2 Samuel 22:47

KJV

The LORD liveth; and blessed [be] my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} liveth {H2416}; and blessed {H1288} be my rock {H6697}; and exalted {H7311} be the God {H430} of the rock {H6697} of my salvation {H3468}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"ADONAI is alive! Blessed is my Rock! Exalted be God, the Rock of my salvation,

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD lives, and blessed be my Rock! And may God, the Rock of my salvation, be exalted—

American Standard Version

Jehovah liveth; And blessed be my rock; And exalted be God, the rock of my salvation,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 22:47 is a profound declaration of praise and trust from King David, expressing his unwavering confidence in God as the living, eternal, and steadfast source of his deliverance. This verse, situated within a grand song of thanksgiving, celebrates God's active presence and unshakeable reliability, portraying Him as an impregnable "rock" who provides ultimate salvation and security against all adversaries. It is a climactic affirmation of God's supreme power and faithfulness, born from a lifetime of divine intervention and miraculous preservation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is drawn from a grand psalm of thanksgiving and deliverance recorded in its entirety in [2 Samuel 22](/2_samuel/22 "2 Samuel 22 - David's Song of Deliverance"). This chapter is almost identical to [Psalm 18](/psalms/18 "Psalm 18 - David's Song of Deliverance"), indicating its significance and widespread use in ancient Israelite worship. David composed this song "on the day when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul" ([2 Samuel 22:1](/2_samuel/22-1 "2 Samuel 22:1 - David's Deliverance")). It serves as a retrospective summary of David's tumultuous life, filled with persecution, battles, and miraculous escapes, culminating in his establishment as king. Verse 47 functions as a climactic exclamation of praise, following a detailed recounting of God's powerful intervention on David's behalf, emphasizing the deeply personal and profound nature of his relationship with his divine Deliverer.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's life was marked by constant warfare and political intrigue, from his anointing as king to his final victories. The imagery of a "rock" (צוּר, *tsûwr*) is deeply rooted in the geographical and cultural landscape of ancient Israel. In a rugged, mountainous terrain, a rock face, a cave, or a fortified stronghold built upon a rock offered literal refuge, protection, and an unassailable defense against enemies. For David, who often fled into the wilderness and sought shelter in natural fortresses, this metaphor was intensely personal and practical. Furthermore, the declaration "The LORD liveth" stands in stark contrast to the dead, impotent idols of surrounding pagan nations, affirming the unique, active, and life-giving reality of Israel's God, YHWH, who intervenes in history and personally delivers His people.
* **Key Themes:** The primary themes interwoven throughout [2 Samuel 22](/2_samuel/22 "2 Samuel 22 - David's Song of Deliverance") and culminating in verse 47 include God's **sovereignty and omnipotence**, demonstrated through His decisive actions in David's life. The repeated emphasis on God as a "rock" highlights His **unwavering steadfastness and reliability** as a refuge and stronghold, a theme echoed in other psalms like [Psalm 62:2](/psalms/62-2 "Psalm 62:2 - God My Rock and Salvation"). The declaration "The LORD liveth" underscores God's **active presence and enduring nature**, affirming that He is not a distant deity but one who is intimately involved in the affairs of His people, a truth foundational to the covenant relationship (e.g., [Deuteronomy 5:26](/deuteronomy/5-26 "Deuteronomy 5:26 - The Living God")). Finally, the concept of "salvation" (יֶשַׁע, *yeshaʻ*) permeates the chapter, referring to physical deliverance from enemies and dangers, but also pointing to a broader understanding of God's redemptive power that ultimately finds its fullest expression in spiritual salvation, as hinted at in passages like [Isaiah 45:22](/isaiah/45-22 "Isaiah 45:22 - Look to Me and Be Saved").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the Tetragrammaton (H3068), the personal, covenant name of God, often rendered "Yahweh." It signifies God's self-existence and eternal nature, as implied by "I AM WHO I AM" ([Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God's Name Revealed")), and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. By declaring "The LORD liveth," David affirms that the God of Israel, the God of the covenant, is uniquely active, present, and powerful, unlike the lifeless deities of other nations.
* **liveth (Hebrew, _chay'_):** Derived from the verb "to live" (H2416), this word emphasizes God's active, dynamic, and enduring vitality. It is a declaration against any notion of God being dormant, absent, or dead. It speaks to His perpetual existence and His ongoing, life-giving involvement in the world and in the lives of His people. For David, it was a testimony to God's continuous intervention and preservation.
* **rock (Hebrew, _tsûwr'_):** This powerful metaphor (H6697) is used frequently in the Old Testament to describe God. It conveys ideas of strength, immovability, steadfastness, and reliability, akin to a cliff or a secure boulder. Just as a physical rock provides an unshakeable foundation, a secure refuge, and an impregnable fortress, so God is the ultimate source of stability, protection, and security for His people. It implies His unchangeable character and His unwavering faithfulness in times of trouble.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD liveth;":** This is a triumphant and emphatic declaration of God's eternal and active existence. It is not merely a statement of fact but an exclamation of praise, acknowledging YHWH as the true, living God who is dynamically involved in the affairs of humanity, specifically in David's deliverance. It sets the tone for the subsequent expressions of worship.
* **"and blessed [be] my rock;":** Following the declaration of God's living reality, David immediately moves to an act of blessing and adoration. God is called "my rock," signifying His personal experience of God as his steadfast, unyielding, and reliable refuge and strength. To "bless" God means to acknowledge His inherent goodness, power, and worthiness of praise, attributing all good things to Him. This phrase underscores God's role as David's unwavering foundation and protector.
* **"and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation.":** This clause elevates the praise to its highest point. David not only blesses God as his "rock" but also exalts Him as the ultimate "God of the rock of my salvation." This emphasizes that God is not just a strong refuge, but the very source and author of David's deliverance (salvation). The repetition of "rock" here intensifies the metaphor, portraying God as the unshakeable foundation upon which David's entire experience of salvation rests. It is a comprehensive acknowledgment that all his deliverances, physical and spiritual, originated from God alone.

