2 Samuel 22:31

[As for] God, his way [is] perfect; the word of the LORD [is] tried: he [is] a buckler to all them that trust in him.

As for God {H410}, his way {H1870} is perfect {H8549}; the word {H565} of the LORD {H3068} is tried {H6884}: he is a buckler {H4043} to all them that trust {H2620} in him.

"As for God, his way is perfect, the word of ADONAI has been tested by fire; he shields all who take refuge in him.

As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.

As for God, his way is perfect: The word of Jehovah is tried; He is a shield unto all them that take refuge in him.

Commentary

2 Samuel 22:31 is a profound declaration of faith from David's song of deliverance, a psalm of thanksgiving to the LORD for saving him from his enemies and from Saul. This verse encapsulates core truths about God's character and His relationship with those who trust Him.

Context

This verse is part of a lengthy psalm of praise and thanksgiving, nearly identical to Psalm 18. David, reflecting on his tumultuous life, filled with battles, betrayals, and divine interventions, attributes all his victories and deliverances to God's unfailing power and faithfulness. After recounting many instances of God's rescue, David articulates the foundational principles of God's perfect nature and reliable word, upon which his trust is built.

Key Themes

  • God's Perfect Way: The phrase "his way is perfect" declares God's absolute integrity, flawlessness, and wisdom in all His actions and plans. There is no error, injustice, or imperfection in anything God does. His path is always right and true.
  • The Tried Word of the LORD: "The word of the LORD is tried" signifies that God's promises, decrees, and revelations have been thoroughly tested, proven, and found utterly reliable. Like precious metals refined by fire, God's word stands up to every challenge and fulfills every promise. This concept of God's word being refined and pure like silver is a recurring theme in Scripture.
  • God as a Buckler (Shield): "He is a buckler to all them that trust in him" emphasizes God's role as a personal protector. A buckler is a small, round shield used for close-quarters defense. This imagery assures believers that God personally defends, guards, and shelters those who place their reliance and confidence in Him. He serves as a powerful shield and protector against the attacks and dangers of life.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "perfect" is tamim (ืชึผึธืžึดื™ื), meaning complete, sound, blameless, or whole. It conveys a sense of integrity and faultlessness in God's character and conduct.
  • "Tried" comes from the Hebrew verb tsaraph (ืฆึธืจึทืฃ), which means to refine, purify, or test, often in the context of smelting metals. It suggests that God's word has undergone rigorous examination and emerged as pure and trustworthy.
  • "Buckler" is from the Hebrew magen (ืžึธื’ึตืŸ), referring to a shield, particularly a small one, emphasizing God's immediate and personal defense for His people.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Samuel 22:31 offers immense encouragement and a call to unwavering faith:

  1. Confidence in God's Plan: When facing uncertainty or difficulty, we can rest assured that God's ways are perfect, even when we don't understand them. His ultimate purposes are always good and righteous.
  2. Reliance on God's Word: In a world of shifting truths, God's word remains a steadfast anchor. We can confidently build our lives upon its principles and promises, knowing it has been proven true through generations.
  3. Security in God's Protection: This verse invites us to place our full trust in God for protection. When we face spiritual attacks, physical dangers, or emotional struggles, God promises to be our shield, defending us from all harm as we trust in Him. This truth resonates with Proverbs 30:5, which similarly states, "Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him."
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 32:4 (23 votes)

    [He is] the Rock, his work [is] perfect: for all his ways [are] judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right [is] he.

  • Proverbs 30:5 (17 votes)

    Every word of God [is] pure: he [is] a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

  • Psalms 18:30 (10 votes)

    [As for] God, his way [is] perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he [is] a buckler to all those that trust in him.

  • Matthew 5:48 (8 votes)

    Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

  • 2 Samuel 22:3 (7 votes)

    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.

  • Psalms 119:140 (7 votes)

    ยถ Thy word [is] very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.

  • Psalms 12:6 (7 votes)

    The words of the LORD [are] pure words: [as] silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.