Shmuel II Chapter 22 | David’s Song of Praise

In this chapter, David sings of God’s kindness that He has shown by responding to his prayers and saving him. Like other songs of gratitude, it begins with a scene of distress, followed by a cry for help, and God's response in saving him. At the beginning of the song, God’s assistance is described directly through His actions: "The Lord thundered from the heavens; the Most High raised His voice; He shot arrows to scatter them, lightning bolts to rout them." In the second part of the song, David acts independently, yet with the understanding that his strength comes from God: "He makes my legs like a deer’s and stands me on the heights. He trains my hands for battle so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze."

The structure of the song is a concentric composition of 13 segments (a diagram from עולם התנך is included), with the central message of the song being: “For all His laws are before me; I will not turn away from His statutes.” God saves those who heed His laws. Throughout the song, David speaks of his successes but always attributes them to God. Even when referring to himself as king, he emphasizes that he is not a regular king but also God’s representative. He recognizes that he does not stand by his own merit. In this way, the song is not only a song of gratitude but also a reflection on divine providence, filled with faith in God and great humility.

This song also appears with slight variations (Abarbanel identifies 74 small and large differences) in Tehillim Chapter 18. It seems that it was also included in Tehillim to serve as a song for future generations. 

Diagram of Concentric Composition >>