2 Samuel 22

The song of praise that David offered to God in 2 Samuel 22 is also recorded in Psalm 18.  While Psalm 18 may have been sung early in David's life and then had been recounted again in 2 Samuel 22 towards the end of his life, the consistency in both texts is yet another evidence of the reliability of the transmission of Scripture over time.

As we study the passages in this "Beauty for Ashes" series, some recurring themes and topics are starting to become clear, such as praise and salvation.  It's interesting to see that 2 Samuel 22 follows a similar structure as the last passage we studied, Psalm 147; in that it starts with Praise, then recounts what God has done, includes a reference to Creation and nature using powerful images of theophany, and then includes a contrast between deliverance for the humble whom God delights in and the casting down of the haughty.

It is an encouragement to be reminded that at times when we might feel like we are "drowning", "overwhelmed", "afraid", or even facing death, distress, disaster, or "enemies who [are] too strong for [us]"; we know that we have a God Who is our rock, fortress, and deliverer; Who hears our cries for help; and Who is able.