#### Literary Devices
2 Samuel 22:47 is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological impact. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where God is repeatedly referred to as "my rock" and "the God of the rock of my salvation." This vivid image draws upon the physical reality of a rock as a symbol of strength, stability, and refuge in a rugged landscape, effectively conveying God's unchangeable character and His role as an impregnable stronghold for David. The verse also employs **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous and climactic parallelism. "The LORD liveth" is paralleled by "blessed be my rock" and "exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation," with each subsequent phrase intensifying the preceding one, building to a crescendo of praise and adoration. The structure also exhibits **Exclamation** and **Apostrophe**, as David directly addresses and praises God, conveying deep personal emotion and conviction. The use of strong verbs like "liveth," "blessed," and "exalted" imbues the verse with a sense of vibrant worship and profound gratitude.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates core theological truths about God's character and His relationship with humanity. It affirms God's eternal existence and active presence ("The LORD liveth"), challenging any notion of a distant or inactive deity. He is portrayed as utterly reliable and unchanging ("my rock"), providing a secure foundation in a world of flux and danger. This steadfastness is directly linked to His role as the source of salvation, both physical and spiritual. David's experience of deliverance from enemies points to God's broader redemptive plan, reminding believers that ultimate security and salvation come from Him alone. The verse also serves as a call to worship, demonstrating that a proper understanding of God's nature inevitably leads to praise and exaltation.

