2 Samuel 22:2

Authorized King James Version

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And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;

Original Language Analysis

וַיֹּאמַ֑ר And he said H559
וַיֹּאמַ֑ר And he said
Strong's: H559
Word #: 1 of 6
to say (used with great latitude)
יְהוָ֛ה The LORD H3068
יְהוָ֛ה The LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 2 of 6
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
סַֽלְעִ֥י is my rock H5553
סַֽלְעִ֥י is my rock
Strong's: H5553
Word #: 3 of 6
a craggy rock, literally or figuratively (a fortress)
וּמְצֻֽדָתִ֖י and my fortress H4686
וּמְצֻֽדָתִ֖י and my fortress
Strong's: H4686
Word #: 4 of 6
a fastness
וּמְפַלְטִי and my deliverer H6403
וּמְפַלְטִי and my deliverer
Strong's: H6403
Word #: 5 of 6
to slip out, i.e., escape; causatively, to deliver
לִֽי׃ H0
לִֽי׃
Strong's: H0
Word #: 6 of 6

Analysis & Commentary

And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;

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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