1 And David spake unto the Lord the words of this song in the day that the Lord had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, and out of the hand of Saul:

And he said, The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;

The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.

I will call on the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

When the waves of death compassed me, the floods of ungodly men made me afraid;

The sorrows of hell compassed me about; the snares of death prevented me;

In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears.

Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations of heaven moved and shook, because he was wroth.

There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it.

10 He bowed the heavens also, and came down; and darkness was under his feet.

11 And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: and he was seen upon the wings of the wind.

12 And he made darkness pavilions round about him, dark waters, and thick clouds of the skies.

13 Through the brightness before him were coals of fire kindled.

14 The Lord thundered from heaven, and the most High uttered his voice.

15 And he sent out arrows, and scattered them; lightning, and discomfited them.

16 And the channels of the sea appeared, the foundations of the world were discovered, at the rebuking of the Lord, at the blast of the breath of his nostrils.

17 He sent from above, he took me; he drew me out of many waters;

18 He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them that hated me: for they were too strong for me.

19 They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the Lord was my stay.

20 He brought me forth also into a large place: he delivered me, because he delighted in me.

21 The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me.

22 For I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God.

23 For all his judgments were before me: and as for his statutes, I did not depart from them.

24 I was also upright before him, and have kept myself from mine iniquity.

25 Therefore the Lord hath recompensed me according to my righteousness; according to my cleanness in his eye sight.

26 With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful, and with the upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright.

27 With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself unsavoury.

28 And the afflicted people thou wilt save: but thine eyes are upon the haughty, that thou mayest bring them down.

29 For thou art my lamp, O Lord: and the Lord will lighten my darkness.

30 For by thee I have run through a troop: by my God have I leaped over a wall.

31 As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.

32 For who is God, save the Lord? and who is a rock, save our God?

33 God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.

34 He maketh my feet like hinds' feet: and setteth me upon my high places.

35 He teacheth my hands to war; so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.

36 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy gentleness hath made me great.

37 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me; so that my feet did not slip.

38 I have pursued mine enemies, and destroyed them; and turned not again until I had consumed them.

39 And I have consumed them, and wounded them, that they could not arise: yea, they are fallen under my feet.

40 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 kept me to be head of the heathen: a people which I knew not shall serve me.

45 Strangers shall submit themselves unto me: as soon as they hear, they shall be obedient unto me.

46 Strangers shall fade away, and they shall be afraid out of their close places.

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

48 It is God that avengeth me, and that bringeth down the people under me.

49 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.

50 Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name.

51 He is the tower of salvation for his king: and sheweth mercy to his anointed, unto David, and to his seed for evermore.

Commentary

Verse 1

McArther Bible Commentary
David's song of praise here is almost identical to Psalm 18 and forms the third inset. This song also has many verbal links to Hannah's prayer (see note on 1Sa 2:1-10) and, together with it, forms the framework for the books of Samuel. This song focuses on the Lord's deliverance of David from all his enemies, in response to which David praised the Lord, his deliverer (2Sa 22:2-4). The major part of the song (2Sa 22:5-46) states the reason for this praise of the Lord. David first describes how the Lord had delivered him from his enemies (2Sa 22:5-20), then declares why the Lord had delivered him from his enemies (2Sa 22:21-28), and then states the extent of the Lord's deliverance from his enemies (2Sa 22:29-46). The song concludes with David's resolve to praise his delivering Lord, even among the Gentiles (2Sa 22:47-51). See notes on Psa 18:1-50 for a detailed explanation.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 15:1 Deuteronomy 31:30 1 Chronicles 16:7 Psalm 18:1 Psalm 18:2

Verse 2

McArther Bible Commentary
This introduction contains the sum and substance of the whole psalm; David extols God as his defense, refuge, and deliverer in the many experiences of his agitated life.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 23:25 1 Samuel 24:2 2 Samuel 22:32 2 Samuel 22:33 2 Samuel 23:3 Psalm 31:3 Psalm 71:3 Proverbs 18:10

Verse 3

McArther Bible Commentary
shield. See Gen 15:1; Deu 33:29. horn. See note on 1Sa 2:1. stronghold. A secure, lofty retreat that the enemy finds inaccessible. As such, the Lord is the refuge of His chosen one, secure from all hostile attacks.
Bible Cross References
Luke 1:69 Genesis 15:1 Deuteronomy 32:4 Deuteronomy 32:37 Deuteronomy 33:29 1 Samuel 2:2 2 Samuel 22:31 2 Samuel 22:47 2 Samuel 23:3 Psalm 9:9 Psalm 59:16 Proverbs 18:10

Verse 4

Bible Cross References
Psalm 48:1 Psalm 96:4

Verse 5

McArther Bible Commentary
David described how he cried to the Lord in the midst of his distress.
Bible Cross References
Luke 21:20 Psalm 69:14 Psalm 69:15 Psalm 93:4 Jonah 2:3

Verse 6

Bible Cross References
Luke 21:20 Psalm 116:3

Verse 7

McArther Bible Commentary
distress. The particular trouble David was referring to was the potential of his imminent death (2Sa 22:5-6). His temple. God's heavenly dwelling place (cf. Psa 11:4; Psa 29:9).
Bible Cross References
Psalm 116:4 Psalm 120:1

Verse 8

McArther Bible Commentary
In reaffirming the great majesty of God, David described His coming in power from heaven to earth (cf. Exo 19:16-20; Eze 1:4-28; Hab 3:3-15).
Bible Cross References
Judges 5:4 Job 26:11 Psalm 68:8 Psalm 97:4 Nahum 1:5

