts God's powerful deliverance of the king from all his enemies, particularly from the hand of Saul, and from all who hated him. It transitions from vivid descriptions of God's majestic intervention in judgment and salvation (e.g., [2 Samuel 22:7-19](/2_samuel/22-7 "2 Samuel 22:7-19 - God's Mighty Deliverance")) to David's affirmation of his own blamelessness and God's righteous dealings with him ([2 Samuel 22:20-30](/2_samuel/22-20 "2 Samuel 22:20-30 - David's Righteousness and God's Reward")). Verses 31-46 then focus on God as the source of David's strength and victory, enabling him to conquer his foes and establish his reign over nations beyond Israel. Verse 45 specifically falls within this section, highlighting the extent of God's empowerment over foreign peoples. The psalm concludes with a declaration of God's eternal covenant love for David and his descendants ([2 Samuel 22:50-51](/2_samuel/22-50 "2 Samuel 22:50-51 - God's Enduring Covenant")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's reign (c. 1010-970 BC) marked a period of significant expansion and consolidation for the Israelite kingdom. Following years of conflict with the Philistines and internal strife, David successfully united the tribes of Israel and established Jerusalem as the capital. His military campaigns extended Israel's influence and control over surrounding territories, including Edom, Moab, Ammon, and Aram-Damascus, making these nations tributaries (e.g., [2 Samuel 8](/2_samuel/8 "2 Samuel 8 - David's Victories and Administration")). The concept of "strangers" submitting to a king was common in the ancient Near East, often achieved through conquest, tribute, or political alliances. However, for David, this submission was uniquely attributed to the power of Yahweh, Israel's God, who fought on behalf of His anointed king. The immediate obedience "as soon as they hear" reflects the swift and decisive nature of military victory and the recognition of a dominant power in the region.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [2 Samuel](/2_samuel "The Book of 2 Samuel - David's Reign"):
* **Divine Sovereignty and Empowerment:** The primary theme is that God, not David's own strength, is the ultimate source of his authority and victories. God "girds me with strength" ([2 Samuel 22:33](/2_samuel/22-33 "2 Samuel 22:33 - God as David's Strength")) and "makes my way perfect." The submission of "strangers" is a direct result of God's active hand in establishing David's kingdom.
* **The Davidic Covenant:** The universal dominion described here is a partial fulfillment of God's covenant promises to David in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"), where God promises to establish David's house and kingdom forever. The submission of nations underscores the extent of the kingdom God is building through David.
* **Universal Recognition of God's Anointed:** The phrase "as soon as they hear, they shall be obedient" suggests that the fame of God's power, manifested through David, travels far and wide, compelling even those outside the covenant community to acknowledge and submit to His chosen king. This foreshadows a broader, universal recognition of God's authority.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strangers (Hebrew, _nēḵār'_):** This term refers to foreigners, aliens, or non-Israelites. In the context of David's psalm, it specifically denotes the gentile nations surrounding Israel who were hostile or independent but now come under David's dominion. It emphasizes that God's power extends beyond the chosen people, compelling even those outside the covenant community to acknowledge His authority as expressed through His anointed king.
* **Submit themselves (Hebrew, _yitmakkerū'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to wither, fade, or become weak," this verb in the Hithpael stem (reflexive) implies a forced, feigned, or reluctant submission, often out of fear or necessity rather than genuine loyalty. It suggests a cringing or fawning posture, indicating that the "strangers" are compelled to yield due to David's overwhelming, God-given strength, even if their hearts are not fully aligned. This contrasts with the willing submission expected from God's people.
* **Obedient (Hebrew, _yiššām‘ū'_):** From the root _šāma‘_, meaning "to hear, listen, understand, obey." This word encompasses both the act of hearing and the subsequent act of obeying. The immediate nature ("as soon as they hear") highlights the swift and decisive response required. It signifies practical compliance with David's rule, whether through tribute, military service, or simply ceasing hostilities. This obedience, though perhaps initially compelled, is a tangible demonstration of David's divinely established authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Strangers shall submit themselves unto me:"** This clause declares the extent of David's God-given dominion. The "strangers" (foreign nations) are depicted as being forced into a posture of submission, bowing or yielding to David's authority. This is not a voluntary act of allegiance but a compelled acknowledgment of his superior power, which is ultimately Yahweh's power working through him.
* **"as soon as they hear, they shall be obedient unto me."** This second clause emphasizes the immediacy and completeness of the foreign nations' response. The mere report or recognition of David's power, and by extension God's power, is enough to elicit a swift and practical obedience. There is no delay or resistance; the act of hearing about David's might directly translates into active compliance with his rule, whether through tribute, cessation of hostilities, or other forms of subservience.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Hyperbole** is evident in the sweeping declaration of universal submission, suggesting a dominion that is absolute and far-reaching, even if not literally encompassing every single foreign individual. The phrase "as soon as they hear" functions as a form of **Parallelism** with "they shall be obedient," creating a cause-and-effect relationship that underscores the immediate and decisive impact of David's (God's) reputation. The entire psalm, including this verse, functions as a **Song of Thanksgiving**, a poetic form expressing gratitude for divine deliverance. Furthermore, the depiction of David's victories and the submission of nations serves as **Typology**, foreshadowing a greater, ultimate king whose dominion will be truly universal and whose authority will be universally acknowledged.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Samuel 22:45 is a profound statement on God's sovereignty and His active role in establishing and empowering His chosen king. It reveals that the reach of God's authority extends far beyond the borders of Israel, compelling even gentile nations to acknowledge and submit to His anointed. This universal submission, though initially compelled by strength, points to a deeper theological truth: that all creation will ultimately bow before the one true God and His chosen representative. It underscores the concept of a divine kingdom that transcends ethnic and national boundaries, hinting at a future where God's reign is globally recognized and obeyed. This verse, therefore, serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises to David, which included the establishment of an enduring kingdom with widespread influence.

