2 Samuel 22:7

In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry [did enter] into his ears.

In my distress {H6862} I called {H7121} upon the LORD {H3068}, and cried {H7121} to my God {H430}: and he did hear {H8085} my voice {H6963} out of his temple {H1964}, and my cry {H7775} did enter into his ears {H241}.

In my distress I called to ADONAI; yes, I called to my God. Out of his temple he heard my voice, and my cry entered his ears.

In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried out to my God. And from His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for help reached His ears.

In my distress I called upon Jehovah; Yea, I called unto my God: And he heard my voice out of his temple, And my crycameinto his ears.

Commentary

2 Samuel 22:7 encapsulates King David’s profound testimony of God’s faithfulness and responsiveness to prayer during times of extreme adversity. This verse, part of a magnificent psalm of deliverance, highlights the direct and powerful connection between a desperate cry from humanity and the attentive ear of the Almighty.

Context

This powerful verse is found within a song of thanksgiving and praise that King David sang to the LORD on the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. This entire chapter is almost identical to Psalm 18, indicating its significance and widespread recognition in ancient Israel. It reflects David’s long and often perilous journey from shepherd to king, marked by relentless pursuits by King Saul and numerous battles against formidable foes like the Philistines. The song serves as a retrospective declaration of God's unwavering support and active intervention throughout David's life.

Key Themes

  • The Power of Prayer in Distress: David models the essential response to overwhelming trouble: turning directly to God. His "distress" (Hebrew: tsar, meaning 'narrowness' or 'anguish') was profound, yet his immediate recourse was fervent prayer and crying out to his God.
  • God's Attentive Hearing: The verse emphatically states that God "did hear my voice" and David's "cry did enter into his ears." This is a powerful assurance that God is not distant or indifferent, but actively listens to the prayers of His people. This theme is central to understanding God's character as a compassionate Father who cares for His children, much like Psalm 34:17 declares, "The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth."
  • God's Heavenly Dwelling: When David says God heard "out of his temple," he is referring to God's heavenly abode, His divine sanctuary where His presence and authority reside. This signifies that God's hearing is not limited by earthly constraints; He is the transcendent, omnipresent God who rules from His throne in heaven, yet actively intervenes in human affairs.
  • Divine Deliverance: The entire song, and this verse in particular, is a testament to God as the ultimate Deliverer. David's cry was not in vain; it led to God's powerful action and salvation from his enemies.

Linguistic Insights

The name "LORD" (capitalized) in KJV typically translates the Hebrew Tetragrammaton YHWH (Yahweh), God's personal covenant name, emphasizing His eternal and faithful nature. "My God" (Hebrew: Elohim) speaks to His power and sovereignty. The phrase "did hear" and "did enter into his ears" uses strong, active verbs in the Hebrew, conveying not just a passive reception of sound, but an attentive and responsive hearing that leads to action. The term "temple" (Hebrew: heykal) in this poetic context often refers to God's heavenly palace or dwelling place, underscoring His majesty and transcendence.

Practical Application

2 Samuel 22:7 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that:

  • Prayer is Our First Resort: In any time of "distress," our immediate and heartfelt response should be to call upon the LORD. David's example teaches us to turn to God before, or even instead of, seeking other solutions.
  • God Hears and Cares: We can have full confidence that when we cry out to God, He truly hears. His ears are open to our cries, and His heart is moved by our genuine need. This provides immense comfort and hope, strengthening our faith in God's personal involvement in our lives.
  • God Delivers: Just as God delivered David from his many troubles, He is faithful to deliver us from ours, whether they be physical dangers, emotional burdens, or spiritual struggles. This verse is a powerful reminder of God's promise to be our refuge and strength in times of need, echoing sentiments found in Psalm 46:1.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 18:6 (9 votes)

    In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, [even] into his ears.

  • Psalms 116:4 (7 votes)

    Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.

  • Exodus 3:7 (6 votes)

    ¶ And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which [are] in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;

  • Psalms 34:15 (6 votes)

    The eyes of the LORD [are] upon the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their cry.

  • Psalms 34:17 (6 votes)

    [The righteous] cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

  • Psalms 120:1 (6 votes)

    ¶ A Song of degrees. In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me.

  • Jonah 2:7 (6 votes)

    When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple.