2 Samuel 22 47

2 Samuel 22:47 kjv

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

2 Samuel 22:47 nkjv

"The LORD lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let God be exalted, The Rock of my salvation!

2 Samuel 22:47 niv

"The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be my God, the Rock, my Savior!

2 Samuel 22:47 esv

"The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock, and exalted be my God, the rock of my salvation,

2 Samuel 22:47 nlt

"The LORD lives! Praise to my Rock!
May God, the Rock of my salvation, be exalted!

2 Samuel 22 verses

2 Samuel 22 47 Meaning

This verse is a fervent acclamation of praise and worship from David, expressing profound trust and gratitude to God for His deliverance. It declares God's eternal, active existence and celebrates His immutable nature as a protective refuge and the singular source of salvation and victory. David joyfully recognizes God as the unshakeable foundation and constant provider of his security and triumph over enemies.

2 Samuel 22 47 Context

This verse is part of David's magnificent song of praise and thanksgiving to the LORD, recorded in its entirety in 2 Samuel chapter 22 (and almost identically in Psalm 18). David sings this song "on the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul." This context is crucial: it is a post-deliverance anthem. David, now established as king, reflects on a lifetime of warfare, betrayal, and constant threat, specifically mentioning the relentless pursuit by King Saul. The song acknowledges that every triumph, every survival, and his ultimate victory and establishment as king were solely due to God's intervention, not human strength or strategy. The historical background underscores the constant need for divine protection in ancient Israel's turbulent landscape and the importance of a stronghold for defense. David, as God's anointed king, recognizes his absolute dependence on Yahweh, portraying God not merely as a distant deity but as a personal refuge, deliverer, and secure foundation.

2 Samuel 22 47 Word analysis

• The LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH/Yahweh): This is God's covenant name, signifying His self-existence, eternal being, and unchanging faithfulness to His promises. It distinguishes Him as the one true, personal God who actively intervenes in history, in contrast to inanimate idols or fleeting human power.
• lives (חַי, Chai): A vibrant declaration of God's active, dynamic, and eternal existence. Unlike mortal beings or false gods who are inanimate, the LORD is eternally alive, powerful, and continually present to act on behalf of His people. It signifies His abiding power to give life and bring salvation.
• and blessed be (וּבָרוּךְ, uvarukh): From the root "barak," meaning to praise, adore, or invoke divine favor. Here, it is an exclamation of profound reverence and adoration, acknowledging God's inherent goodness, righteousness, and supreme worthiness of all honor. It’s a declaration of God’s goodness, not a request for Him to be blessed.
• my rock (צוּרִי, Tzuri): "Rock" (צוּר, Tzur) is a potent metaphor in ancient Near Eastern culture. It symbolizes God's absolute steadfastness, immutability, strength, and unwavering reliability. For David, a soldier and king constantly facing threats, a "rock" meant a secure fortress, a place of impenetrable defense, a dependable refuge, and a firm foundation. It underscores God's unyielding nature as a protector and defender in all circumstances.
• and exalted be (וְיָרֻם, veyarum): From "rum," meaning "to be high," "to be lifted up," or "to be supreme." This is an act of lifting up God in praise, recognizing His sovereignty, majesty, and transcendence above all earthly powers and creations. It celebrates His greatness and glorious reign.
• God (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): The generic but powerful Hebrew word for God, often used to convey His supreme power, authority, and role as Creator and sovereign ruler. In conjunction with Yahweh, it further emphasizes His divine omnipotence and absolute control.
• the rock of my salvation (צוּר יִשְׁעִי, Tzur Yish'i):
  • Rock (צוּר, Tzur): The repetition emphasizes the primary attribute of God as steadfast and unshakeable.
  • of my salvation (יִשְׁעִי, Yish'i): From "yesha," meaning "deliverance," "victory," or "help." This specifies how God functions as David's unwavering "Rock"—by providing complete rescue, triumph over enemies, and personal preservation. It clarifies that God is the source and active agent of every form of deliverance experienced by David.

Words-group analysis:

• "The LORD lives, and blessed be my rock": This initial phrase sets a tone of direct, personal, and profound worship. It begins with a theological affirmation of God's living and active nature, immediately followed by a personal declaration of His specific character as a secure refuge ("my rock") who deserves all blessing. This shows David's living faith connected to God's living character.
• "and exalted be God, the rock of my salvation": This expands and climaxes the praise. "Exalted be God" emphasizes His supreme glory and transcendence. The reintroduction of "the rock," specifically defined as "the rock of my salvation," powerfully ties God's immovable nature directly to His redemptive acts. It underscores that God's unwavering character is intrinsically linked to His power and willingness to deliver David completely.

2 Samuel 22 47 Bonus section

• Hebrew Poetry: The parallelism and repetition within the verse ("blessed be my rock" and "exalted be God, the rock of my salvation") are classic features of Hebrew poetry, enhancing its impact, reinforcing the message, and creating a memorable expression of devotion.
• Anthropomorphic Language: While calling God a "Rock" is anthropomorphic (ascribing human/physical qualities to God), it communicates profound spiritual truth about God's stable, protective, and unchangeable nature in a way that is easily grasped.
• Liturgical Significance: This verse, as part of Psalm 18, has been used throughout history in Jewish and Christian worship. It serves as a profound liturgical affirmation of God's character and His saving power, suitable for thanksgiving, personal devotion, and communal worship after deliverance.
• A Basis for Confidence: David's declaration provides a model for believers: in knowing that "The LORD lives" and is their unshakeable "Rock of salvation," one can face any challenge with divine confidence. It shifts reliance from self or circumstance to the eternally active God.

2 Samuel 22 47 Commentary

This verse encapsulates the very heart of David's worship: an unwavering trust in and adoration for a God who is eternally present and actively involved in the lives of His people. David does not praise a static concept, but a living God (Yahweh) who consistently proves Himself to be a steadfast "Rock"—a refuge, a stronghold, and an immovable foundation in the face of all threats. The repetition of "rock" underscores God's unyielding nature, a critical truth for anyone enduring trials. He is not merely "a rock" but "the rock of my salvation," emphasizing that all rescue, victory, and deliverance flow directly from His divine nature and power. This verse serves as a powerful testament that all ultimate security and triumph derive solely from God, inviting believers to likewise exalt Him as their unfailing source of hope and deliverance.