* [Psalm 2:8](/psalm/2-8 "Psalm 2:8 - Ask of Me, and I will Give You the Nations")
* [Psalm 72:11](/psalm/72-11 "Psalm 72:11 - All Kings Shall Bow Down Before Him")
* [Isaiah 45:23](/isaiah/45-23 "Isaiah 45:23 - Every Knee Shall Bow")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse, while rooted in David's historical experience, offers profound encouragement and challenge for believers today. It reminds us that God is sovereign over all earthly powers and that His purposes will ultimately prevail. Even in times when it seems that the world is resistant to God's truth, we are assured that His authority is absolute, and His Word, when heard, carries the power to command obedience. For us, this means trusting in God's overarching plan for redemption and the eventual establishment of His perfect kingdom, where true and willing submission to Christ will be universal and eternal. It calls us to live as ambassadors of this coming kingdom, confident in the power of the Gospel to transform hearts and lives, knowing that ultimately, all will hear and all will bow. Our mission is to proclaim the good news, knowing that the "hearing" of the Gospel is the precursor to the "obedience" of faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does David's understanding of God's role in his victories challenge our reliance on human strength or strategies?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, demonstrate the "obedience through hearing" in our daily lives, both personally and corporately?**
* **How does the concept of "strangers" submitting to God's anointed king inform our understanding of global missions and the universal call to repentance and faith?**

### FAQ
**Does "submit themselves" imply genuine conversion or just forced compliance?**

Answer: The Hebrew term _yitmakkerū_ suggests a compelled or feigned submission, implying that the initial obedience of these "strangers" might stem from necessity, fear, or awe of David's God-given strength, rather than genuine devotion or conversion to Yahweh. It highlights a practical, outward compliance with David's rule. While the verse doesn't explicitly speak of their internal spiritual state, it emphasizes the undeniable external acknowledgment of David's (and thus God's) supreme authority. This contrasts with the willing, heart-felt obedience expected from God's covenant people. However, this compelled submission can, in some cases, open the door to a deeper understanding and eventual genuine faith, as seen in various instances of gentiles being drawn to Israel's God (e.g., [Ruth 1:16](/ruth/1-16 "Ruth 1:16 - Ruth's Vow of Loyalty")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Samuel 22:45 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the greater Son of David. While David's reign saw the compelled submission of surrounding nations, a foreshadowing of a universal dominion, Christ's reign will be truly global and eternal, encompassing all peoples, tribes, and tongues. The "strangers" who "submit themselves" to David prefigure the nations of the world who will ultimately bow before the Lord Jesus. The "hearing" that leads to "obedience" in David's time points to the universal proclamation of the Gospel, where all who hear the good news of Christ are called to respond in faith and obedience. As [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow") declares, "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." This submission, though initially compelled by His divine authority, will ultimately transition into the willing and joyful adoration of His redeemed people from every nation, fulfilling the prophetic vision of a kingdom where Christ reigns supreme over all ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

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 81:15

The haters of the LORD should have submitted themselves unto him: but their time should have endured for ever.

Psalms 66:3

Say unto God, How terrible [art thou in] thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.

Acts 8:13

Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

Acts 8:21

Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

Acts 8:23

For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and [in] the bond of iniquity.

Psalms 18:44

As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me.

Psalms 18:45

The strangers shall fade away, and be afraid out of their close places.