2 Samuel 22:20

He brought me forth also into a large place: he delivered me, because he delighted in me.

He brought me forth {H3318} also into a large place {H4800}: he delivered {H2502} me, because he delighted {H2654} in me.

"He brought me out to an open place; he rescued me, because he took pleasure in me.

He brought me out into the open; He rescued me because He delighted in me.

He brought me forth also into a large place; He delivered me, because he delighted in me.

Commentary

2 Samuel 22:20 is a powerful declaration from King David's psalm of thanksgiving, which is also recorded almost identically in Psalm 18. This verse captures the essence of divine deliverance and the profound reason behind it: God's personal affection for His servant.

Context

Chapter 22 of 2 Samuel is a magnificent psalm of King David, sung "in the day that the LORD had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul." David had endured years of relentless persecution from King Saul, betrayal, and numerous life-threatening battles. This song is a testament to his faith and gratitude, recounting God's mighty acts of rescue from overwhelming dangers. The imagery in this psalm often contrasts David's distress and confinement with God's expansive deliverance.

Key Themes

  • Divine Deliverance: The central theme is God's active and powerful intervention to rescue David from his adversaries. David attributes his survival and triumph directly to the Lord's hand.
  • From Confinement to Freedom: The phrase "He brought me forth also into a large place" signifies a dramatic shift from being hemmed in by distress, danger, or oppression to a state of spaciousness, security, and liberty. It speaks of spiritual and physical liberation.
  • God's Delight and Favor: The foundational reason for God's deliverance is stated explicitly: "because he delighted in me." This highlights God's personal love, favor, and gracious disposition towards David, demonstrating that God's actions are often motivated by His affection for His people, not solely by their merit. This echoes the sentiment of God's profound delight in His people.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Large place" (Hebrew: merchav - ืžึถืจึฐื—ึธื‘): This word literally means "broad place" or "spaciousness." It is often used in contrast to narrow straits or distress, conveying a sense of relief, freedom, and security. It implies room to move, breathe, and thrive, free from constraint.
  • "Delighted in me" (Hebrew: chaphets - ื—ึธืคึตืฅ): This verb signifies a strong pleasure, desire, or inclination. It's not a passive liking but an active divine favor and affection. It suggests that God found pleasure in David, in his character, his worship, and his trust, leading Him to act on David's behalf. This divine pleasure is a powerful motivation for God's saving acts.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound encouragement for believers today. When facing "narrow places" of difficulty, anxiety, or opposition, we can trust that God is capable of bringing us into a "large place" of peace and freedom. It reminds us that God's intervention in our lives is often rooted in His loving delight in us, not merely our performance. This understanding fosters greater trust and confidence in His faithfulness, knowing that He is a God who acts out of love for those who seek Him. It calls us to reflect on God's past deliverances and to anticipate His future help, resting in His unwavering favor.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 31:8 (7 votes)

    And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou hast set my feet in a large room.

  • Psalms 118:5 (6 votes)

    I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, [and set me] in a large place.

  • 2 Samuel 15:26 (6 votes)

    But if he thus say, I have no delight in thee; behold, [here am] I, let him do to me as seemeth good unto him.

  • Psalms 22:8 (5 votes)

    He trusted on the LORD [that] he would deliver him: let him deliver him, seeing he delighted in him.

  • Psalms 147:11 (4 votes)

    The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.

  • Psalms 149:4 (4 votes)

    For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.

  • Acts 2:32 (3 votes)

    This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.