2 Samuel 22:7

KJV

In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry [did enter] into his ears.

KJV (with Strong's)

In my distress {H6862} I called {H7121} upon the LORD {H3068}, and cried {H7121} to my God {H430}: and he did hear {H8085} my voice {H6963} out of his temple {H1964}, and my cry {H7775} did enter into his ears {H241}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In my distress I called to ADONAI; yes, I called to my God. Out of his temple he heard my voice, and my cry entered his ears.

Berean Standard Bible

In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried out to my God. And from His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for help reached His ears.

American Standard Version

In my distress I called upon Jehovah; Yea, I called unto my God: And he heard my voice out of his temple, And my crycameinto his ears.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Samuel 22:7 presents King David's profound testimony of God's immediate and powerful responsiveness to prayer in times of extreme adversity. This verse, embedded within a magnificent psalm of deliverance, encapsulates the direct and vital connection between a desperate human cry and the attentive, intervening ear of the Almighty, affirming God's faithfulness and active involvement in the lives of His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful verse is found within a grand song of thanksgiving and praise that King David sang to the LORD "on the day that 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 Song of Deliverance")). The entire chapter is almost identical to [Psalm 18](/psalm/18 "Psalm 18 - David's Song of Deliverance"), underscoring its profound theological and historical significance within ancient Israelite worship and tradition. This song serves as a retrospective declaration of God's unwavering support and active intervention throughout David's long and often perilous journey from shepherd to king, marked by relentless pursuits by King Saul and numerous battles against formidable foes like the Philistines. The preceding verses vividly describe the overwhelming nature of David's distress, using vivid imagery of "the waves of death" and "the floods of ungodly men" ([2 Samuel 22:5](/2_samuel/22-5 "2 Samuel 22:5 - The Waves of Death")), setting the stage for his desperate cry and God's subsequent, dramatic rescue. The narrative arc of the chapter moves from dire peril to divine intervention and triumphant praise, with verse 7 serving as the crucial turning point where human desperation meets divine attentiveness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** David's life was characterized by constant conflict, political intrigue, and an unwavering reliance on divine intervention. As the divinely appointed king of Israel, he was both a military leader and a spiritual shepherd, expected to lead by example in faith and worship. The concept of God hearing and responding to the cries of His people was foundational to Israelite theology, deeply rooted in the Exodus narrative where God heard the "groaning" of the Israelites in slavery and remembered His covenant ([Exodus 2:24](/exodus/2-24 "Exodus 2:24 - God Hears Israel's Groaning")). The "temple" in this context does not refer to Solomon's Temple, which had not yet been built, but rather to God's heavenly dwelling or sanctuary. This understanding reflects the ancient Near Eastern belief in a divine realm from which deities govern and intervene in human affairs, though for Israel, this was uniquely tied to the one true God, Yahweh, emphasizing His transcendence, omnipresence, and sovereign rule over all creation. David's experience thus resonates with a core tenet of Israelite faith: Yahweh is a God who hears and acts on behalf of His covenant people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within 2 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **the Power of Prayer in Distress**, modeling the essential response to overwhelming trouble: turning directly to God. David's "distress" (Hebrew: _tsar'_, meaning 'narrowness' or 'anguish') was profound, yet his immediate recourse was fervent prayer and crying out to his God, as seen throughout the Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 120:1](/psalm/120-1 "Psalm 120:1 - A Cry in Distress")). Secondly, it underscores **God's Attentive Hearing**, emphatically stating that God "did hear my voice" and David's "cry did enter into his ears." This is a powerful assurance that God is not distant or indifferent, but actively listens to the prayers of His people, a theme central to understanding God's character as a compassionate Father who cares for His children ([Psalm 34:17](/psalm/34-17 "Psalm 34:17 - The Righteous Cry and the LORD Hears")). Finally, it speaks to **Divine Deliverance**, as the entire song, and this verse in particular, serves as a testament to God as the ultimate Deliverer. David's cry was not in vain; it led to God's powerful action and salvation from his enemies, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His active involvement in the unfolding history of His chosen people, as evidenced in passages like [Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Distress (Hebrew, _tsar'_):** This word (H6862) conveys a sense of being hemmed in, confined, or in a tight place, leading to anguish and trouble. It describes a situation of extreme pressure and difficulty, not merely inconvenience or minor discomfort. David's use of this term emphasizes the severity of his plight, making God's subsequent response all the more remarkable. It highlights the human experience of feeling overwhelmed and trapped, a universal condition that fervent prayer addresses.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** The capitalized "LORD" (H3068) in the KJV consistently translates the Hebrew Tetragrammaton, YHWH (Yahweh), God's personal covenant name. This name emphasizes God's eternal, self-existent nature and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. When David calls upon "the LORD," he is appealing to the God who has revealed Himself in history, who is actively involved in His people's lives, and who is bound by His own character to be faithful. This is not a generic deity but the specific, personal God of Israel, the one who hears and delivers.
* **Temple (Hebrew, _hêykâl'_):** In this poetic context, "temple" (H1964) refers not to an earthly structure like Solomon's Temple, which had not yet been built, but rather to God's heavenly palace or dwelling place. It signifies God's majestic, transcendent abode, from which He exercises His sovereign rule over all creation. The imagery of God hearing "out of his temple" underscores His supreme authority and His ability to intervene from His exalted position, demonstrating that His hearing and intervention are not limited by earthly constraints but are acts of divine power emanating from His throne.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In my distress I called upon the LORD,"**: This clause immediately establishes the dire context of David's prayer: a state of extreme anguish, pressure, and confinement. His action is a direct, intentional appeal to Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. It signifies a turning away from self-reliance or human solutions and a full, desperate reliance on divine aid, demonstrating a profound act of faith in the midst of overwhelming circumstances.
* **"and cried to my God:"**: This phrase intensifies the previous one, emphasizing the fervency, urgency, and desperation of David's prayer. "Cried" (Hebrew: _qârâʼ_) suggests a loud, urgent, and often anguished appeal, a cry for immediate help. The possessive "my God" (Hebrew: _ʼĕlôhîym_) highlights the personal relationship David has with the powerful and sovereign Creator, reinforcing his intimate trust in God's unique ability and willingness to intervene on his behalf.
* **"and he did hear my voice out of his temple,"**: This is the pivotal declaration of divine response, marking the turning point from human desperation to divine action. The active verb "did hear" (Hebrew: _shâmaʻ_) indicates not just passive reception of sound but an attentive, understanding, and responsive hearing that leads to action. The phrase "out of his temple" conveys God's transcendent majesty and the source of His powerful intervention – from His heavenly dwelling, demonstrating His omnipresence and omnipotence, and affirming that His hearing is an act of sovereign power.
* **"and my cry [did enter] into his ears."**: This final clause serves as a powerful parallel and emphatic confirmation of God's attentive and effective hearing. The anthropomorphism of God having "ears" makes His attentiveness relatable and personal, assuring David (and the reader) that his desperate plea was not ignored or dismissed but truly registered with the Almighty, prompting His divine intervention. The repetition reinforces the certainty and efficacy of God's response, emphasizing that no cry of His people goes unheard.

