2 Samuel 22

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2 Samuel 22:47-50,

“The Lord lives! Praise be to my Rock! Exalted be my God, the Rock, my Savior!

He is the God who avenges me, who puts the nations under me,
who sets me free from my enemies. You exalted me above my foes;

 from a violent man you rescued me. Therefore I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;

 I will sing the praises of your name…”

While this poem of David is found later in the book of 2 Samuel, chronologically it actually should be much earlier.  It was written after David had been king a few years and been delivered from the hands of Saul.  The whole poem is very similar to Psalm 18, the main difference being that Psalm 18 was structured for use in worship and this poem was strategically placed here in 2 Samuel to demonstrate the religious foundation of the king of Israel.  I find it interesting that it was placed so far into 2 Samuel, as the religious fervor of the king seems to actually be fading.  As we’ve seen over the last few chapters, David rarely inquires of the Lord and his life and nation are beginning to spiral.  And yet, whoever put this book together found it important to add this poem here, maybe as a reminder of what was or what should be.

The poem itself states the main point of the Law/Torah – obedience to God will lead to blessing.  More specifically, David’s point was that his obedience to God meant he was rewarded and delivered from his enemies.  This God is worthy of praise.

I’m grateful that we live on the other side of the cross, under the New Covenant.  The whole system of blessings and curses has been put aside for something so much better – the grace of Jesus Christ.  And I say, yes, this God is worthy of praise.

Let’s pray…Lord, you are a God worthy of praise.  We thank you for your love, your grace, and your forgiveness.  In Jesus’ Powerful Name, Amen.