Note: This psalm of victory is almost identical to Psalm 18.

2 Samuel 22:1-7
22:1 David sang to the LORD the words of this song when [or after; note the occasion of writing] the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and [separate mention of Saul indicates David did not consider him an enemy (what grace!)] from the hand of Saul.

Note: We are to praise God for who He is as well as for what He accomplishes for us and through us.

22:2 He said: “The LORD is my rock [a common poetic figure for God (cf. Deut. 32:4,15; 1 Cor. 10:4); term denotes a large craggy formation that affords shelter/concealment and that can be easily defended], my fortress [a place of refuge and safety] and my deliverer [cf. Ps. 40:17; 144:2];

22:3 my [indicates that David had a personal relationship with God] God is my rock [denotes a place of protection in distressing times where one might find and take refuge], in whom I take refuge, my shield [cf. Ps. 5:12; 84:11] and the horn [symbol of strength and power] of my salvation [for David this was a reference to physical and political salvation; cf. Lk. 1:69]. He is my stronghold [denotes a secure height], my refuge [comes from a word that means “to flee” and emphasizes the Lord as One to whom David could flee for protection and security] and my savior— from violent men [Saul, Absalom, and Sheba were among those who had tried to kill David; literally means “unjust violence”] you save me.

Note: For what deliverances in your life, physical and spiritual, can you praise the Lord as a great Savior?

22:4 I call to [note that David did not call on his troops or allies to save him] the LORD, who is worthy of praise [related to the word “hallelujah”], and I am saved from my enemies.

Note: How has God proved to you that He is the responsive Savior? How will you demonstrate your dependence on God in your present circumstances?

22:5 “The waves of death [metaphor describes trials that seemed as ocean currents] swirled about me; the torrents [refers to flash floods] of destruction [word translated “destruction” is “belial” (name for Satan in 2 Cor. 6:15) and denoted a worthless thing or ungodly person (cf. 2 Sam. 20:1 re: Sheba); “floods of ungodly men” KJV] overwhelmed [to submerge or engulf] me.

22:6 The cords of the grave [“sorrows of hell” KJV] coiled around me; the snares of death confronted me.

22:7 In my distress [describes a tight spot in which one is hemmed in] I called to [who we call in times of distress is important] the LORD; I called out to my God [cf. Heb. 4:16]. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came to his ears [cf. Ps. 130:1-2].

Note: Why was physical distance not a barrier in David’s relationship with God? Why are we able to call on God any time, any place, and know that He will hear our prayers? Why should God’s availability to us cause us to have an attitude of thanksgiving?

2 Samuel 22:26-29
22:26 “To the faithful [basically means “to be kind and gracious, to be pious or merciful”] you show yourself faithful, to the blameless [requires that one be perfectly, wholly God’s, displaying integrity in word and deed; cf. Gen. 17:1; Job 1:8; Deut. 18:13] you show yourself blameless,

Note: In what ways have you found the Lord to be reliable?

22:27 to the pure [one whose character is not mixed or polluted; cf. Ps. 24:4] you show yourself pure, but to the crooked [one who obstinately pursues every perverted desire] you show yourself shrewd [God opposes and confounds the crooked].

22:28 You save the humble [the afflicted and downtrodden; those who realize their spiritual poverty; those who glory in the Lord rather than in themselves], but your eyes are on the haughty [describes individuals who exude pride in their status or accomplishments] to bring them low.

22:29 You are my lamp [the One who illuminated David’s life and path], O LORD; the LORD turns my darkness into light.