#### Literary Devices
2 Samuel 22:7 masterfully employs several **Literary Devices** to convey its profound message of divine responsiveness. **Parallelism** is prominently evident in the structure of the verse, particularly in the paired phrases "I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God" and "he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears." This poetic technique reinforces the message through repetition and slight variation, emphasizing both David's fervent, dual-pronged prayer and God's certain, dual-affirmed response. **Anthropomorphism** is strikingly used when it states that David's "cry did enter into his [God's] ears." Attributing human physical characteristics (ears) to God helps the reader grasp the reality of God's attentiveness, making the abstract concept of divine hearing tangible, personal, and profoundly reassuring. Furthermore, the reference to God hearing "out of his temple" functions as a **Metaphor** for God's heavenly dwelling and sovereign throne, from which He exercises His power and authority. This imagery elevates the act of hearing from a mere physical perception to a cosmic act of divine intervention, underscoring God's majesty and transcendence even as He draws near to His distressed servant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a profound theological statement about the nature of God and the efficacy of prayer. It affirms God as one who is not distant or indifferent but intimately involved in the lives of His people, actively listening and responding to their cries. It underscores the covenant faithfulness of Yahweh, who remains true to His character as a deliverer and protector. The imagery of God hearing from His heavenly temple connects His transcendent majesty with His immanent care, showing that His sovereignty does not preclude His personal attentiveness. This truth provides immense comfort and confidence for believers, assuring them that their desperate pleas do not go unheard but are received by a God who possesses both the power and the will to intervene. It highlights a core biblical truth: God is a hearer and answerer of prayer, especially in times of profound distress.