Verse 9

Bible Cross References
Hebrews 12:29 2 Samuel 22:13 Psalm 97:3

Verse 10

Bible Cross References
Exodus 19:16 1 Kings 8:12 Psalm 97:2 Nahum 1:3

Verse 11

Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 6:2 Psalm 18:10 Psalm 104:3

Verse 12

Bible Cross References
1 Kings 20:12 Job 36:29

Verse 13

Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 22:9 2 Samuel 22:14

Verse 14

McArther Bible Commentary
The Lord thundered. See note on 1Sa 7:10.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 2:10 1 Samuel 7:10 Job 37:2 Psalm 29:3

Verse 15

Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 32:23 Joshua 10:10 1 Samuel 7:10

Verse 16

Bible Cross References
Exodus 15:8 Micah 6:2 Nahum 1:4

Verse 17

McArther Bible Commentary
In personalizing what was just said in verses 2Sa 22:8-16, David explained how God reached down from heaven to save him on the earth.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 2:10 2 Samuel 22:18 Psalm 144:7

Verse 18

Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 22:17 2 Samuel 22:19

Verse 19

Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 22:18 Psalm 23:4

Verse 20

McArther Bible Commentary
He delighted in me. This expression that the Lord was "pleased" with David (cf. 2Sa 15:26) provided a transition to verses 2Sa 22:21-28, where David described the basis of God's saving deliverance.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 15:26 2 Samuel 22:37 Psalm 31:8 Psalm 118:5

Verse 21

McArther Bible Commentary
David was not claiming to be righteous or sinless in any absolute sense. Rather, David (1) believed God, (2) was considered righteous by faith, and (3) desired to please the Lord and be obedient to His commands. Thus he was blameless when compared with his enemies.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 26:23 2 Samuel 22:25 1 Kings 8:32 Psalm 24:4 Proverbs 11:31

Verse 22

Bible Cross References
Genesis 18:19 Psalm 128:1 Proverbs 8:32

Verse 23

Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 6:6 Psalm 119:30 Psalm 119:102

Verse 24

Bible Cross References
Ephesians 1:4 Colossians 1:21 Colossians 1:22 Genesis 6:9 Genesis 7:1

Verse 25

Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 22:21 Proverbs 11:31

Verse 26

McArther Bible Commentary
David stated the basic principles that the Lord follows in delivering or judging people.
Bible Cross References
Matthew 5:7 2 Samuel 22:27

Verse 27

Bible Cross References
Matthew 5:8 Romans 1:28 1 John 3:3 Leviticus 26:23 Leviticus 26:24

Verse 28

McArther Bible Commentary
humble … haughty. For the idea that the Lord saves the humble but brings the proud low, see also 1Sa 2:4-7.
Bible Cross References
Luke 14:11 Exodus 3:7 Exodus 3:8 Psalm 72:12 Psalm 72:13 Psalm 131:1 Isaiah 2:11 Isaiah 2:12 Isaiah 5:15

Verse 29

McArther Bible Commentary
Empowered by God (2Sa 22:29-37), David was able to gain total victory over his enemies (2Sa 22:38-43), both in Israel and throughout the nations (2Sa 22:44-46).
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 21:17 1 Kings 11:36 Psalm 27:1

Verse 30

Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 5:6 2 Samuel 22:31

Verse 31

Bible Cross References
Matthew 5:48 Deuteronomy 32:4 2 Samuel 22:3 Psalm 12:6 Psalm 84:9 Psalm 119:140 Proverbs 30:5

Verse 32

Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 2:2 2 Samuel 22:2

Verse 33

Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 22:2 Psalm 31:3 Psalm 31:4

Verse 34

Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 32:13 2 Samuel 2:18 Habakkuk 3:19

Verse 35

Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 17:45 Job 20:24 Psalm 18:34 Psalm 144:1

Verse 36

Bible Cross References
Ephesians 6:16 Ephesians 6:17

Verse 37

Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 22:20 Proverbs 4:12

Verse 38

Bible Cross References
Exodus 15:9 2 Samuel 22:39

Verse 39

Bible Cross References
Malachi 4:3 2 Samuel 22:40

Verse 40

Bible Cross References
Psalm 44:5 Psalm 109:19

Verse 41

Bible Cross References
Exodus 23:27 Joshua 10:24

Verse 42

Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 28:6 Isaiah 1:15 Isaiah 17:7 Isaiah 17:8

Verse 43

Bible Cross References
2 Kings 13:7 Isaiah 10:6 Isaiah 41:2 Isaiah 41:25 Micah 7:10 Zechariah 10:5

Verse 44

Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 3:1 2 Samuel 8:1 2 Samuel 19:9 2 Samuel 19:14 Isaiah 55:5

Verse 45

Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 33:29 Psalm 66:3 Psalm 81:15

Verse 46

Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 14:11 Micah 7:17

Verse 47

Bible Cross References
Exodus 15:2 2 Samuel 22:3 Psalm 89:26

Verse 48

Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 24:12 1 Samuel 25:39 2 Samuel 4:8 Psalm 94:1 Psalm 144:2

Verse 49

Bible Cross References
Psalm 44:5 Psalm 140:1 Psalm 140:4

Verse 50

McArther Bible Commentary
Paul quotes this in Rom 15:9.
Bible Cross References
Romans 15:9 2 Samuel 22:51

Verse 51

McArther Bible Commentary
His king … His anointed. These terms are singular and, thus, do not seem to refer to David and his descendants. Rather, they refer to the promised "seed," the Messiah of 2Sa 7:12. The deliverance and ultimate triumph of David foreshadow that of the coming Messiah. At the end of his life, David looked back in faith at God's promises and forward in hope to their fulfillment in the coming of a future king, the "anointed one" (see notes on 1Sa 2:10).
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 7:12 Psalm 89:24 Psalm 144:10