2 Samuel 22:47
The LORD lives, and blessed be my Rock! And may God, the Rock of my salvation, be exalted--
The LORD lives
This phrase is a powerful declaration of the eternal and unchanging nature of God. In Hebrew, "Yahweh chai" emphasizes the living, active presence of God in the world. Unlike the lifeless idols worshiped by surrounding nations, the God of Israel is alive and sovereign. This affirmation of God's vitality is a cornerstone of faith, reminding believers that God is not distant or dormant but actively involved in the lives of His people. Historically, this declaration would have been a profound encouragement to the Israelites, who often faced threats from nations with their own deities.

blessed be my Rock
The term "Rock" in Hebrew is "tsur," symbolizing strength, stability, and protection. In ancient times, rocks and cliffs were natural fortresses, providing refuge and defense against enemies. By calling God "my Rock," David acknowledges God's unwavering support and defense. This metaphor is deeply rooted in the Hebrew understanding of God as a reliable and unshakeable foundation. The blessing of God as "my Rock" is a call to recognize and praise His steadfastness and faithfulness in all circumstances.

And may God, the Rock of my salvation
Here, the phrase "Rock of my salvation" combines the imagery of a rock with the concept of deliverance. The Hebrew word for salvation, "yeshuah," implies rescue, safety, and victory. David attributes his deliverance from enemies and personal trials to God's intervention. This acknowledgment is not just about physical salvation but also spiritual deliverance, pointing to the ultimate salvation found in God. The historical context of David's life, filled with battles and personal struggles, underscores the depth of this declaration.

be exalted
The call for God to be exalted is a plea for His name and character to be lifted high and honored. In Hebrew, "rum" means to raise or elevate. This is not just a personal wish but a communal call for all to recognize God's supreme authority and majesty. Exalting God is an act of worship, acknowledging His rightful place above all creation. In the context of David's song, it is a response to God's faithfulness and deliverance, urging others to join in the praise and recognition of God's greatness.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The author of this song of praise, David is expressing his gratitude and reverence for God's deliverance and protection throughout his life.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal existence and faithfulness to His people.

3. Rock
A metaphor for God, symbolizing strength, stability, and protection. In Hebrew, the word "tsur" conveys the idea of a solid, unmovable foundation.

4. Salvation
Refers to God's deliverance of David from his enemies, both physical and spiritual.

5. Exaltation
The act of lifting up or glorifying God, acknowledging His supreme authority and power.
Teaching Points
God's Eternal Nature
Recognize that "The LORD lives" signifies God's eternal existence and unchanging nature. In a world of uncertainty, believers can find assurance in God's constancy.

God as Our Rock
Embrace the metaphor of God as a Rock, which provides a foundation of strength and security. In times of trouble, we can rely on His steadfastness.

Exalting God in Our Lives
Make it a daily practice to exalt God, acknowledging His role as the source of our salvation and strength. This can be done through prayer, worship, and obedience.

Salvation as Deliverance
Understand that salvation encompasses both physical and spiritual deliverance. Reflect on how God has delivered you in various aspects of your life.

Praise as a Response to Deliverance
Follow David's example by responding to God's deliverance with heartfelt praise and thanksgiving. Let gratitude shape your relationship with God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of God as a "Rock" influence your understanding of His character and role in your life?

2. In what ways can you actively exalt God in your daily routine, and how might this impact your spiritual growth?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's deliverance. How did you respond, and what can you learn from David's example of praise?

4. How does the concept of God as an eternal, living being provide comfort and assurance in your current circumstances?

5. Consider the connection between 2 Samuel 22:47 and other scriptures that describe God as a Rock. How do these passages collectively enhance your understanding of God's nature?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 18
This psalm is almost identical to 2 Samuel 22, highlighting the same themes of God's deliverance and David's praise.

Deuteronomy 32:4
Describes God as the Rock, perfect in His work, emphasizing His faithfulness and justice.

