Read 2 Samuel 22 here (text coming …) or at Bible Gateway.
The Hebrew paragraphs:
22:1-51 {p} David’s song of praise to YHVH who delivered him from all his enemies
2 Samuel 22:1-51 Chiastic Structure:
Psa 75:4-5 says:
“I say to the boastful, ‘Do not boast,’
and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horn;
do not lift up your horn on high,
or speak with haughty neck.’”
Strong’s indicates that this refers to the strength or might of the wicked, and Matthew Henry’s commentary indicates that “horn” refers to power or authority; i.e. the wicked lifts up his own horn, his own authority in defiance and rebellion against YHVH’s authority over him. Smith’s Bible Dictionary says “horn” is often used metaphorically to signify strength and honor, because horns are the chief weapons and ornaments of the animals which possess them. The use of “horn” to mean strength, power or authority is continued throughout the Psalms.
Salvation is in Hebrew, Strong’s H3468 yesha, from the primitive verb, Strong’s H3467 ישע yasha. The ancient pictographs are yud + shin + ayin:
yud י = the closed hand, thus work, throw, worship
shin ש = two front teeth, thus sharp, press, eat, two, again
ayin ע = the eye, thus watch, know, shade
The parable being told by the Hebrew Root Word is of actively (yud) and sharply, diligently (shin) watching out (ayin) for danger. We have carried over this same understanding in English from the Hebrew mother tongue, when we say, “Look sharp!” to mean, Look carefully without letting anything escape your notice. The concrete noun in between the verb form “to save” and the abstract concept of “salvation,” is “shepherd,” one who rescues his flock.
The shepherd carefully watches over the flock and the surrounding area always on the lookout for danger. When a predator comes to attack, the shepherd destroys the enemy. – Ancient Hebrew Lexicon
In vs. 51, the matching element, David says that YHVH is a “tower of salvation.”
The horn of salvation in vs. 3 emphasizes God’s offensive power in delivering His people. The horn indicates offensive strength or the capacity to push back or defeat enemies.
The tower of salvation in vs. 51 emphasizes God’s defensive protection, as a fortress or a high tower is a place of refuge and safety from attackers. It signifies safety, security, and a place of retreat or defense.
God is both on the offense and the defense for us! No wonder David could declare YHVH worthy of all praise!
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