“Thou also hast delivered me from the strivings of my people, thou hast kept me to be head of the heathen: a people which I knew not shall serve me.”
This verse is part of a longer passage known as the Song of David or David’s Psalm of Deliverance. It is a poetic expression of David’s gratitude and praise to God for delivering him from his enemies and establishing him as the king of Israel.
Historical Context:The context of this verse is David’s reflection on God’s faithfulness in delivering him from the various trials and enemies he faced throughout his life, especially during his time as a fugitive from King Saul. This song occurs in 2 Samuel 22 and is repeated in Psalm 18 with some variations.
Deliverance from the strivings of David’s people: David acknowledges that God had delivered him from the “strivings” or conflicts caused by his own people. David faced numerous challenges and oppositions during his rise to power, including conflicts with Saul and his own rebellious son Absalom. Despite these internal struggles, God protected David and enabled him to overcome these adversities.
Kept to be head of the heathen:David recognizes that God not only preserved him from his own people but also appointed him as the head or leader over foreign nations, referred to as the heathen or Gentiles. This reflects God’s sovereignty and the fulfilment of His promises to David regarding his kingship. David’s reign extended beyond Israel, and he gained influence and authority over neighbouring nations.
A people which I knew not shall serve me:David acknowledges that people whom he had not known before would come to serve him. This may refer to the conquests and subjugation of foreign nations under David’s rule. It is a testament to God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to David and establishing his authority over nations that were previously unknown to him.
Overall, this verse showcases David’s gratitude and recognition of God’s deliverance and sovereignty in his life. It highlights how God not only protected David from his own people but also elevated him to a position of authority over foreign nations. The verse emphasises God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and establishing David as the king of Israel.
Please note that this interpretation is based on the historical and contextual analysis of the verse. Different commentators may have varying perspectives on specific details, but the general message of God’s faithfulness and David’s acknowledgment remains consistent.
