2 Samuel 22 Summary - 5 Minute Bible Study

2 Samuel 22 Short Summary:

2 Samuel 22 is a record of a song of praise King David offered to the Lord. David praised God for His power and His justice. He thanked God for protecting him from His enemies, which would have included King Saul and neighboring hostile nations. At the end of the chapter, He praised God for anointing him king, supporting his reign, and elevating the nation of Israel.

2 Samuel 22 Summary - Bible Study

WHEN:

• Saul died in approximately 1055 B.C., after reigning over Israel for 40 years.

• David became king over Judah the same year. He reigned over Judah for 7 years and 6 months, before becoming king over all Israel. His reign over all Judah and Israel lasted 33 years.

CHARACTERS:

• David – The second king over all Israel and Judah.

• Saul – King Saul is briefly mentioned at the beginning of the chapter. He was an enemy of David’s for many years and tried several times to exterminate him.

• David’s Enemies – David had many enemies in his lifetime. He praises God for delivering him from all their attempts to ruin him.

WHERE:

• This chapter records a song of praise David offered to the Lord. The text doesn’t mention the location where the song was offered.

OUTLINE:

• DAVID’S SONG OF WORSHIP TO THE LORD (22:1-51):

  • 2 Samuel 22 is a song of praise David offered to the Lord. This song is also recorded in Psalm 18.

  • Most scholars attribute this song to the early years of David’s reign.

  • In the song, David worships God for His awesomeness, and thanks Him for protecting him from his enemies.

• David worships God for protecting Him:

  • “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, 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.”

  • “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.”

  • “He rescued me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me.”

• David worships God for elevating him and his kingdom:

  • “You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your gentleness made me great.”

  • “You delivered me from strife with my people; You kept me as the head of the nations; people whom I had not known served me.”

  • “Great salvation he brings to His king, and shows steadfast love to His anointed, to David and his offspring forever.”

• David worships God for His power and justice:

  • “You save a humble people, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them down.”

  • “This God—his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.”

  • “Then the earth reeled and rocked; the foundations of the heavens trembled and quaked, because He was angry… The Lord thundered from heaven, and the Most High uttered His voice. And He sent out arrows and scattered them; lightning, and routed them” (speaking of David’s enemies).

APPLICATION:

• The way David describes God in 2 Samuel 22 should shape our perception of God.  

• David saw God as his ally, his friend, his strengthener. He knew God was on his side.

• It’s common for people to view God as a critic rather than a friend. As if God is just waiting around to critique every detail of our lives that’s slightly out of place.

• While it’s true that God dislikes the sin in our lives, it’s equally true that God is our ally, who wants to see us succeed.

  He will support us, He will strengthen us, it is His great pleasure to see His children thriving as they walk in the light.