From 2 Samuel 22-24

David has lots to the thankful to the LORD for. In today’s passage we read some of his song of praise. He describes the LORD as his rock, fortress and saviour. In the gospel when Mary hears she will give birth to the promised messiah, she too praises the LORD in song. Do you sing the LORD’s praises?

This post is part of my bible in a year series.

Passage and Comments

David has a story to tell about his dealings with the LORD. The LORD has been kind to him and done some wonderful things. David tells his story in song.

22 And David spoke to the LORD the words of this song on the day when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. 2 He said,

“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,

3 my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence.

4 I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. (2 Sam 22.1-4)

David sings of the LORD’s deliverance. He is his rock, his fortress and deliverer.

David has experienced many times in his life where he has been in danger. In many of them he has called out to the LORD in prayer and the LORD has delivered him. He has much to sing about.

5 “For the waves of death encompassed me, the torrents of destruction assailed me;

6 the cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me. (2 Sam 22.5-6)

In many of those times the trouble David has been in has been serious. David describes the situations using imagery of fantasy. Death and dark powers have threatened him. Perhaps in part these describe what was going through his mind as he was in danger.

His fear was almost overwhelming.

7 “In my distress I called upon the LORD; to my God I called. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry came to his ears. (2 Sam 22.7)

Knowing and trusting in the LORD he called out for help. The temple he describes is the cosmic temple. In heaven the LORD does not dwell in a castle. He lives in a temple.

God hears the prayer of all his people.

8 “Then the earth reeled and rocked; the foundations of the heavens trembled and quaked, because he was angry.

9 Smoke went up from his nostrils, and devouring fire from his mouth; glowing coals flamed forth from him.

10 He bowed the heavens and came down; thick darkness was under his feet.

11 He rode on a cherub and flew; he was seen on the wings of the wind.

12 He made darkness around him his canopy, thick clouds, a gathering of water.

13 Out of the brightness before him coals of fire flamed forth.

14 The LORD thundered from heaven, and the Most High uttered his voice.

15 And he sent out arrows and scattered them; lightning, and routed them.

16 Then the channels of the sea were seen; the foundations of the world were laid bare, at the rebuke of the LORD, at the blast of the breath of his nostrils. (2 Sam 22.8-16)

The LORD answers David’s prayer in a thunderous display of his power and might.

The LORD has defeated David’s foes many times. David, a witness of the LORD’s faithfulness and power, is ever keen to sing of his deeds and praise him to those around him.

Story of Israel

 David had many stories to tell of the LORD’s faithfulness to him and his power to deliver him from his enemies. David was grateful for the LORD’s salvation and loved to sing his praises to those around him. A natural evangelist. Many of his songs are what we now know to be Psalms and have been used in Israel’s worship for many hundreds of years.

Story of Jesus

David’s story and song remind us the LORD has done wonderful things for us in Jesus. When Mary found out she would give birth to the messiah. She too praised the LORD. Her mighty God, her saviour.

46 And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

50 And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.

51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;

52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate;

53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.

54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,

55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” (Lk 1.46-55)

No believer has so little from God they have no reason to praise Him, nor so much they do not need to call upon Him for help. Praise is the blossom of prayer.

Copyright © Joshua Washington and thescripturesays, 2016. All Rights Reserved.