There is a psalm imbedded in part of Israel’s history, which begins with the major theme. We must keep this theme in mind to see the power of it. “I will call on the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies” (2 Sam. 22:4).

The Lord brought David into deadly troubles. “When the waves of death compassed me, the floods of ungodly men made me afraid” (2 Sam. 22:5).

David’s hope was not in himself or men, but he cried to God to save him. “In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried to my God: and he did hear my voice out of his temple, and my cry did enter into his ears” (2 Sam. 22:7).

God responded to David – but why? “Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations of heaven moved and shook, because he was wroth” (2 Sam. 22:8).

God was the One who took David’s side against his enemies. He said: “He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them that hated me: for they were too strong for me” (2 Sam. 22:18).

The Lord was the one who delivered him – but why? “He brought me forth also into a large place: he delivered me, because he delighted in me” (2 Sam. 22:20).

Then we ask the question: why did the Lord do all this for David and not for many others? There is a solid answer given in this same Psalm. “For I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God” (2 Sam. 22:22).

Yes, David had already learned to walk faithfully in the Lord’s commandments. “For all his judgments were before me: and as for his statutes, I did not depart from them” (2 Sam. 22:23). And again we hear the same reason God delivered David from his enemies. “For all his judgments were before me: and as for his statutes, I did not depart from them” (2 Sam. 22:23).

David does no boast when he tells again why God saved him and not others. “Therefore the Lord hath recompensed me according to my righteousness; according to my cleanness in his eye sight” (2 Sam. 22:25).

God’s ears are fully open to those who walk in righteousness (Psa. 34:15). Psalm 34:7 teaches us that the angel of the Lord encamps round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

God is no respecter of persons. If we also walk in righteousness, God will deliver us also if we cry to him in righteousness and faith.

—Beth Johnson, owner and author of:  Muliebral Studies; Muliebral Viewpoint; Articles and Books by Beth Johnson