2 Samuel 22:24

Authorized King James Version

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I was also upright before him, and have kept myself from mine iniquity.

Original Language Analysis

וָאֶֽהְיֶ֥ה H1961
וָאֶֽהְיֶ֥ה
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 1 of 5
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
תָמִ֖ים I was also upright H8549
תָמִ֖ים I was also upright
Strong's: H8549
Word #: 2 of 5
entire (literally, figuratively or morally); also (as noun) integrity, truth
ל֑וֹ H0
ל֑וֹ
Strong's: H0
Word #: 3 of 5
וָֽאֶשְׁתַּמְּרָ֖ה before him and have kept H8104
וָֽאֶשְׁתַּמְּרָ֖ה before him and have kept
Strong's: H8104
Word #: 4 of 5
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
מֵעֲוֹנִֽי׃ myself from mine iniquity H5771
מֵעֲוֹנִֽי׃ myself from mine iniquity
Strong's: H5771
Word #: 5 of 5
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

Analysis & Commentary

I was also upright before him, and have kept myself from mine iniquity.

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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