2 Samuel 22:5

When the waves of death compassed me, the floods of ungodly men made me afraid;

When the waves {H4867} of death {H4194} compassed {H661} me, the floods {H5158} of ungodly men {H1100} made me afraid {H1204};

"For death's breakers were closing over me, the floods of B'liya'al terrified me,

For the waves of death engulfed me; the torrents of chaos overwhelmed me.

For the waves of death compassed me; The floods of ungodliness made me afraid:

Commentary

2 Samuel 22:5 is a powerful expression of King David's profound distress and fear during times of extreme peril. This verse is part of a magnificent psalm of deliverance (also found nearly identically in Psalm 18), which David sang to the Lord after being rescued from all his enemies, especially from the hand of Saul.

Historical and Cultural Context

This psalm reflects a lifetime of trials experienced by David. From his early days fleeing King Saul, who relentlessly pursued him (see 1 Samuel 23:25), to facing numerous foreign adversaries like the Philistines, and even internal rebellion from his own son Absalom, David was no stranger to life-threatening situations. The imagery of "waves" and "floods" speaks to the overwhelming nature of these threats, common metaphors in ancient Near Eastern literature for chaos and destruction. David's experience is a testament to the constant dangers faced by leaders and God's chosen people in a hostile world.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Overwhelming Adversity: The verse vividly portrays a sense of being completely surrounded and engulfed by danger, highlighting human vulnerability in the face of immense pressure. David felt literally "compassed" or encircled by forces threatening his life.
  • Fear and Despair: Despite his reputation as a brave warrior, David admits to being "made afraid," acknowledging the natural human response to overwhelming, life-threatening circumstances. This honesty makes his later expressions of trust in God even more profound.
  • Ungodly Opposition: The "floods of ungodly men" represent the multitude of wicked adversaries who sought David's downfall. This emphasizes that his struggles were not merely physical, but often involved spiritual opposition from those aligned against God's purposes.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "waves of death" (Hebrew: chevley mavet) can also be translated as "cords" or "snares of death," or even "birth pangs of death." This suggests not just the overwhelming force of water, but the binding, inescapable grip of mortality, or the intense pain leading to an inevitable end. The "floods of ungodly men" (Hebrew: nachalei Belial) uses the term Belial, which often personifies wickedness, worthlessness, or destruction. Thus, it speaks of a torrent of utterly corrupt and malevolent individuals.

Practical Application

David's raw confession in 2 Samuel 22:5 resonates with anyone who has faced overwhelming difficulties, whether personal crises, spiritual attacks, or societal pressures. It reminds us that:

  • Fear is a natural human emotion: Even great figures of faith experienced profound fear. Admitting it is the first step towards seeking help.
  • Adversity is part of life's journey: Like David, believers may feel "compassed" by challenges, but this verse sets the stage for the greater message of God's ultimate deliverance.
  • The source of our fear can be "ungodly": Recognizing that some opposition stems from forces hostile to God can help us understand the spiritual dimension of our struggles.

While this verse focuses on the distress, the full psalm (beginning in 2 Samuel 22:1) quickly transitions to David's fervent prayer and the powerful demonstration of God's rescue, offering hope that even when the "waves of death" threaten, God is our ultimate refuge and strength (see 2 Samuel 22:3).

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 69:14 (4 votes)

    Deliver me out of the mire, and let me not sink: let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters.

  • Psalms 69:15 (4 votes)

    Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me.

  • Jonah 2:3 (4 votes)

    For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:3 (2 votes)

    For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

  • Revelation 17:15 (2 votes)

    And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.

  • Jeremiah 46:7 (2 votes)

    Who [is] this [that] cometh up as a flood, whose waters are moved as the rivers?

  • Jeremiah 46:8 (2 votes)

    Egypt riseth up like a flood, and [his] waters are moved like the rivers; and he saith, I will go up, [and] will cover the earth; I will destroy the city and the inhabitants thereof.