2 Samuel 22:3

Authorized King James Version

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The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.

Original Language Analysis

אֱלֹהֵ֥י The God H430
אֱלֹהֵ֥י The God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 1 of 12
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
צוּרִ֖י of my rock H6697
צוּרִ֖י of my rock
Strong's: H6697
Word #: 2 of 12
properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)
אֶֽחֱסֶה in him will I trust H2620
אֶֽחֱסֶה in him will I trust
Strong's: H2620
Word #: 3 of 12
to flee for protection; figuratively, to confide in
בּ֑וֹ H0
בּ֑וֹ
Strong's: H0
Word #: 4 of 12
מָֽגִנִּ֞י he is my shield H4043
מָֽגִנִּ֞י he is my shield
Strong's: H4043
Word #: 5 of 12
a shield (i.e., the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile
וְקֶ֣רֶן and the horn H7161
וְקֶ֣רֶן and the horn
Strong's: H7161
Word #: 6 of 12
a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun
יִשְׁעִ֗י of my salvation H3468
יִשְׁעִ֗י of my salvation
Strong's: H3468
Word #: 7 of 12
liberty, deliverance, prosperity
מִשְׂגַּבִּי֙ my high tower H4869
מִשְׂגַּבִּי֙ my high tower
Strong's: H4869
Word #: 8 of 12
misgab, a place in moab
וּמְנוּסִ֔י and my refuge H4498
וּמְנוּסִ֔י and my refuge
Strong's: H4498
Word #: 9 of 12
a retreat (literally or figuratively); abstractly, a fleeing
תֹּֽשִׁעֵֽנִי׃ my saviour H3467
תֹּֽשִׁעֵֽנִי׃ my saviour
Strong's: H3467
Word #: 10 of 12
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
מֵֽחָמָ֖ס me from violence H2555
מֵֽחָמָ֖ס me from violence
Strong's: H2555
Word #: 11 of 12
violence; by implication, wrong; by metonymy unjust gain
תֹּֽשִׁעֵֽנִי׃ my saviour H3467
תֹּֽשִׁעֵֽנִי׃ my saviour
Strong's: H3467
Word #: 12 of 12
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

Analysis & Commentary

The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.

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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