2 Samuel 22 49

2 Samuel 22:49 kjv

And that bringeth me forth from mine enemies: thou also hast lifted me up on high above them that rose up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man.

2 Samuel 22:49 nkjv

He delivers me from my enemies. You also lift me up above those who rise against me; You have delivered me from the violent man.

2 Samuel 22:49 niv

who sets me free from my enemies. You exalted me above my foes; from a violent man you rescued me.

2 Samuel 22:49 esv

who brought me out from my enemies; you exalted me above those who rose against me; you delivered me from men of violence.

2 Samuel 22:49 nlt

and delivers me from my enemies.
You hold me safe beyond the reach of my enemies;
you save me from violent opponents.

2 Samuel 22 verses

2 Samuel 22 49 Meaning

2 Samuel 22:49 is part of David's triumphant song of praise, echoing the sentiment of Psalm 18. It articulates God's active and comprehensive deliverance of David from all adversaries. The verse highlights not only the protection from enemies and violent men but also the divine exaltation that lifts David above his opposition, signifying complete victory and supremacy granted by God's hand. It emphasizes that salvation and triumph come solely from the Lord's intervention and power.

2 Samuel 22 49 Context

This verse is a line from David's profound "Song of Deliverance," recorded in 2 Samuel 22. This poetic praise hymn is also found, almost verbatim, as Psalm 18, testifying to its significance in the biblical narrative. The chapter begins with the explicit statement that "David spoke to the Lord the words of this song on the day when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul" (2 Sam 22:1). Thus, the immediate context is a deeply personal thanksgiving and theological reflection on God's unwavering faithfulness throughout David's tumultuous life.

Historically, David faced relentless persecution from Saul early in his life, constant warfare with surrounding nations like the Philistines, Ammonites, Edomites, and Arameans, and even betrayal and rebellion from within his own household, most notably by his son Absalom. The "violent man" (or men) and "enemies" reflect the lived reality of David's reign, where his existence and the very stability of his kingdom were continually challenged. This song is David's mature recognition that all his victories were not by his strength or cunning but by the Lord's direct intervention. Theologically, it posits God as the supreme Warrior and Deliverer for His anointed king and, by extension, for His people.

2 Samuel 22 49 Word analysis

• "He delivers" (Hebrew: יְפַלְּטֵנִי, yəpalleṭēnî): From the root פָּלַט (palat), meaning "to escape," "to deliver," or "to rescue swiftly." It suggests being snatched out of a precarious situation, emphasizing the urgency and completeness of God's saving act. This verb highlights God's immediate, effective action.

• "me": Refers to David directly. In the broader biblical context, David often represents God's people or even the Messiah, making this deliverance a pattern for all believers.

• "from my enemies" (Hebrew: מֵאֹיְבַי, mēʾōyəvay): This general term encompasses all who stood against David—Saul, foreign armies, treacherous individuals. It speaks to comprehensive opposition, from which God provides comprehensive liberation. The "from" signifies separation and freedom.

• "You indeed lift me above" (Hebrew: תְּרוֹמְמֵנִי, tərōməmnēnî): From the root רוּם (rum), meaning "to be high," "to exalt," "to lift up." This is a powerful shift from the general "He delivers" to a direct address "You," indicating an intimate, personal acknowledgment of God's active role. "Lifting above" denotes not just survival but exaltation, supremacy, and victory over adversaries, implying establishment of dominance.

• "those who rise against me" (Hebrew: מִקָּמַי, miqqāmay): This refers to adversaries who aggressively "rise up" or "stand against" with hostile intent. It emphasizes confrontational and intentional opposition.

• "You rescue me" (Hebrew: תַּצִּילֵנִי, taṣṣîlēnî): From the root נָצַל (naṣal), meaning "to deliver," "to snatch away," "to pull out." It conveys a strong sense of pulling someone out of immediate danger or oppression. It reinforces the theme of active intervention by God, much like the first "delivers" but perhaps with a slightly stronger sense of imminent threat and a hand of help.

• "from the man of violence" (Hebrew: מֵאִישׁ חֲמָסִים, mēʾîš ḥamāsîm): The singular "man" often implies a specific, highly aggressive individual (e.g., Saul, or perhaps even Goliath), but "violences" (plural, ḥamāsîm) often denotes a person characterized by multiple acts of cruelty, injustice, oppression, or lawless behavior. It pinpoints the nature of the specific threat as fundamentally destructive and immoral.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "He delivers me from my enemies; You indeed lift me above those who rise against me": This poetic parallelism shows a progression. The first clause ("He delivers") speaks of God's general protective deliverance from the broad category of "enemies." The second clause intensifies this by stating God doesn't just deliver from, but lifts above, indicating a triumph and ascendancy over those who specifically "rise against" with active hostility. The shift from "He" to "You" also signifies David's personal worship and address to God.
  • "You rescue me from the violent man": This phrase reiterates the deliverance aspect but specifies the nature of the adversary. "The violent man" represents the embodiment of malicious oppression, injustice, and physical harm. God's "rescue" from such a person emphasizes divine intervention in dire, oppressive circumstances, underscoring His justice and protective nature for His anointed.

2 Samuel 22 49 Bonus section

This verse, being part of Psalm 18 as well, holds a unique place in biblical poetry, illustrating a "Royal Psalm" where the king's experience is interwoven with divine kingship. The language used reflects ancient Near Eastern concepts of a divine warrior defending his chosen ruler, but in this case, it is Yahweh, the one true God, who performs these acts, setting Him apart from the passive deities of other nations. The emphasis on God actively "lifting" David above his enemies points to a conferral of status and authority that only God can grant. It's not just escaping danger, but reigning victoriously over those who posed a threat, a picture that beautifully foreshadows the total victory and sovereign rule of Christ. The progression from the third person ("He delivers") to the direct second person ("You lift," "You rescue") enhances the intimate, personal nature of David's relationship with God, highlighting his deep gratitude and direct dependence.

2 Samuel 22 49 Commentary

2 Samuel 22:49 is a resounding declaration of David's faith and the core tenet of his kingship: God is his sole source of salvation, strength, and triumph. It transcends a mere historical recounting of victories, serving as a profound theological statement that success, exaltation, and protection are divinely granted, not earned by human might. The repeated themes of "deliver," "lift above," and "rescue" paint a comprehensive picture of God's sovereign power over all opposition. David, the chosen king, represents the Lord's anointed, whose safety and authority are divinely guaranteed. This verse not only celebrates David's personal experience but also prefigures the ultimate deliverance and exaltation found in the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who was raised and seated at God's right hand, above every authority and power, having decisively triumphed over sin, death, and evil. It reminds believers that true safety and ultimate victory come from acknowledging God's active presence and power in overcoming every enemy, visible or unseen.

Examples:

• In facing spiritual oppression or temptation, recognizing God as the one who delivers.
• When navigating difficult circumstances, trusting that God can lift us above challenges, not just out of them.
• In moments of feeling overwhelmed by injustice, remembering that God rescues from "the violent man."