2 Samuel 22 is practically identical to Psalm 18. However, its placement in 2 Samuel helps us to see one of the psalms in its exact position in history. David and others usually wrote the psalms in response to events that were occurring. This one is a declaration of praise for God’s deliverance out of trouble. We have been studying the many troubles of David. We can understand his joy at this point.
Messes tend to begat more messes. That is why it seems to take so long to get things right after they have really been messed up. However, that is the case in David’s reign and that is often the case in our own lives. The best thing is to simply pay the price and do whatever is necessary to put things right.
David is in charge. As such, it is a day of forgiveness and mercy (Shimei and Mephibosheth). It is a day of grace and blessing (Barzillai and Chimham).
2 Samuel 17:14 stated that the Lord intended to bring evil upon Absalom and it comes to pass in this chapter. The proud one is caught by his head in an oak tree and is killed by Joab’s young armor bearers.
If God be for us, who can be against us?
David is still reaping what he had sown. One of the judgments given by Nathan is fulfilled by David's son Absalom. Galatians 6:7 is fulfilled in this lesson.
This lesson teaches a lot about personal influence. The woman of Tekoah and Absalom demonstrate two methods for getting your way with others, both of which have an ungodly side to them. How does the Lord want us to influence others?
