2 Samuel 22:4

Authorized King James Version

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I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

Original Language Analysis

מְהֻלָּ֖ל who is worthy to be praised H1984
מְהֻלָּ֖ל who is worthy to be praised
Strong's: H1984
Word #: 1 of 5
to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ
אֶקְרָ֣א I will call H7121
אֶקְרָ֣א I will call
Strong's: H7121
Word #: 2 of 5
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
יְהוָ֑ה on the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֑ה on the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 3 of 5
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וּמֵאֹֽיְבַ֖י from mine enemies H341
וּמֵאֹֽיְבַ֖י from mine enemies
Strong's: H341
Word #: 4 of 5
hating; an adversary
אִוָּשֵֽׁעַ׃ so shall I be saved H3467
אִוָּשֵֽׁעַ׃ so shall I be saved
Strong's: H3467
Word #: 5 of 5
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

Analysis & Commentary

I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

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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