2 Samuel 22 39

2 Samuel 22:39 kjv

And I have consumed them, and wounded them, that they could not arise: yea, they are fallen under my feet.

2 Samuel 22:39 nkjv

And I have destroyed them and wounded them, So that they could not rise; They have fallen under my feet.

2 Samuel 22:39 niv

I crushed them completely, and they could not rise; they fell beneath my feet.

2 Samuel 22:39 esv

I consumed them; I thrust them through, so that they did not rise; they fell under my feet.

2 Samuel 22:39 nlt

I consumed them;
I struck them down so they did not get up;
they fell beneath my feet.

2 Samuel 22 verses

2 Samuel 22 39 Meaning

This verse declares the absolute and irreversible defeat of David's enemies. Through divine strength, David has completely destroyed and broken his adversaries, rendering them incapable of recovering or standing against him again. Their subjugation is total and permanent, symbolized by their complete submission and prostration "under his feet," signifying triumph and dominion.

2 Samuel 22 39 Context

This verse is part of "David's Song of Deliverance," which occupies the entirety of 2 Samuel chapter 22 and is virtually identical to Psalm 18. This song is a psalm of thanksgiving, composed by David to express his profound gratitude and praise to God for delivering him from the hands of all his enemies, including King Saul. Historically, it is likely recited at a mature stage of David's reign, looking back over a lifetime of battles and triumphs where God proved to be his ultimate strength and deliverer. Culturally, the imagery used reflects ancient Near Eastern warfare, where total annihilation of enemies and ceremonial placement of a foot on a vanquished foe signified absolute dominion and ensured there would be no resurgence of threat.

2 Samuel 22 39 Word analysis

• I have consumed them:

  • Hebrew: ’ăḵallēm (אֲכַלֵּם) from the root kālâh (כָּלָה).
  • Significance: Denotes finishing, bringing to an end, or utterly annihilating. It emphasizes the complete and decisive nature of the destruction. Though "I" (David) is the speaker, the ultimate power is understood to be from God who empowered David.

• and shattered them:

  • Hebrew: wā’ăḥiṭēm (וָאֲחִיתֵם) from the root ḥātat (חָתַת).
  • Significance: To break into pieces, to dismay, to be utterly broken. The hiphil (causative) form means "I caused them to be shattered." This imagery evokes extreme violence and renders the enemy helpless, emphasizing that they are broken beyond repair.

• so that they cannot rise:

  • Hebrew: wəlō’ yāqûmû (וְלֹא יָקוּמוּ) from qûm (קוּם).
  • Significance: Highlights the permanence of their defeat. They are incapable of standing up again, recovering, or posing any further threat. Their power is perpetually broken. This emphasizes the finality of the victory.

• they have fallen:

  • Hebrew: wayyipəllû (וַיִּפְּלוּ) from nāphal (נָפַל).
  • Significance: Denotes collapse, prostration, or perishing. It signifies their complete overthrow and helpless state on the ground, having no power to resist.

• under my feet:

  • Hebrew: taḥat raḡlāy (תַּחַת רַגְלָי).
  • Significance: This is a powerful metaphor for absolute subjugation, complete victory, and ultimate dominion. In the ancient world, placing one's foot on a conquered enemy's neck was a literal act of public humiliation and declaration of complete mastery. It symbolizes the enemy being reduced to a footstool, fully under the victor's authority, stripped of all power and dignity.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "I have consumed them and shattered them": These twin active verbs describe David's decisive action against the enemies, emphasizing comprehensive destruction. This highlights God's power acting through His chosen vessel to bring about their demise.
  • "so that they cannot rise; they have fallen": This segment outlines the devastating consequences of David's actions, emphasizing the enemy's utter powerlessness and permanent defeat. It transitions from active destruction to the enduring state of the vanquished.
  • "under my feet": This concluding phrase provides a vivid image of total and undeniable dominion. It’s a powerful declaration of triumph, indicating not just defeat but utter humiliation and submission of the enemies. This image foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory and authority over all opposing forces.

2 Samuel 22 39 Bonus section

This verse stands as a testament to God's faithfulness in upholding His covenant promises to David. The intensity of the language reflects the seriousness of the threats David faced, portraying his survival and ultimate victory as nothing less than a divine miracle. From a theological perspective, David serves as a type of Christ; his victories foreshadow the Lord Jesus Christ's ultimate triumph over every power opposed to God. This victory is not just military but represents the Lord's establishment of justice and righteous dominion through His anointed.

2 Samuel 22 39 Commentary

2 Samuel 22:39 encapsulates the definitive nature of the victory God granted David over all his enemies. It asserts that David, empowered by God, has not merely defeated his adversaries but has utterly consumed, shattered, and permanently rendered them powerless to rise again. The potent imagery of foes "fallen under my feet" visually proclaims total subjugation and undisputed dominion, underscoring that divine power was so comprehensive that no vestige of their threat remained. This profound declaration of God-given triumph highlights David's secure position as king and points prophetically to the Messiah's ultimate and complete dominion over sin, death, and all spiritual enemies.