2 Samuel 22:32

Authorized King James Version

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For who is God, save the LORD? and who is a rock, save our God?

Original Language Analysis

כִּ֥י H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מִי H4310
מִי
Strong's: H4310
Word #: 2 of 9
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
אֵ֖ל For who is God H410
אֵ֖ל For who is God
Strong's: H410
Word #: 3 of 9
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
מִֽבַּלְעֲדֵ֥י save H1107
מִֽבַּלְעֲדֵ֥י save
Strong's: H1107
Word #: 4 of 9
except, without, besides
יְהוָ֑ה the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֑ה the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 5 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וּמִ֥י H4310
וּמִ֥י
Strong's: H4310
Word #: 6 of 9
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
צ֖וּר and who is a rock H6697
צ֖וּר and who is a rock
Strong's: H6697
Word #: 7 of 9
properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)
מִֽבַּלְעֲדֵ֥י save H1107
מִֽבַּלְעֲדֵ֥י save
Strong's: H1107
Word #: 8 of 9
except, without, besides
אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃ our God H430
אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃ our God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 9 of 9
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

Analysis & Commentary

For who is God, save the LORD? and who is a rock, save our God?

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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