2 Samuel 22:14

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

יַרְעֵ֥ם thundered H7481
יַרְעֵ֥ם thundered
Strong's: H7481
Word #: 1 of 7
to tumble, i.e., be violently agitated; specifically, to crash (of thunder); figuratively, to irritate (with anger)
מִן H4480
מִן
Strong's: H4480
Word #: 2 of 7
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
שָׁמַ֖יִם from heaven H8064
שָׁמַ֖יִם from heaven
Strong's: H8064
Word #: 3 of 7
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
יְהוָ֑ה The LORD H3068
יְהוָ֑ה The LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 4 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְעֶלְי֖וֹן and the most High H5945
וְעֶלְי֖וֹן and the most High
Strong's: H5945
Word #: 5 of 7
an elevation, i.e., (adjectively) lofty (comparatively); as title, the supreme
יִתֵּ֥ן uttered H5414
יִתֵּ֥ן uttered
Strong's: H5414
Word #: 6 of 7
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
קוֹלֽוֹ׃ his voice H6963
קוֹלֽוֹ׃ his voice
Strong's: H6963
Word #: 7 of 7
a voice or sound

Analysis & Commentary

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

This verse contributes to the narrative of David's Song, emphasizing praising God for deliverance. David's psalm of deliverance (parallel to Psalm 18) celebrates God's faithfulness throughout his tumultuous reign. The Hebrew poetry employs vivid imagery of divine intervention, warrior language, and covenant terminology. Theological themes include praising God for deliverance, reviewing God's faithfulness in retrospect, the righteousness of God's judgments, and anticipation of ultimate victory through God's anointed (messianic overtones).

Historical Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 22 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding praising God for deliverance provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

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