* [Psalm 34:17](/psalm/34-17 "Psalm 34:17 - The Righteous Cry and the LORD Hears")
* [Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength")
* [Jeremiah 33:3](/jeremiah/33-3 "Jeremiah 33:3 - Call to Me and I Will Answer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Samuel 22:7 offers profound encouragement and a timeless model for believers today. In a world often filled with distress, anxiety, and seemingly insurmountable challenges, David's example reminds us that our immediate and heartfelt response should be to turn to God. This verse teaches us that prayer is not a last resort but our primary recourse, a direct line to the Almighty. We can have full confidence that when we cry out to God, He truly hears; His ears are open to our cries, and His heart is moved by our genuine need. This provides immense comfort and hope, strengthening our faith in God's personal involvement in our lives. Just as God delivered David from his many troubles, He is faithful to deliver us from ours, whether they be physical dangers, emotional burdens, or spiritual struggles. This verse is a powerful reminder of God's promise to be our refuge and strength in times of need, assuring us that our cries will indeed enter His ears, prompting His divine intervention and demonstrating His unwavering love and care for His children.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does David's immediate response to distress (calling upon the LORD) teach you about how to face your own challenges?**
* **How does the assurance that God "did hear my voice out of his temple" impact your confidence and persistence in prayer?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to cry out to God for deliverance, trusting that your cry will indeed enter His ears and prompt His divine action?**

### FAQ
**Does "temple" in 2 Samuel 22:7 refer to a physical building?**

Answer: No, in the context of 2 Samuel 22:7, "temple" (Hebrew: _heykal_) does not refer to a physical building like Solomon's Temple, which had not yet been built during David's time. Instead, it refers to God's heavenly dwelling place, His divine palace or sanctuary. This poetic usage emphasizes God's transcendence, His majestic abode in heaven from which He exercises His sovereign rule over all creation. It signifies that God's hearing and intervention are not limited by earthly constraints but are acts of divine power emanating from His exalted throne. This understanding aligns with other Old Testament passages that speak of God's dwelling in heaven, such as [1 Kings 8:30](/1_kings/8-30 "1 Kings 8:30 - Solomon's Prayer for God to Hear from Heaven") where Solomon prays for God to hear from "thy dwelling place, even from heaven," and [Psalm 11:4](/psalm/11-4 "Psalm 11:4 - The LORD is in His Holy Temple").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Samuel 22:7, a powerful testament to God's responsive hearing of David's cry, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While David experienced God's deliverance through a powerful, external intervention, Christ embodies the very presence of God among humanity, making God's "temple" (His dwelling place) accessible and personal. Jesus is the true and ultimate "temple" ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Speaks of His Body as the Temple")), through whom humanity's cries for salvation and deliverance are not only heard but fully answered. In His earthly ministry, Jesus Himself cried out to the Father in His own distress, particularly in the Garden of Gethsemane ([Luke 22:44](/luke/22-44 "Luke 22:44 - Jesus' Agony in Gethsemane")), demonstrating perfect reliance and trust, and was heard, leading to the ultimate deliverance for all who believe through His atoning sacrifice. Moreover, as our compassionate High Priest, Christ continually intercedes for us at the right hand of God, ensuring that our prayers "enter into His ears" and are presented before the Father ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")). Thus, the divine attentiveness David experienced is now eternally secured for believers through Christ, who is both the hearer of our prayers and the very means by which God's saving power is unleashed from His heavenly throne, providing access to God's presence and an assurance of His unfailing love and intervention ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")).

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 18:6

In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, [even] into his ears.

Psalms 116:4

Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.

Exodus 3:7

¶ And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which [are] in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;

Psalms 34:15

The eyes of the LORD [are] upon the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their cry.

Psalms 34:17

[The righteous] cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

Psalms 120:1

¶ A Song of degrees. In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me.

Jonah 2:7

When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple.