Cancel

Tabletalk Subscription
You have {{ remainingArticles }} free {{ counterWords }} remaining.You've accessed all your free articles.
Unlock the Archives for Free

Request your free, three-month trial to Tabletalk magazine. You’ll receive the print issue monthly and gain immediate digital access to decades of archives. This trial is risk-free. No credit card required.

Try Tabletalk Now

Already receive Tabletalk magazine every month?

Verify your email address to gain unlimited access.

{{ error }}Need help?

2 Samuel 22:1–7

Then David spoke to the Lord the words of this song, on the day when the Lord had delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul (v. 1).

In 2 Samuel 22, we find a psalm. It is, in fact, Psalm 18, with slight variations. Matthew Henry suggests that David penned this version for his own edification, while Psalm 18 is the version he gave to the chief musician for public use in worship. David clearly wrote this psalm to celebrate the many instances of divine deliverance in his life, particularly his repeated rescues from the assaults of Saul. As such, it is a picture of Israel’s human monarch celebrating its divine Monarch. And it points ahead to the eternal King who is promised to come in David’s line.

David begins this psalm with exultant praise, lauding God with titles that exalt Him as David’s deliverer and protector. He speaks of God as his “rock” (his place of safety; see 1 Sam. 23:25), his “fortress,” his “deliverer,” his “shield,” his “horn of salvation,” his “stronghold,” his “refuge,” his “Savior,” and “the God of my strength.” David trusts God deeply, for good reason—past experience has taught him that he can always rely on Yahweh. In this hope, he calls upon God, being saved thereby. Truly this God is worthy to be praised —David’s experience teaches him so. “[David] has here left us a good example, when we are in distress, to cry unto God with importunity, as children in a fright cry to their parents; and great encouragement to do so, in that he found God ready to answer prayer out of His temple in heaven, where He is continually served and adored,” Matthew Henry writes in his commentary on 2 Samuel.

David then speaks of a particular instance of distress, probably when Saul was pursuing him in the wilderness. Here David employs all of his metaphorical power to communicate his need. “The waves of death” and “The sorrows of Sheol” surrounded him, “The snares of death” confronted him, and “The floods of ungodliness” terrified him, he writes. In this situation, David was in great danger and was very afraid. But in the midst of this distress, he remembered to seek God’s aid. So he cried to God. Then, wonder of wonders, God heard: “My cry entered His ears,” David exclaims. High and lifted up, seated in His heavenly temple, God nevertheless heard the small, piteous cry of His servant David. And upon hearing that plea, God took decisive action, as we will see in tomorrow’s study.

Coram Deo Living before the face of God

Henry writes, “We should, in our praises, look as far back as we can, and not suffer time to wear out the sense of God’s favors.” That is good advice. Make time today to call to mind some of God’s mercies toward you. As you reflect on them, turn your thoughts to Him in thanks and praise. Beginning now, build time for praise into your life.


For Further Study

    I Will Call Upon the Lord

    A Mighty Answer

    Keep Reading Prophet, Priest, and King: The Offices of Christ

    From the December 2003 Issue
    Dec 2003 Issue