2 Samuel 22:21-35 – The Lord blesses the upright

In the first 20 verses of 2 Samuel 22, David first praised the Lord and saw Him as his mighty defender and shield. God’s protection was upon him as he encountered his enemies. David narrated how he came face to face with death and yet came out unscathed. Because his voice went up to the Lord who then delivered him from what seemed like certain death. In verses 1-20, we saw how God in all His sovereign power was waiting to come to the rescue of His own. Like David let us be reminded that God is just one prayer away. Remember, a simple call for help from the Almighty will trigger His assistance. Our prolonged distress is often due to our failure to call upon Him.

In the next segment of 2 Samuel 22, starting from verses 21-35, David felt that God came to his help because he had acted righteously and asserted that God rewards righteousness. This, of course, was shown in how he dealt with King Saul. Though he had several opportunities where he could finish him off, yet he refused to touch the Lord’s anointed. Hence, he was sure that his victory was secured because had acted rightly and was in right standing with God. He did not do anything that would prevent God from intervening on his behalf. As he remained in right standing with God, he found out that God turned what seemed like darkness into light. This set for us an example that we should actively pursue the path of righteousness too so that we will inherit God’s blessings. Isn’t this what Jesus our Lord also calls us to do? He said, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you.” It behooves us therefore to seek His reign over our lives, and also to go after His righteous standard in our living. 

In verses 22–35, David shows us the need to live uprightly. God sees everything concerning us. Nothing we do will ever escape His sight. His eyes, according to Psalm 34:15, are “toward the righteous and His ears are open to their cry”. David shows us plainly the necessity to live rightly by acting rightly. We must learn to rely on God and continue to live uprightly no matter how people may treat us. God will never allow us to be pressed beyond what we can bear. He will come to our rescue. He is a faithful God and we can trust Him!