2 Samuel 22 2

2 Samuel 22:2 kjv

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

2 Samuel 22:2 nkjv

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

2 Samuel 22:2 niv

He said: "The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;

2 Samuel 22:2 esv

He said, "The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,

2 Samuel 22:2 nlt

He sang: "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;

2 Samuel 22 verses

2 Samuel 22 2 Meaning

This verse serves as David's profound and personal declaration of God's unwavering nature and role in his life. It states that the LORD (YHWH) is exclusively and absolutely his source of unwavering stability, an impenetrable stronghold, and the active agent of rescue from every peril. It reflects an experiential faith, born out of consistent divine deliverance from numerous enemies and dangers throughout his life.

2 Samuel 22 2 Context

This verse initiates David's deeply personal "song" (also recorded as Ps 18), a profound expression of thanksgiving and praise to YHWH for His complete deliverance. The introductory verse, 2 Sam 22:1, explicitly states the context: "the day that the LORD had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul." Thus, this song is not merely a poetic declaration but a testimonial summation of David's life, characterized by constant threats—from the relentless pursuit by King Saul, the Philistines, and various other adversaries—and YHWH's consistent, tangible interventions. It reflects a theology forged in the crucible of real-life experiences of peril and divine rescue.

2 Samuel 22 2 Word analysis

• And he said: Identifies David as the speaker, making this a personal testament. This is David's reflection on his experiences and the nature of God as revealed to him.
• The LORD: Hebrew YHWH (יהוה), the sacred, personal, and covenantal name of God. It denotes His self-existent, unchanging nature and His intimate relationship with Israel. This is not a generic god but the specific God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob who fulfills His promises.
• is: The simple declarative verb highlights an absolute truth and identity. God is these things, not merely analogous to them; they describe His essence and how He functions for His people.
• my rock: Hebrew Tzur (צוּר). This powerful metaphor signifies absolute steadfastness, stability, and reliability. In ancient times, a rock offered shelter, a firm foundation, and an impregnable place of refuge. It conveys God's unwavering character, His enduring presence, and the unshakeable ground He provides for His people. It contrasts with anything temporary or unreliable.
• my fortress: Hebrew Metzudah (מְצוּדָה). This term refers to a high, inaccessible stronghold, a citadel, or a fortified place often on elevated terrain. It evokes imagery of security, protection, and a defensive structure that offers refuge from besieging enemies. It describes God as the impenetrable barrier that surrounds and lifts His servant above the reach of danger, ensuring ultimate security.
• my deliverer: Hebrew from Palat (פָּלָט), often found in the piel form mefalleṭ meaning 'to cause to escape' or 'to deliver'. This points to God's active, dynamic role in bringing salvation. It emphasizes that God is not only a static protector but also an agent who intervenes to snatch one from danger, rescue from oppression, and lead to freedom. This is the culmination of the prior images, as God doesn't just offer protection, but actively performs the rescue.

2 Samuel 22 2 Bonus section

• Literary Link: This verse is virtually identical to Psalm 18:2, confirming its significance as a core expression of Davidic theology and Israel's understanding of God's protective nature.
• Metaphorical Richness: The progression of "rock" (static stability) to "fortress" (active defense) to "deliverer" (dynamic rescue) shows increasing degrees of divine intervention and multifaceted aid, revealing God as both the enduring foundation and the responsive savior.
• Polemics against Idolatry: In the context of the ancient Near East, where people often sought protection and prosperity from various localized or specialized gods, David's declaration directs all forms of ultimate security, stability, and deliverance solely to YHWH, subtly critiquing the inadequacy of pagan deities or reliance on human alliances.
• Personal Possession: The repeated use of the possessive "my" emphasizes the deep, intimate, and covenantal relationship David experienced with YHWH, highlighting a personal trust born of numerous miraculous deliverances.

2 Samuel 22 2 Commentary

2 Samuel 22:2 serves as the theological bedrock of David's magnificent psalm of thanksgiving. It encapsulates his entire lived experience with God: David declares YHWH as his absolute, multifaceted source of safety, strength, and salvation. "My rock" speaks to God's unyielding nature and the secure foundation He provides, on which David's very existence and kingship are established. "My fortress" depicts God as an impenetrable sanctuary, a place of ultimate defense and security against all adversaries, a reflection of David's numerous escapes from Saul and various armies. Finally, "my deliverer" highlights God's active intervention and personal rescue, underscoring His dynamic power to save from imminent peril and oppression. This concise yet comprehensive confession distinguishes YHWH as the sole, reliable, and active power in David's life, in stark contrast to the futile reliance on human strength or pagan deities. It is a timeless declaration of trust in the One true God for complete safety and rescue.