It is interesting how, in David’s song of praise here in chapter 22, David declares: “I have not turned away from his decrees. I have been blameless before him and have kept myself from sin. The Lord has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to my cleanness in his sight.” This is not just his view. David is seen, throughout the subsequent narratives, as the model king, who was blessed because of his faithfulness to God. David’s sin with Bathsheba seems to be viewed as something that was generally uncharacteristic of this man of God. David can at this point genuinely celebrate the fact that God had honoured his obedience in not seizing the throne from Saul. It is in this sense that David can speak of his own righteousness. He is referring to the way in which he came to where he now is. He is not claiming absolute moral purity, as is evident from Psalm 51. The context is important. David recorded this song (it is included in the Psalter as Psalm 18 with variations) to commend to his people, including us, the fruit of faithfulness. God will always honour those who wait for him in patient faith to do the things he has promised. David trusted and obeyed God through intense difficulty but now he can celebrate that his faith was well founded. God always honours our faithfulness. That is the message of this song.
In what area of your life is God calling you to trust and obey him?
Read 2 Samuel 21:15-22:51