1 Corinthians 10:4
Paul refers to Christ as the spiritual Rock, drawing a parallel between the Old Testament imagery and the New Testament revelation of Jesus.

Isaiah 26:4
Encourages trust in the LORD forever, for He is an everlasting Rock, reinforcing the theme of God's eternal stability.
A Live Christ2 Samuel 22:47
Praise to God as the Ever Living SaviourG. Wood 2 Samuel 22:47
Abundant Cause for ThanksgivingChristian Endeavour Times2 Samuel 22:1-51
David's Song of PraiseB. Dale 2 Samuel 22:1-51
Psalm SingingA. Whyte, D. D.2 Samuel 22:1-51
The Song of ThanksgivingW. G. Blaikie, D. D.2 Samuel 22:1-51
People
David, Saul
Places
Gath
Topics
Blessed, Exalted, Honoured, Praise, Rock, Salvation, Savior
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Samuel 22:47

     1240   God, the Rock
     1320   God, as Saviour
     4354   rock
     5490   refuge

2 Samuel 22:2-51

     8609   prayer, as praise and thanksgiving

2 Samuel 22:47-51

     5849   exaltation
     8632   adoration

Library
David's Hymn of victory
'For Thou hast girded me with strength to battle: them that, rose up against me hast Thou subdued under me. 41. Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me. 42. They looked, but there was none to save; even unto the Lord, but He answered them not. 43. Then did I beat them as small as the dust of the earth, I did stamp them as the mire of the street, and did spread them abroad. 44. Thou also hast delivered me from the strivings of my people, Thou hast
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Mosaic Cosmogony.
ON the revival of science in the 16th century, some of the earliest conclusions at which philosophers arrived were found to be at variance with popular and long-established belief. The Ptolemaic system of astronomy, which had then full possession of the minds of men, contemplated the whole visible universe from the earth as the immovable centre of things. Copernicus changed the point of view, and placing the beholder in the sun, at once reduced the earth to an inconspicuous globule, a merely subordinate
Frederick Temple—Essays and Reviews: The Education of the World

The First Commandment
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.' Exod 20: 3. Why is the commandment in the second person singular, Thou? Why does not God say, You shall have no other gods? Because the commandment concerns every one, and God would have each one take it as spoken to him by name. Though we are forward to take privileges to ourselves, yet we are apt to shift off duties from ourselves to others; therefore the commandment is in the second person, Thou and Thou, that every one may know that it is spoken to him,
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

In the Present Crusade against the Bible and the Faith of Christian Men...
IN the present crusade against the Bible and the Faith of Christian men, the task of destroying confidence in the first chapter of Genesis has been undertaken by Mr. C. W. Goodwin, M.A. He requires us to "regard it as the speculation of some Hebrew Descartes or Newton, promulgated in all good faith as the best and most probable account that could be then given of God's Universe." (p. 252.) Mr. Goodwin remarks with scorn, that "we are asked to believe that a vision of Creation was presented to him
John William Burgon—Inspiration and Interpretation

A Discourse of Mercifulness
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7 These verses, like the stairs of Solomon's temple, cause our ascent to the holy of holies. We are now mounting up a step higher. Blessed are the merciful . . '. There was never more need to preach of mercifulness than in these unmerciful times wherein we live. It is reported in the life of Chrysostom that he preached much on this subject of mercifulness, and for his much pressing Christians to mercy, he was called of many, the alms-preacher,
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

The Ark among the Flags
'And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi. 2. And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months. 3. And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink. 4. And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him. 5. And the daughter of Pharaoh came
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Christ's Prophetic Office
'The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet,' &c. Deut 18:85. Having spoken of the person of Christ, we are next to speak of the offices of Christ. These are Prophetic, Priestly, and Regal. 'The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet.' Enunciatur hic locus de Christo. It is spoken of Christ.' There are several names given to Christ as a Prophet. He is called the Counsellor' in Isa 9:9. In uno Christo Angelus foederis completur [The Messenger of the Covenant appears in Christ alone].
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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