II. DAVID’S CONQUEST OVER THE PHILISTINES
Verses 15 through 22 speak of David’s conquest over the Philistines.
A. David Becoming Faint
In fighting against the Philistines, David became faint, and was in danger of being killed by a giant of the Philistines (vv. 15-16).
B. Abishai and the People of Israel
Defeating the Philistines
Abishai and the people of Israel defeated the Philistines and killed four of their giants (vv. 17-22).
III. DAVID’S THANKING AND PRAISING GOD IN A SONG
In chapter twenty-two David thanked and praised God in a song.
A. On the Day When Jehovah Delivered Him
out of the Hand of All His Enemies
David spoke the words of this song to Jehovah on the day when Jehovah delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies and out of the hand of Saul (v. 1; Psa. 18, title).
B. This Song Becoming Psalm 18
This song of his, as his intimate talk to God, became Psalm 18 in the Psalms. The following points are the contents of this psalm.
1. Praising God
David praised God as his crag, fortress, Deliverer, rock, shield, horn of his salvation, high tower, refuge, and Savior (2 Sam. 22:2-6).
2. Thanking God for Hearing His Calling
David went on to thank God for hearing his calling and rescuing him from his calamity by His marvelous doings (vv. 7-20).
3. Considering His Righteousness,
Perfection, Faithfulness, Cleanness, and Purity
as the Cause of God’s Salvation to Him
Verses 21 through 28 show us that David considered his righteousness, perfection, faithfulness, cleanness, and purity as the cause of God’s salvation to him and that he considered God’s salvation as a recompense to him.
4. Thanking God as His Lamp
David also thanked God as his lamp lighting up his darkness (v. 29).
5. Thanking God Whose Way Is Perfect
In the remainder of his song, David thanked God whose way is perfect; whose word is tried; who is the unique God, setting him on high places; whose condescending gentleness had made him great and had broadened the places of his steps, strengthening him to subdue his enemies, keeping him as the head of the nations, and making foreigners cringe to him and serve him; and who manifested salvation to His king and executed lovingkindness to His anointed, to David and to his seed (Christ) forever (vv. 30-51).
(Life-Study of 1 & 2 Samuel, Chapter 38, by Witness Lee)
