Introduction 

2 Samuel 22:31–51: Today’s reading is a continuation of David’s victory prayer. David says that God’s ways are perfect and that God’s words are dependable. He goes on to describe his battles with his enemies and the ways in which God saved him. His prayer concludes with words of praise and thanksgiving for God’s constant love. 

Today’s Key Verse: 2 Samuel 22:33 

This God is my strong refuge; he makes my pathway safe. 

Read 

31 This God—how perfect are his deeds,
how dependable his words!
He is like a shield
for all who seek his protection.
32 The Lord alone is God;
God alone is our defense.
33 This God is my strong refuge;
he makes my pathway safe.
34 He makes me sure-footed as a deer;
he keeps me safe on the mountains.
35 He trains me for battle,
so that I can use the strongest bow.

36 O Lord, you protect me and save me;
your help has made me great.
37 You have kept me from being captured,
and I have never fallen.
38 I pursue my enemies and defeat them;
I do not stop until I destroy them.
39 I strike them down, and they cannot rise;
they lie defeated before me.
40 You give me strength for the battle
and victory over my enemies.
41 You make my enemies run from me;
I destroy those who hate me.
42 They look for help, but no one saves them;
they call to the Lord, but he does not answer.
43 I crush them, and they become like dust;
I trample on them like mud in the streets.

44 You saved me from my rebellious people
and maintained my rule over the nations;
people I did not know have now become my subjects.
45 Foreigners bow before me;
when they hear me, they obey.
46 They lose their courage
and come trembling from their fortresses.

47 The Lord lives! Praise my defender!
Proclaim the greatness of the strong God who saves me!
48 He gives me victory over my enemies;
he subdues the nations under me
49     and saves me from my foes.

O Lord, you give me victory over my enemies
and protect me from violent men.
50 And so I praise you among the nations;
I sing praises to you.
51 God gives great victories to his king;
he shows constant love to the one he has chosen,
to David and his descendants forever. 

Reflect 

What are the ways in which David experienced God’s protection? Have you ever experienced a sense of God’s protection? If so, what was it like? How will you praise God today? 

Pray 

You, Lord God, are my strong refuge. Thank you for your protection and constant love. I will praise and honor you all my days. Amen. 

Tomorrow’s Reading 

1 Kings 2:1–12: Solomon succeeds David as king.