II Samuel 22
Dear RTB’ers,
My Study Bible noted that this Psalm was probably written after David’s victories over Saul (and possibly other enemies), but before his sin with Bathsheba. Two sets of verses today confirm that likelihood. First, his victories, wherein he acknowledged the Lord’s hand in his deliverance: He rescued me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me … but the LORD was my support …He rescued me, because He delighted in me. (vv. 18-20) Then David speaks of his “righteousness” – his desire to serve the Lord and be right before Him: The LORD dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he rewarded me. For I have kept the ways of the LORD and have not wickedly departed from my God. … from His statutes I did not turn aside. I was blameless before Him and I kept myself from guilt. And the LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to my cleanness in His sight. (vv. 21-25) David sounds almost arrogant in these five verses. Maybe it’s his youth speaking out; as noted above, he has not yet met his Bathsheba difficulties.
The Psalm is included in the Psaltery as Psalm 18. We read that last year in mid-July (the 16th and 17th). Hopefully John can provide that link. Therein I explored today’s reading in greater detail.
For now, one other item struck me, a very small item: … people whom I had not known served me. (v. 44b) This is David in all his humility. He knows that he has been taken from his shepherding, chosen by the Lord as the youngest in his family, and even in his relative youth has attained to a level that he could not have imagined. People he had not known serve him. Amazing! To come from nowhere to be raised on high. I think of Harry Truman, of Bill Clinton, of Ronald Reagan and many others – all with common roots who rose to the highest position in our country. For this I will praise You, O LORD, among the nations and sing praises to Your name. (v. 50) A good closing.
Blessings!
See also: