“He teacheth my hands to war; so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.”
Context:2 Samuel 22 is a psalm of David, a song of thanksgiving and praise to God for delivering him from the hand of all his enemies, including Saul. This psalm is also found in Psalm 18 with some variations. In this verse, David speaks of God’s training and empowerment for battle.
“He teacheth my hands to war”:David acknowledges that it is God who has trained and equipped him for battle. This implies that David’s military successes were not solely the result of his own abilities but were ultimately attributed to God’s guidance and empowerment.
“So that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms”:This phrase portrays the strength and effectiveness of David in battle. The imagery emphasizes that with God’s help, David’s strength was so great that he could break a bow of steel, which is a symbol of military might and power.
God’s provision and training:David recognizes that it is God who provides him with the skills and abilities necessary for warfare. As believers, we should acknowledge that any skills, talents, or abilities we possess are ultimately gifts from God. He equips us for the tasks and challenges we face in life.
Reliance on God’s strength:David understood that his victories in battle were not solely dependent on his own physical strength, but on the strength and guidance of God. This verse reminds us that we should rely on God’s strength and seek His guidance in all aspects of our lives, including in times of difficulty or conflict.
The power of God’s empowerment:The imagery of breaking a bow of steel highlights the supernatural power of God in David’s life. It demonstrates that with God’s empowerment, even the most formidable obstacles can be overcome. This serves as a reminder for us that when we trust in God and rely on His strength, we can face and overcome any challenges that come our way.
Acknowledge God’s provision:Take time to recognize and thank God for the skills and abilities He has given you. Remember that your strengths are gifts from Him, and they should be used to honour Him and serve others.
Seek God’s guidance:In times of conflict or difficulty, seek God’s guidance and wisdom. Pray for His strength and empowerment to face challenges and make decisions that align with His will.
Trust in God’s power:When faced with daunting obstacles or seemingly insurmountable challenges, remember that nothing is impossible for God. Trust in His power and believe that He can enable you to overcome any situation.
Give credit to God:Like David, give credit to God for your victories and successes. Humbly acknowledge that it is through His strength and guidance that you achieve anything worthwhile.
Remember to read the surrounding verses and explore the entire chapter to gain a deeper understanding of the context and the overall message of the psalm.
