Daily reading assignment: 2 Samuel 22-23, Psalm 57
Today’s devotional commentary will focus solely on 2 Samuel 22.
2 Samuel 22 and Psalm 18 are mirror images of one another with the overriding theme being one of thanksgiving for the LORD’S giving David victory over his enemies.
I titled today’s devotional, “Who is the LORD?” because 2 Samuel 22 is an exposition of God, His character, personality, and attributes. Consider the attributes of the LORD David reveals in this song of thanksgiving.
Make today’s Scripture reading personally applicable by employing this phrase: “The LORD is my____________” (inserting the attribute of God’s nature David reveals throughout 2 Samuel 22).
For example, when I read 2 Samuel 22:2, “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer,” the amplification and application of that verse for me is:
The LORD [Who is Jehovah; Eternal, Self-existing God] is my Rock, Fortress, and Deliverer (22:2). The LORD is my stronghold, my strength, and my stability in times of trouble.
In verse 3 I read, The LORD is my Refuge, Rock, Shield, Salvation, and my Savior (22:3).
My LORD is worthy of praise (22:4). He is my Defender when enemies rush in upon me like the waves of a troubled sea (22:5). The LORD is my Deliverer, and in my distress He hears my cry (22:6-20).
When I walk with integrity, the LORD is my Rewarder; He honors those who walk in righteousness and keep His laws (22:21-25).
My LORD is a Just judge who rewards His people according to their ways and works (22:26-28).
Looking back on his wilderness years, David found the LORD to be his Light in the midst of darkness (22:29) and his Strength when he faced adversaries (22:30-35).
What might David’s reflections and ponderings on the character of God hold for you? Maybe you are thinking, “I am glad David experienced victory over his enemies and trials, but what about my life? What about my times of trouble and uncertainty?”
Consider 2 Samuel 22:31-33 as the answer to those questions.
2 Samuel 22:31-33 – “As for God, his way [path] is perfect [upright; complete]; the word [commandments] of the LORD is tried [pure; refined]: he is a buckler [shield] to all them that trust [confide; seek refuge] in him.
32 For who is God, save the LORD [Jehovah; Eternal, Self-existing God]? and who is a rock [strength; safety; foundation], save our God?
33 God is my strength [fortress; rock] and power [might; army]: and he maketh my way [journey; road] perfect [upright; complete].”
David’s victories as a soldier and his successes as king came not because he was a great strategist in war or the greatest king of his day (Remember, apart from the LORD, he would have spent his life as a simple shepherd.) David was blessed with “mighty men” who loved and risked their lives for their king; however, his strength as king was not because he was surrounded by great warriors.
David was blessed because his faith was in the LORD. He was intimately acquainted with God, and His confidence was in Him.
Lesson: God rewards faithfulness, and He will be the strength and guide to all who trust Him. Trust in the LORD!
Copyright 2020 – Travis D. Smith