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2 Samuel 22:5

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Samuel 22:5 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For the waves of death compassed me; The floods of ungodliness made me afraid:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For the waves of death compassed me; The floods of ungodliness made me afraid:
2 Samuel 22:5 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Samuel 22

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
2and he said, Jehovah is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer, even mine;
3God, my rock, in him will I take refuge; My shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge; My saviour, thou savest me from violence.
4I will call upon Jehovah, who is worthy to be praised: So shall I be saved from mine enemies.
5For the waves of death compassed me; The floods of ungodliness made me afraid:
6The cords of Sheol were round about me; The snares of death came upon me.
7In my distress I called upon Jehovah; Yea, I called unto my God: And he heard my voice out of his temple, And my cry [came] into his ears.
8Then the earth shook and trembled, The foundations of heaven quaked And were shaken, because he was wroth.
← 2 Samuel 22:42 Samuel 22:6 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“When the waves of death compassed me, the floods of ungodly men made me afraid.] (See Gill on “<191804>Psalm 18:4”).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“waves: or, pangs, Th1 5:3 the floods: Psa 18:4, Psa 69:14, Psa 69:15, Psa 93:3, Psa 93:4; Isa 59:19; Jer 46:7, Jer 46:8; Rev 12:15, Rev 12:16; Rev 17:1, Rev 17:15 ungodly men: Heb. Belial 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 22:6”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“5 For breakers of death had compassed me, Streams of wickedness terrified me. 6 Cords of hell had girt me about, Snares of death overtook me. 7 In my distress I called Jehovah, And to my God I called; And He heard my voice out of His temple, And my crying came into His ears. David had often been in danger of death, most frequently at the time when he was pursued by Saul, but also in Absalom's conspiracy, and even in several wars (cf. Sa2 21:16). All these dangers, out of which the Lord delivered him, and not merely those which originated with Saul, are included in Sa2 22:5, Sa2 22:6. The figure "breakers or waves of death" is analogous to that of the "streams of Belial." His distress is…”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification