I CALLED UPON THE LORD: HE HEARD MY VOICE

The inspired title of the psalm explains when David composed this song to the Lord.

At last the warrior-king is at peace. His amazing escapes from Saul and many more difficulties are over. He had been saved through every danger and is now the accepted king of a united people, his supremacy acknowledged by the surrounding nations. In addition, he rejoices in the prospect of a splendid future for his posterity. How appropriate that he should compose this magnificent hymn of thanksgiving to the Lord. He surveys the Lord’s dealings with him and delights in what the Lord has made him.

The psalm is also found in its historical setting in 2 Samuel chapter 22. Its personal message is seen in the opening verses; my strength, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer, my God, my strength, my buckler (shield), my salvation,my high tower. David’s heart is lifted in a song of thanksgiving to the Lord for His deliverance and all His blessings towards him. It is evident that the Lord heard his frequent and repeated prayers. ‘I called’ and ‘He heard’, v. 6. And the Lord was pleased to answer His servant’s prayers. David exults in the Lord Himself and in what He has accomplished for and through him, vv. 46-50. The Lord is the living God in contrast to the dead idols of the heathen. David had proved Him to be so in all the vicissitudes of his career.

Security and salvation are found solely in Him who had vindicated David and avenged him because of the cruel injustice of Saul, the dreadful insults of Nabal, and the opposition of those who refused to own him as king in spite of divine appointment, 1 Sam. 24. 12; 25. 39; 2 Sam. 4. 8. He gives thanks to the Lord for accomplishing, both within and outside of his kingdom, that which was beyond his power to establish.

The celebration of the Lord’s faithfulness to His servant is not confined within the narrow limits of Israel. His praise is to be proclaimed among the nations; quoted by Paul in Romans chapter 15 verse 9. The final verse in the psalm tells of the deliverances which the Lord wrought for His chosen king, and His lovingkindness towards His anointed and his seed for evermore. ‘Great deliverance giveth he to his king’ is literally, ‘Magnifying the salvations of his king’, cp. 20. 6. His way is perfect and He makes my way perfect, vv. 30-32.