This week we will be studying the longest quotation attributed to David. 2 Samuel 22:2-51 contains 365 words in Hebrew. This quotation also displays David’s richest variety of vocabulary. The section is written in a formal Hebrew structure. It is a classic example of Hebrew poetry.
The psalm is closely related to Psalm 18—which is itself the longest of the psalms specifically attributed to David. There are several subtle language usages that differ from the Psalm 18.
Psalm 18 was intended for use as a hymn in public worship, 2 Samuel 22:1–51 was intended to reveal the religious core of Israel’s most revered king. In its general shape it usually is classified as an individual thanksgiving psalm and is recognized as “one of the oldest major poems in the Old Testament,” dating to the tenth century b.c..