2 Samuel 21-23; Psalm 18; Romans 3
Chapter 22 of 2 Samuel expresses a song of David, written towards the end of his life. It is presented in several versions, likely because it was performed many times, and David made some variations over time.
This song is a summary. One of the distinguishing features of David's life was his deep awareness of God and constant communion with Him. David was not perfect; he made mistakes, sinned, and fell, but he knew the Lord well and spent much time praying and reflecting on God, His word, and His deeds. Here are several important observations from this song:
- The central theme is God's greatness, power, and faithfulness. He can and should be trusted - "The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge" (2 Samuel 22:2-3).
- David attributes all his personal and national successes to God's mercy and blessings. Therefore, he gives glory to God, not himself - "It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; He causes me to stand on the heights" (2 Samuel 22:33-34).
- David recalls with pain the many difficulties he had to endure - "In my distress, I called to the Lord; I called out to my God. From his temple, he heard my voice; my cry came to his ears" (Psalm 18:7).
- Although God allowed many troubles and hardships in David's life, he acknowledges that everything God does and says is perfect and right - "As for God, His way is perfect: The Lord's word is flawless…" (2 Samuel 22:31, Psalm 18:31).
Romans 3 concludes the proof that "…both Jews and Gentiles are all under sin" (Romans 3:9). Explaining the need for the Gospel, in the first chapter, the apostle Paul describes the tragic condition of the Gentiles, sliding into the depths of evil by the spiral of their sinfulness. In the second chapter, he shows that religious people are also under sin and condemnation. His conclusions are very radical and categorical - "…There is no one righteous, not even one;…all have turned away, they have together become worthless" (Romans 3:10-12).
The only solution to this situation can be the perfect righteousness of God, which came from heaven in Jesus Christ and is imputed to people by grace through faith (Romans 3:21-26). This passage provides the most comprehensive, concise, and profound explanation of the saving Gospel. Its key elements are:
- Salvation is possible only through the righteousness of God (Romans 3:21).
- God's righteousness is imputed to us through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:22).
- Justification by faith is made possible by the redemption accomplished by Christ (Romans 3:24).
- The redemption accomplished by Christ on the cross fully satisfies God's justice (Romans 3:25-26).
- The Gospel eliminates any possibility for man to boast (Romans 3:27).
This song is a summary. One of the distinguishing features of David's life was his deep awareness of God and constant communion with Him. David was not perfect; he made mistakes, sinned, and fell, but he knew the Lord well and spent much time praying and reflecting on God, His word, and His deeds. Here are several important observations from this song:
- The central theme is God's greatness, power, and faithfulness. He can and should be trusted - "The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge" (2 Samuel 22:2-3).
- David attributes all his personal and national successes to God's mercy and blessings. Therefore, he gives glory to God, not himself - "It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; He causes me to stand on the heights" (2 Samuel 22:33-34).
- David recalls with pain the many difficulties he had to endure - "In my distress, I called to the Lord; I called out to my God. From his temple, he heard my voice; my cry came to his ears" (Psalm 18:7).
- Although God allowed many troubles and hardships in David's life, he acknowledges that everything God does and says is perfect and right - "As for God, His way is perfect: The Lord's word is flawless…" (2 Samuel 22:31, Psalm 18:31).
Romans 3 concludes the proof that "…both Jews and Gentiles are all under sin" (Romans 3:9). Explaining the need for the Gospel, in the first chapter, the apostle Paul describes the tragic condition of the Gentiles, sliding into the depths of evil by the spiral of their sinfulness. In the second chapter, he shows that religious people are also under sin and condemnation. His conclusions are very radical and categorical - "…There is no one righteous, not even one;…all have turned away, they have together become worthless" (Romans 3:10-12).
The only solution to this situation can be the perfect righteousness of God, which came from heaven in Jesus Christ and is imputed to people by grace through faith (Romans 3:21-26). This passage provides the most comprehensive, concise, and profound explanation of the saving Gospel. Its key elements are:
- Salvation is possible only through the righteousness of God (Romans 3:21).
- God's righteousness is imputed to us through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:22).
- Justification by faith is made possible by the redemption accomplished by Christ (Romans 3:24).
- The redemption accomplished by Christ on the cross fully satisfies God's justice (Romans 3:25-26).
- The Gospel eliminates any possibility for man to boast (Romans 3:27).
Posted in Reading Bible Together