when he was in distress at the hands of the enemies (verses 5–6). Verses 21–28 The transitional verses 21–28 contain traces of Deuteronomistic language, the most obvious clichés being: 'the ways of the LORD' (cf. ; , etc.), 'judgements and statutes' (; , etc.). Verses 21–25 proclaim David's innocence, pointing (according to biblical commentator Alexander Kirkpatrick) "to the earlier years of David's reign rather than the later, overclouded as these were by the fatal consequences of his sin" (his adultery with Bathsheba), with its fateful consequences which hung over David for the remainder of his life. Kirkpatrick associates this song with the period of peace described in , but after the visit of Nathan when he proclaims God's covenant with David "and his descendants for ever". Verses 26-27 assert again the theme of 'Yahweh's help to the blameless and pure' in a fourfold statement, which 'have been described as an ancient quatrain' Verses 29–51 The second poetic section (verses 29–51) focuses more on 'David's victories over his enemies', so this part has been called a 'royal victory song'. The mention of David and his descendants only in the last phrase of the song is a 'feature paralleled in other victory songs', so it is to be regarded not as an addition, but as original. Verse 50 Therefore I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the Gentiles,And sing praises to Your name.Cited in Romans 15:9 Verse 51"He is the tower of salvation to His king,And shows mercy to His anointed,To David and his descendants forevermore.""Tower": from ; written: ; read: . "Mercy" (Hebrew: ; ): "steadfast love" (NRSV) or "loyalty". "Anointed" (from Hebrew word: ; ''): "Messiah". "His descendants": supporting a forward-looking statement that God would also keep the covenant with David's descendants. See also Related Bible parts: Exodus 15, 1 Samuel 23, 1 Samuel 24, 25, 1 Samuel 26, 1 Samuel 27, Psalm 18, Habakkuk 3. Notes References Sources Further reading Commentaries on Samuel General External links Jewish translations: Samuel II - II Samuel - Chapter 22 (Judaica Press). Hebrew text and English translation [with Rashi's commentary] at Chabad.org Christian translations: Online Bible at GospelHall.org (ESV, KJV, Darby, American Standard Version, Bible in Basic English) 2 Samuel chapter 22 Bible Gateway 2 Samuel 22 English Translation with Parallel Latin Vulgate 22