2 Samuel 22:4

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מְהֻלָּ֖ל
who is worthy to be praised
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
#2
אֶקְרָ֣א
I will call
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#3
יְהוָ֑ה
on the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#4
וּמֵאֹֽיְבַ֖י
from mine enemies
hating; an adversary
#5
אִוָּשֵֽׁעַ׃
so shall I be saved
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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