2 Samuel 22:21

The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.

The LORD {H3068} rewarded {H1580} me according to my righteousness {H6666}: according to the cleanness {H1252} of my hands {H3027} hath he recompensed {H7725} me.

ADONAI rewarded me for my uprightness, he repaid me because my hands were clean.

The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness; He has repaid me according to the cleanness of my hands.

Jehovah rewarded me according to my righteousness; According to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.

Commentary

Context

This verse is part of a magnificent song of deliverance sung by King David to the LORD, after the LORD had delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. This same song is also recorded in Psalm 18, highlighting its significance in David's life and testimony. It reflects David's perspective on his own conduct and God's faithful response to it, particularly in the context of his struggles against Saul and other adversaries who sought his life.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Recompense: The verse powerfully declares God's character as a just God who sees and responds to the actions of individuals. David asserts that God's deliverance was a direct reward for his integrity and uprightness.
  • David's Righteousness and Integrity: David states that his deliverance was "according to my righteousness" and "according to the cleanness of my hands." This does not imply moral perfection in every aspect of his life (as seen in later events like Bathsheba), but rather his blamelessness in the specific circumstances of his persecution, especially concerning his conduct towards Saul, whom he refused to harm despite opportunities. It speaks to his faithfulness to God's covenant and his refusal to take matters into his own hands.
  • God's Faithfulness to the Upright: The passage underscores the biblical principle that God blesses and vindicates those who walk in integrity before Him. It serves as a testimony to God's active involvement in the lives of His faithful servants.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "righteousness" (tzedeq, ืฆึถื“ึถืง) refers to conformity to a standard, uprightness, and justice. Here, it denotes David's adherence to God's ways and his blameless conduct relative to his enemies.
  • "Cleanness of my hands" is a common biblical idiom signifying innocence, blamelessness in action, and integrity. It appears in other contexts, such as Psalm 24:4, where it describes those fit to ascend God's holy hill. David's hands were clean because he did not shed innocent blood or act treacherously against God's anointed.
  • "Recompensed" (shalam, ืฉึธืืœึทื) means to repay, restore, or make whole. It emphasizes God's act of restoring David to a place of security and peace as a direct consequence of his righteous walk.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful encouragement for believers today. While our ultimate salvation and righteousness come through faith in Christ (Romans 3:22), David's experience reminds us that God still takes note of our walk of integrity and faithfulness. It teaches us:

  • The Value of Integrity: Living with "clean hands" and a "righteous" heart, even when facing adversity, is seen and honored by God.
  • Trust in Divine Justice: When we are unjustly treated or slandered, we can trust that the LORD is a just judge who will ultimately recompense according to truth (Psalm 7:8).
  • God's Active Involvement: This verse affirms God's active role in the lives of His people, delivering them and rewarding their faithfulness according to His perfect wisdom and timing. It encourages perseverance in doing what is right, knowing that God sees and will respond.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 26:23 (5 votes)

    The LORD render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness: for the LORD delivered thee into [my] hand to day, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed.

  • Psalms 24:4 (5 votes)

    He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

  • 1 Kings 8:32 (4 votes)

    Then hear thou in heaven, and do, and judge thy servants, condemning the wicked, to bring his way upon his head; and justifying the righteous, to give him according to his righteousness.

  • Psalms 7:8 (4 votes)

    The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity [that is] in me.

  • James 4:8 (3 votes)

    Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded.

  • Psalms 19:11 (2 votes)

    Moreover by them is thy servant warned: [and] in keeping of them [there is] great reward.

  • Job 17:9 (2 votes)

    The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.