After the many conspiracies and plots against David and a sense that he is growing older and less able to lead militarily, 2 Samuel 22 comes as an oasis of praise. It is a song of praise (very similar to Psalm 18) and reminds us of David’s talents as a musician and songwriter. Author of over 70 of the 150 psalms, David’s songs speak of many things, including lament, contrition, sorrow and, as here, praise. This is a song of salvation and deliverance, a reminder that God hears and answers us when we cry out to Him.
Songs are ways of absorbing truth about God – and proclaiming truth about Him – which seem to transcend other methods of learning. This is partly because music helps us to remember words, partly because the words themselves use imagery and poetic language to convey truth in ways that stir our imaginations and hearts. David uses many metaphors in this song about God, calling him a rock, a fortress, a shield, a horn of salvation, a deliverer, a lamp. None of these things may be literally true, but as we recall those objects, we learn new aspects of who God is. David uses language relating to weather and nature (earthquakes, smoke, thunder, water all feature in the psalm) to describe God’s miraculous intervention in his life. He also ascribes God’s help to even the victories he achieves, focussing firmly on God’s divine grace and help.
The chapter ends with praise, wanting to glorify God for all His help and saving actions. Just as the book of Psalms ends with the five ‘Hallelujah’ psalms which use that word (meaning ‘praise the Lord’) repeatedly to remind us of the primacy of praise, so we end this summary of David’s reign by remembering God’s part in all His victories. David is not a secular king. He may have been blessed with many talents and skills, but ultimately, he is aware of God’s help in everything. We, too, can know God’s help in our difficult times, in our days of distress, and do not need to fear, for He is with us in everything. Singing these truths is a good way of keeping our eyes fixed on God. It worked for David; it can work for us too!