2 Samuel 22:22

For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God.

For I have kept {H8104} the ways {H1870} of the LORD {H3068}, and have not wickedly departed {H7561} from my God {H430}.

"For I have kept the ways of ADONAI, I have not done evil by leaving my God;

For I have kept the ways of the LORD and have not wickedly departed from my God.

For I have kept the ways of Jehovah, And have not wickedly departed from my God.

Commentary

Context

This powerful declaration is part of a grand psalm of deliverance uttered by King David, recorded in 2 Samuel chapter 22. This same song also appears, with minor variations, in Psalm 18. David sings this song after the Lord had delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. In this verse, David reflects on his conduct, asserting that his faithfulness was a factor in God's intervention on his behalf. It's not a claim of sinless perfection, but rather a testament to his general commitment to God's covenant and ways, especially when contrasted with the wickedness of his adversaries.

Key Themes

  • Divine Justice and Retribution: The verse highlights the principle that God rewards faithfulness and punishes wickedness. David attributes God's deliverance to his own adherence to divine principles, showcasing God's righteous judgment.
  • Integrity and Obedience: David's statement, "I have kept the ways of the LORD," underscores his commitment to living according to God's commands. Despite his known failures (e.g., Bathsheba, Uriah), his overall life trajectory and heart were characterized by a desire to obey God, as seen in Acts 13:22.
  • Covenant Faithfulness: For David, keeping God's ways was central to his covenant relationship with the Lord. His fidelity stood in stark contrast to the idolatry and disobedience prevalent among other nations and even some within Israel.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Kept the ways of the LORD": The Hebrew word translated "kept" is shamar (שָׁמַר), which means to guard, observe, preserve, or diligently attend to. It implies a careful, intentional adherence to God's statutes and principles, much like guarding a precious treasure. This is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, encouraging believers to walk in all His ways.
  • "Not wickedly departed": The term "wickedly" comes from the Hebrew rasha (רָשַׁע), which denotes being guilty, acting criminally, or showing deliberate unrighteousness. David emphasizes that his departure from God was not a willful, malicious rebellion but rather occasional failings, which he repented of, contrasting with a lifestyle of deliberate sin.

Practical Application

This verse encourages believers to strive for integrity and obedience in their walk with God. While no one is perfectly sinless, the aspiration should be to "keep the ways of the LORD" and avoid a deliberate, wicked departure from His truth. David's experience reminds us that God sees our hearts and our general trajectory of obedience. For New Testament believers, this principle is fulfilled through faith in Christ, whose righteousness is imputed to us, and whose Spirit empowers us to walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit. Our diligence in following God's commands is a response to His grace, not a means of earning salvation, and it brings forth the blessings of His presence and favor, as Proverbs 11:18 suggests regarding the reward of righteousness.

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Cross-References

  • Proverbs 8:32 (6 votes)

    ¶ Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed [are they that] keep my ways.

  • Genesis 18:19 (5 votes)

    For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

  • Psalms 128:1 (4 votes)

    ¶ A Song of degrees. Blessed [is] every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:12 (2 votes)

    ¶ For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

  • Psalms 125:5 (2 votes)

    As for such as turn aside unto their crooked ways, the LORD shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: [but] peace [shall be] upon Israel.

  • Zephaniah 1:6 (2 votes)

    And them that are turned back from the LORD; and [those] that have not sought the LORD, nor enquired for him.

  • Job 23:10 (2 votes)

    But he knoweth the way that I take: [when] he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.