2 Samuel 22:47

Authorized King James Version

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The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation.

Original Language Analysis

חַי liveth H2416
חַי liveth
Strong's: H2416
Word #: 1 of 8
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
יְהוָ֖ה The LORD H3068
יְהוָ֖ה The LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 2 of 8
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וּבָר֣וּךְ and blessed H1288
וּבָר֣וּךְ and blessed
Strong's: H1288
Word #: 3 of 8
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
צ֥וּר be my rock H6697
צ֥וּר be my rock
Strong's: H6697
Word #: 4 of 8
properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)
וְיָרֻ֕ם and exalted H7311
וְיָרֻ֕ם and exalted
Strong's: H7311
Word #: 5 of 8
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
אֱלֹהֵ֖י be the God H430
אֱלֹהֵ֖י be the God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 6 of 8
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
צ֥וּר be my rock H6697
צ֥וּר be my rock
Strong's: H6697
Word #: 7 of 8
properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)
יִשְׁעִֽי׃ of my salvation H3468
יִשְׁעִֽי׃ of my salvation
Strong's: H3468
Word #: 8 of 8
liberty, deliverance, prosperity

Analysis & Commentary

The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation.

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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