2 Samuel 22:43 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I beat them fine as the dust of the earth; I crushed them and stamped them down like the mire of the streets.

NIV: I beat them as fine as the dust of the earth; I pounded and trampled them like mud in the streets.

NASB: Then I pulverized them as the dust of the earth; I crushed and trampled them like the mud of the streets.

CSB: I pulverize them like dust of the earth; I crush them and trample them like mud in the streets.

NLT: I ground them as fine as the dust of the earth; I trampled them in the gutter like dirt.

KJV: Then did I beat them as small as the dust of the earth, I did stamp them as the mire of the street, and did spread them abroad.

NKJV: Then I beat them as fine as the dust of the earth; I trod them like dirt in the streets, And I spread them out.

Second Samuel 22:32–43 describes how God has equipped David to lead His people. God did more than rescue David from danger. He also blessed David with skill in war and a stable kingdom. David goes on to say God protected him from internal rebellion and made foreign nations fear him (2 Samuel 22:44–46). This passage is repeated in Psalm 18:31–42 but some of the lines are different.

Through a psalm, David gives God credit for his life. David faithfully relied on God. In response, God rescued him from violent men, internal rebellion, and foreign armies. God strengthened David in battle, secured his throne, and made foreign nations serve him. God did so because David was blameless: David did sin greatly, but he also deeply repented his sin. David praises God for His love in establishing his kingdom for himself and his descendants. Second Samuel 23:1–7 speaks more about God's covenant with David. Psalm 18 records a slightly altered version of this chapter.

Second Samuel 22 is part of an epilogue. When originally written, there was a single book, which was later split into 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel. This chapter begins to close out the story so far. This is the center of a mirror-like structure, called a "chiasm," seen in 2 Samuel 21—24. Despite Saul's sins (2 Samuel 21:1–14) and David's sins (2 Samuel 24), God gives Israel victory over their enemies (2 Samuel 21:15–22; 23:8–39). Second Samuel 22:1—23:7 describes how God used David in this. God rescued David from his enemies so he could fight for Israel and lead well. That blessing continues in the Davidic Covenant which is fulfilled in Jesus (2 Samuel 23:5). Psalm 18 is an edited version of 2 Samuel 22.

Second Samuel continues the story of David, who will become king over Judah. The other tribes of Israel are resistant, eventually sparking a civil war. David wins and makes Jerusalem his capital. Early success is followed by moral failure and controversy in David's house. The book of 1 Kings will begin by detailing David's decline and death.

Accessed 4/22/2026 7:47:02 PM