2 Samuel

2 Samuel 22: The LORD is my rock

Begin in prayer

Before we read David’s song of deliverance, let us come before the LORD together. Ask Him to show us that He is a rock, a fortress and a shield to all who take refuge in Him.

Bow down your ear to me. Deliver me speedily. Be to me a strong rock, a house of defense to save me.

Psalm 31:2

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Show us that You are a rock and a fortress, and show us Jesus, the greater Son of David who delivers His people. Help us to call on You in our trouble. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

David sings this song to the LORD on the day the LORD delivers him from all his enemies and from Saul. He calls the LORD his rock, his fortress, his shield and the horn of his salvation. In his distress he calls to the LORD, and the LORD hears him from His temple, with smoke, fire and thick darkness. The LORD draws David out of many waters and delivers him from his strong enemy. David praises the LORD, who is a shield to all who take refuge in Him, and who gives great deliverance to His king.

As you read 2 Samuel 22, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

The LORD is a rock, a fortress and a shield to all who take refuge in Him.

David sings this song on the day the LORD delivers him from his enemies and from Saul (verse 1). He calls God his rock, his fortress, his shield and the horn of his salvation (verses 2 and 3). He cries out in distress, and the LORD hears him from His temple (verses 7 and 8). The LORD draws David out of many waters and delivers him from his strong enemy (verses 17 and 18). David says the LORD rewarded him for his righteousness, because he kept the LORD’s ways (verses 21 to 25). Yet David was not sinless, and his sin with Uriah’s wife was put away only by the LORD’s mercy (2 Samuel 12 verse 13). The LORD is a shield to all who take refuge in Him (verse 31). No one is righteous on his own (Romans 3 verse 10). In Christ God gives His people a righteousness that is not their own (2 Corinthians 5 verse 21).

How does 2 Samuel 22 show us that the LORD is a rock, a fortress and a shield to all who take refuge in Him?

The LORD is David’s rock and fortress.

David calls the LORD his rock, his fortress, his shield and his high tower (verses 2 and 3). He calls on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised (verse 4). The text says that the LORD is a rock, and no one is like Him (verse 32). He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him (verse 31).

The LORD hears the cry of His servant.

In his distress David calls to the LORD, and the LORD hears him from His temple (verse 7). The LORD draws David out of many waters (verse 17). The LORD delivers David from his strong enemy, who was too mighty for him (verses 18 and 19).

David gives thanks, and his greater Son gives deliverance.

David praises the LORD among the nations (verse 50). He says that the LORD gives great deliverance to His king and shows loving kindness to his offspring (verse 51). Christ is the greater Son of David, who gives deliverance to all His people (Acts 13 verse 23).

Memorise

As for God, his way is perfect. Yahweh’s word is tested. He is a shield to all those who take refuge in him.

2 Samuel 22:31

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, where do I take refuge when trouble comes?

David sang that the LORD is his rock, his fortress and his deliverer. He called to the LORD in distress, and the LORD heard him. David was rescued from many waters, but he was still a sinner who needed mercy. Jesus is the Rock of salvation, and He died for His people.

The Son of David is the One who rescues sinners. On the cross He paid the debt of His people’s sin. He was put in a tomb, and God raised Him to life. He is the Deliverer His people need, and His sacrifice pays for all who trust Him.

So come to Him. Turn from your sin and trust the Rock. Everyone who trusts Jesus can take refuge in Him, and God forgives their sin.

Parent's note

Tell your children that the LORD is a rock, and that He hears the cry of those who call on Him. Parents, please explain verses 8 to 16 and David’s claims of righteousness (verses 21 to 25) in the light of his sin. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God that He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him, and bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

He gives great deliverance to his king, and shows loving kindness to his anointed, to David and to his offspring, forever more.”

2 Samuel 22:51

Lord God, thank You that You are a rock, a fortress and a shield to all who take refuge in You. Bring each heart here to turn from sin and trust Jesus. Help us to call on You in our trouble this week, and bring our heart question to You. Amen.