2 Samuel 22 38

2 Samuel 22:38 kjv

I have pursued mine enemies, and destroyed them; and turned not again until I had consumed them.

2 Samuel 22:38 nkjv

"I have pursued my enemies and destroyed them; Neither did I turn back again till they were destroyed.

2 Samuel 22:38 niv

"I pursued my enemies and crushed them; I did not turn back till they were destroyed.

2 Samuel 22:38 esv

I pursued my enemies and destroyed them, and did not turn back until they were consumed.

2 Samuel 22:38 nlt

"I chased my enemies and destroyed them;
I did not stop until they were conquered.

2 Samuel 22 verses

2 Samuel 22 38 Meaning

This verse declares King David's decisive and comprehensive victories over his adversaries, attributing his ability to pursue and utterly defeat them to divine enablement. It portrays a complete and unwavering triumph, where enemies were not merely repelled but were thoroughly vanquished and eliminated as a threat.

2 Samuel 22 38 Context

This verse is part of David's extended song of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord, recorded in 2 Samuel chapter 22, which is almost identical to Psalm 18. This song is delivered "on the day when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul." It marks the culmination of David's trials and a testament to God's unfailing protection and empowerment throughout his reign, particularly in his many military campaigns. The verses preceding this declare God's intervention, His might, and His active role in training David for battle and delivering him from treacherous adversaries. This verse, therefore, highlights the completeness of the victory God granted, echoing the themes of divine deliverance, strength, and unwavering support. It's a statement not of self-glorification but of attributing all success to God.

2 Samuel 22 38 Word analysis

• I have pursued (רָדַפְתִּי, radaph'ti): The Hebrew verb radaph means "to chase," "to follow after," or "to pursue." In this context, it implies an active, determined, and relentless following of enemies beyond a mere retreat, ensuring their utter defeat. It signifies an initiative to confront and overcome rather than simply defend.
• my enemies (אֹיְבַי, oy'vay): Refers to David's personal and national adversaries. These enemies were often seen as opponents of God's chosen king and thus indirectly as enemies of God's covenant plan. The phrasing suggests a direct, personal conflict that God enabled David to overcome.
• and destroyed them (וָאַשְׂמִידֵם, va'ash'mi'dem): The verb shamad means "to be annihilated," "to be exterminated," "to be cut off," or "to be wiped out." It indicates a complete and utter end to the enemies' power or existence as a threat. It goes beyond mere defeat, signifying termination and eradication. This thoroughness is a testament to the divine power behind David.
• I have not turned back (וְלֹא שָֽׁבְתִּי, v'lo shav'ti): The phrase lo shav'ti means "I did not return," or "I did not turn back." It signifies unyielding determination and persistent pursuit until the objective was fully achieved. It highlights David's resolve and the completeness of the campaign God empowered him to execute, leaving no unfinished business or lingering threat.
• till they were consumed (עַד כַּלּוֹתָם, ad kal'lo'tam): The word kalah means "to be complete," "to be finished," "to be spent," or "to be utterly gone." It emphasizes the finality of the enemies' demise. They were pursued and battled until nothing was left of their threat or presence. This absolute vanquishing further highlights the divine strength bestowed upon David.
• Phrase Analysis: "I have pursued my enemies and destroyed them": This phrase encapsulates the decisive nature of the military victories. It indicates proactive engagement (pursuit) and comprehensive triumph (destruction), directly attributing the effectiveness of David's actions to God's power working through him. It is a testament to God enabling David not just to survive but to conquer completely.
• Phrase Analysis: "I have not turned back till they were consumed": This emphasizes the unyielding commitment and completeness of the victory. There was no retreat or incomplete work; the task was seen through to the very end, until the enemies were no longer a threat. This signifies the depth of divine assistance that enabled David to finish the conflict decisively.

2 Samuel 22 38 Bonus section

This verse, being part of David's hymn of praise (almost identical to Psalm 18), showcases a characteristic theological theme: attributing military success and personal deliverance entirely to the Lord. This contrasts sharply with the common ancient Near Eastern practice of kings boasting solely in their own strength or the power of their idols. David consistently acknowledges Yahweh as the true source of his might, protection, and victory. The thoroughness of the victory—pursuit, destruction, and consumption—is a reflection of God's sovereign and ultimate power over all opposition. This also serves as a model for spiritual warfare, where believers, empowered by Christ, are called to pursue spiritual enemies (sin, temptation) with diligence, not turning back until the victory, granted by God, is complete in their lives.

2 Samuel 22 38 Commentary

This verse stands as a powerful declaration within David's song of deliverance, emphasizing God's equipping and empowering role in his military successes. David, a renowned warrior, openly credits the Lord for his ability not merely to fight, but to thoroughly pursue and annihilate his enemies. It showcases a total victory where no adversary remained, attributing this completeness to divine strength that enabled relentless pursuit and ultimate destruction. This verse prefigures the greater triumph of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who perfectly accomplished God's will by utterly vanquishing the spiritual enemies of sin, death, and Satan, ensuring a complete and final redemption for His people, a victory from which He "will not turn back" until all things are consummated.