Hebrew-English Text
I. Summary
David sings a thanksgiving song praising God for saving him from his enemies.
II. Photo
David puts his trust in God: “With You, I can rush a barrier, With my God, I can scale a wall.” (v. 30)
III. Important Verses
1: David addressed the words of this song to the LORD, after the LORD had saved him from the hands of all his enemies and from the hands of Saul.
5-7: For the breakers of Death encompassed me, The torrents of Belial terrified me; The snares of Sheol encircled me, The toils of Death engulfed me. In my anguish I called on the LORD, Cried out to my God; In His Abode He heard my voice, My cry entered His ears.
8-11: Then the earth rocked and quaked, The foundations of heaven shook — Rocked by His indignation. Smoke went up from His nostrils, From His mouth came devouring fire; Live coals blazed forth from Him. He bent the sky and came down, Thick cloud beneath His feet. He mounted a cherub and flew; He was seen on the wings of the wind.
16: The bed of the sea was exposed, The foundations of the world were laid bare By the mighty roaring of the LORD, At the blast of the breath of His nostrils.
29-31: You, O LORD, are my lamp; The LORD lights up my darkness. With You, I can rush a barrier, With my God, I can scale a wall. The way of God is perfect, The word of the LORD is pure. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.
47-49: The LORD lives! Blessed is my rock! Exalted be God, the rock Who gives me victory; The God who has vindicated me And made peoples subject to me, Rescued me from my enemies, Raised me clear of my foes, Saved me from lawless men!
IV. Outline
1-2a. Introduction
2b. Invocation
2c-3. Account of trust
4-6. Account of trouble
7. Account of prayer and salvation
8-21. Theophany: God appeared from above and saved David from his enemies
22-28. Assertion of piety
29-37. Praise
38-46. Account of victory
47-51. Final praise
V. Comment
No comment today. Stay tuned.
(See Psalm 18)
VI. Works Used
(see “Commentaries” page)
Anderson, A. A. “2 Samuel” Word Biblical Commentary, vol. 11 (Waco Texas: Wordbooks, 1989).
Campbell, Antony F. “2 Samuel” The Forms of the Old Testament Literature, vol 8 (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Eedrdmans, 2005).
Collins, John J. “Introduction to the Hebrew Bible,” (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2004).
Photo taken from http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/06/29/travel/escapes/29Parkour.html