2 Samuel 22:19
They confronted me in my day of calamity, but the LORD was my support.
They confronted me in my day of calamity
This phrase reflects a time of intense distress and opposition faced by David. The "day of calamity" can be understood as a period of severe trial or danger, possibly referring to the numerous battles and personal betrayals David experienced, such as Saul's pursuit or Absalom's rebellion. Biblically, calamity often signifies divine testing or judgment, as seen in Job's trials. The confrontation suggests an aggressive opposition, reminiscent of the spiritual battles believers face, as described in Ephesians 6:12, where the struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces.

but the LORD was my support
Here, David acknowledges God's sustaining power and presence during his trials. The term "support" implies a foundation or a source of strength, akin to the imagery of God as a rock or fortress found throughout the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 18:2). This reliance on God is a recurring theme in David's life, illustrating a deep trust in divine providence. Theologically, this reflects the covenant relationship between God and His people, where God promises to be their protector and deliverer. This support is also a type of Christ, who is the ultimate source of strength and salvation for believers, as seen in Philippians 4:13, where Paul declares he can do all things through Christ who strengthens him.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The author of this song of deliverance, David is reflecting on God's faithfulness during times of adversity. He is the central figure in this passage, recounting his experiences and God's intervention.

2. Enemies
The adversaries who confronted David during his times of trouble. They represent the physical and spiritual challenges he faced throughout his life.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His faithfulness and support for David. Yahweh is portrayed as the ultimate deliverer and protector.

4. Day of Calamity
Refers to the various trials and tribulations David faced, including battles, personal betrayals, and threats to his kingship.

5. Support
The Hebrew word used here is "mish'en," which implies a firm support or a sustaining power, highlighting God's role as a reliable foundation for David.
Teaching Points
God as Our Support
Just as God was David's support, He is our unchanging foundation. In times of trouble, we can rely on His strength and faithfulness.

Facing Adversity with Faith
David's example teaches us to confront our challenges with confidence in God's deliverance. Our "day of calamity" can be transformed into a testimony of God's power.

The Importance of Praise
David's song is a reminder to praise God not only after deliverance but also during trials, acknowledging His presence and support.

Recognizing Spiritual Battles
While David faced physical enemies, we often face spiritual battles. Ephesians 6 encourages us to put on the full armor of God, recognizing that our struggle is not against flesh and blood.

Trust in God's Timing
David's deliverance came in God's perfect timing. We are encouraged to trust in God's plan and timing, even when we don't see immediate results.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does David's experience of God's support in 2 Samuel 22:19 encourage you in your current challenges?

2. In what ways can you actively seek God's support during your "day of calamity"?

3. How does the concept of God as a "support" in this verse relate to other scriptures that speak of God's strength and protection?

4. Reflect on a time when you felt confronted by adversity. How did you see God's hand at work in that situation?

5. How can you incorporate praise into your daily life, especially during difficult times, as David did in this passage?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 18
This psalm is almost identical to 2 Samuel 22 and provides additional context and poetic expression of David's praise for God's deliverance.

Isaiah 41:10
This verse echoes the theme of God being a support and strength in times of fear and trouble, reinforcing the message of divine assistance.

Philippians 4:13
Paul speaks of finding strength in Christ, which parallels David's reliance on God for support during adversity.
Abundant Cause for ThanksgivingChristian Endeavour Times2 Samuel 22:1-51
David's Song of PraiseB. Dale 2 Samuel 22:1-51
Psalm SingingA. Whyte, D. D.2 Samuel 22:1-51
The Song of ThanksgivingW. G. Blaikie, D. D.2 Samuel 22:1-51
Rescue from Mighty FoesG. Wood 2 Samuel 22:17-20
People
David, Saul
Places
Gath
Topics
Calamity, Confronted, Disaster, Encountered, Fell, Prevented, Stay, Support, Trouble
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Samuel 22:19

     4921   day
     5814   confrontation

2 Samuel 22:2-51

     8609   prayer, as praise and thanksgiving

2 Samuel 22:17-20

     6738   rescue

Library
David's Hymn of victory
'For Thou hast girded me with strength to battle: them that, rose up against me hast Thou subdued under me. 41. Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies, that I might destroy them that hate me. 42. They looked, but there was none to save; even unto the Lord, but He answered them not. 43. Then did I beat them as small as the dust of the earth, I did stamp them as the mire of the street, and did spread them abroad. 44. Thou also hast delivered me from the strivings of my people, Thou hast
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Mosaic Cosmogony.
ON the revival of science in the 16th century, some of the earliest conclusions at which philosophers arrived were found to be at variance with popular and long-established belief. The Ptolemaic system of astronomy, which had then full possession of the minds of men, contemplated the whole visible universe from the earth as the immovable centre of things. Copernicus changed the point of view, and placing the beholder in the sun, at once reduced the earth to an inconspicuous globule, a merely subordinate
Frederick Temple—Essays and Reviews: The Education of the World

The First Commandment
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.' Exod 20: 3. Why is the commandment in the second person singular, Thou? Why does not God say, You shall have no other gods? Because the commandment concerns every one, and God would have each one take it as spoken to him by name. Though we are forward to take privileges to ourselves, yet we are apt to shift off duties from ourselves to others; therefore the commandment is in the second person, Thou and Thou, that every one may know that it is spoken to him,
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

In the Present Crusade against the Bible and the Faith of Christian Men...
IN the present crusade against the Bible and the Faith of Christian men, the task of destroying confidence in the first chapter of Genesis has been undertaken by Mr. C. W. Goodwin, M.A. He requires us to "regard it as the speculation of some Hebrew Descartes or Newton, promulgated in all good faith as the best and most probable account that could be then given of God's Universe." (p. 252.) Mr. Goodwin remarks with scorn, that "we are asked to believe that a vision of Creation was presented to him
John William Burgon—Inspiration and Interpretation

A Discourse of Mercifulness
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7 These verses, like the stairs of Solomon's temple, cause our ascent to the holy of holies. We are now mounting up a step higher. Blessed are the merciful . . '. There was never more need to preach of mercifulness than in these unmerciful times wherein we live. It is reported in the life of Chrysostom that he preached much on this subject of mercifulness, and for his much pressing Christians to mercy, he was called of many, the alms-preacher,
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

The Ark among the Flags
'And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi. 2. And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months. 3. And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink. 4. And his sister stood afar off, to wit what would be done to him. 5. And the daughter of Pharaoh came
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Christ's Prophetic Office
'The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet,' &c. Deut 18:85. Having spoken of the person of Christ, we are next to speak of the offices of Christ. These are Prophetic, Priestly, and Regal. 'The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet.' Enunciatur hic locus de Christo. It is spoken of Christ.' There are several names given to Christ as a Prophet. He is called the Counsellor' in Isa 9:9. In uno Christo Angelus foederis completur [The Messenger of the Covenant appears in Christ alone].
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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