2 Samuel 22: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 2 Samuel 22 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

David spoke a song to Yahweh after being delivered from his enemies and Saul (vv. 1-4). He expressed despair as death surrounded him, yet he called on Yahweh and was heard (vv. 5-19). God responded with might, shaking the earth and sending out arrows to scatter the forces against David (vv. 7-16). In his righteousness, David received divine reward, having kept Yahweh’s ways and ordinances (vv. 20-25). The psalmist described God’s attributes, proclaiming Him as a shield, perfect in His way, and supportive in battle (vv. 26-30). David affirmed God’s sovereignty, stating that nations would serve him and foreign peoples would tremble before him (vv. 41-46). Ultimately, David praised Yahweh, declaring Him as his rock and deliverer, and committed to give thanks among the nations (vv. 47-51).

Key verse

“Yahweh lives! Blessed be my rock! Exalted be God, the rock of my salvation,”
2 Samuel 22:47 (WEB)

Outline

2 Samuel 22:1–4 David's Song of Deliverance
2 Samuel 22:5–19 Despair and Divine Response
2 Samuel 22:20–25 God's Reward for Righteousness
2 Samuel 22:26–30 Attributes of God
2 Samuel 22:31–40 Victory Through God's Strength
2 Samuel 22:41–46 God's Sovereignty Over Nations
2 Samuel 22:47–51 Praise for God's Deliverance

Discussion questions

In v3, what does David call God that indicates his safety and strength?
In v19, how does David describe his experience during his calamity?
David's statement in v22 about not departing from God: what does this imply about his actions?
In v38, David claims he pursued his enemies: what is the implication of his aggressive actions?
When has a time of distress caused you to call on Yahweh as David does in v7?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 2 Samuel 22: Psalm 18, Proverbs 18, Psalm 144.

Before next time: read 2 Samuel 23.