* [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - The Rock, His Work Is Perfect")
* [Psalm 62:6-7](/psalms/62-6-7 "Psalm 62:6-7 - God My Rock and Salvation")
* [Isaiah 26:4](/isaiah/26-4 "Isaiah 26:4 - Trust in the LORD Forever")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's declaration in 2 Samuel 22:47 transcends its historical context, offering timeless truths for believers today. In a world characterized by uncertainty, change, and various forms of spiritual and physical threats, this verse invites us to anchor our lives in the unchanging reality of God. Acknowledging that "The LORD liveth" means recognizing His active involvement in our daily lives, His power to intervene, and His enduring faithfulness. When we face our own "enemies"—whether they be anxieties, temptations, illnesses, or relational conflicts—we are called to find our ultimate refuge and stability in Him, our unshakeable Rock. This verse encourages a posture of continuous praise and thanksgiving, reminding us that every deliverance, every moment of peace, and every aspect of our salvation originates from the "God of the rock of my salvation." It cultivates a heart of worship that blesses and exalts God for who He is and for what He has done, transforming our perspective from fear to faith, from despair to hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you most need to experience God as your "rock" and refuge today?**
* **How does the declaration "The LORD liveth" impact your understanding of God's active presence in your personal circumstances?**
* **What specific deliverances or blessings in your life prompt you to "bless" and "exalt" God, as David did?**
* **How can cultivating a deeper trust in God as the "God of the rock of my salvation" transform your response to challenges and fears?**

### FAQ

**Why is God called "the rock" so often in the Bible?**

Answer: The metaphor of God as "the rock" (Hebrew: *tsûwr* or *selaʻ*) is deeply significant and frequently used throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - The Rock, His Work Is Perfect"), [Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The LORD My Rock and Fortress"), [Isaiah 26:4](/isaiah/26-4 "Isaiah 26:4 - Trust in the LORD Forever")). This imagery draws from the physical landscape of ancient Israel, where rocks and mountains provided literal refuge, stability, and an unassailable stronghold against enemies. Theologically, it conveys several crucial aspects of God's character:
* **Steadfastness and Immutability:** Like an unmoving rock, God is unchanging, reliable, and eternally faithful. He is not subject to the whims or weaknesses of humanity.
* **Strength and Power:** A rock represents immense strength and durability. God is portrayed as all-powerful, capable of delivering His people from any threat.
* **Refuge and Security:** Just as one might find shelter in a rock fortress, God provides ultimate safety, protection, and a secure dwelling place for those who trust in Him. He is a dependable haven in times of trouble.
* **Foundation and Stability:** God is the unshakeable foundation upon which faith, life, and salvation are built. He provides stability in a chaotic world.
This metaphor powerfully communicates God's dependable nature and His role as the ultimate source of security and salvation for His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Samuel 22:47 celebrates God's deliverance of David, its profound declarations find their ultimate and most complete fulfillment in Jesus Christ. David's "rock" points forward to Christ as the true and eternal "Rock of our salvation." Just as David declared "The LORD liveth," we confess that Jesus, the incarnate YHWH, is the living Lord, who conquered death and lives forevermore ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Jesus, the Living One")). He is the steadfast, unshakeable foundation upon which the church is built, against which "the gates of hell shall not prevail" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church")). Paul explicitly identifies Christ as the spiritual Rock who accompanied and sustained Israel in the wilderness ([1 Corinthians 10:4](/1_corinthians/10-4 "1 Corinthians 10:4 - Christ, the Spiritual Rock")). The "salvation" David experienced, primarily physical deliverance, foreshadows the spiritual and eternal salvation offered through Christ's atoning sacrifice. He is the "God of the rock of our salvation" who delivers us from the ultimate enemies of sin and death, offering eternal life and a secure hope ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Salvation")). In Christ, we find the ultimate, living, and exalted Rock who is our constant refuge and the source of our complete and everlasting deliverance ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ, the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever")).

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 89:26

He shall cry unto me, Thou [art] my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.

2 Samuel 22:3

The God of my rock; in him will I trust: [he is] my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.

Job 19:25

For I know [that] my redeemer liveth, and [that] he shall stand at the latter [day] upon the earth:

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.

Deuteronomy 32:40

For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever.

Luke 1:47

And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.