Reading 49 | The Bible in 100 Passages

Saturday, November 1, 2025  

Today's Scripture
2 Samuel 22:1–7

David spoke to the Lord the words of this song on the day when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul.

He said: The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. For the waves of death encompassed me, the torrents of perdition assailed me; the cords of Sheol entangled me, the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I called. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry came to his ears. (NRSV)

Psalm 18

I love you, O Lord, my strength.

The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, so I shall be saved from my enemies.

The cords of death encompassed me; the torrents of perdition assailed me;

the cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me.

In my distress I called upon the Lord; to my God I cried for help. From his temple he heard my voice, and my cry to him reached his ears. (NRSV)

Reflection

Throughout his life David has known of God’s many blessings, and his testimony in these passages is no exception. God saved him from his enemies, rescuing him from King Saul. Through these trials and turmoils, God had been faithful, and David sings of God’s glory and protection and of being David’s “rock.”

How wonderful it is that what God did for David in biblical times, God continues to do for us today. Whatever challenges we may be going through personally or communally, God is the same fortress, deliverer, savior, and protector that God was then for David. David’s experience reflects the importance of calling out to God in times of trouble and reminds us that the power of prayer can be mightier than any sword.

Prayer

Lord, we are grateful that you hear our prayers and that you are a constant source of comfort, safety, and strength during times of difficulty. Just as you walked with David, you have been faithful in moving in our lives as well. Thank you that we can depend on you as our fortress and refuge, and may you continue to hear our sincere prayers. We praise you for your awesome power and that through you we can have the faith that all things truly are possible and there is no challenge too great for you. Thank you for loving us. We honor you for being our constant rock. Amen.  

Written by Michelle Epps, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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