2 Samuel 22:51

Authorized King James Version

He is the tower of salvation for his king: and sheweth mercy to his anointed, unto David, and to his seed for evermore.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מִגְדֹּ֖יל
He is the tower
migdol, a place in egypt
#2
יְשׁוּע֣וֹת
of salvation
something saved, i.e., (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity
#3
מַלְכּ֑וֹ
for his king
a king
#4
וְעֹֽשֶׂה
and sheweth
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#5
חֶ֧סֶד
mercy
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
#6
לִמְשִׁיח֛וֹ
to his anointed
anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the messiah
#7
לְדָוִ֥ד
unto David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#8
וּלְזַרְע֖וֹ
and to his seed
seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity
#9
עַד
for
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#10
עוֹלָֽם׃
evermore
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

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 salvation encompasses justification, sanctification, and glorification in the ordo salutis and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Samuel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes salvation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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