2 Samuel 22:15
2 Samuel 22:15 in Multiple Translations
He shot His arrows and scattered the foes; He hurled lightning and routed them.
And he sent out arrows, and scattered them; lightning, and discomfited them.
And he sent out arrows, and scattered them; Lightning, and discomfited them.
And he sent out his arrows, driving them in all directions; by his flames of fire they were troubled.
He fired his arrows, scattering his enemies, he routed them with his lightning bolts.
He shot arrowes also, and scattered them: to wit, lightning, and destroyed them.
And He sendeth forth arrows, And scattereth them; Lightning, and troubleth them;
He sent out arrows and scattered them, lightning and confused them.
And he sent out arrows, and scattered them; lightning, and discomfited them.
He shot arrows and scattered them: lightning, and consumed them.
When you sent flashes of lightning, it was as though [MET] you shot your arrows and scattered your enemies.
Berean Amplified Bible — 2 Samuel 22:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
2 Samuel 22:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֥ח
חִצִּ֖ים
וַ/יְפִיצֵ֑/ם
בָּרָ֖ק
ו/יהמ/ם
וַ/יָּהֹֽם
וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֥ח
shâlach
H7971
to send
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
חִצִּ֖ים
chêts
H2671
arrow
N-mp
וַ/יְפִיצֵ֑/ם
pûwts
H6327
to scatter
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
בָּרָ֖ק
bârâq
H1300
to use lightning
N-ms
ו/יהמ/ם
hâmam
H2000
to confuse
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
וַ/יָּהֹֽם
hâmam
H2000
to confuse
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — 2 Samuel 22:15
וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֥ח
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
חִצִּ֖ים
chêts
H2671
"arrow"
N-mp
An arrow is a sharp object shot from a bow, used for hunting or battle, like those used by archers in the book of Judges. It can also symbolize God's powerful judgment.
Definition: arrow
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] archer, arrow, dart, shaft, staff, wound. See also: Genesis 49:23; Psalms 91:5; Psalms 7:14.
וַ/יְפִיצֵ֑/ם
pûwts
H6327
"to scatter"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To shatter means to break something into pieces, either physically or figuratively. It can also mean to disperse or scatter people or things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) to scatter, be dispersed, be scattered 1a) (Qal) to be dispersed, be scattered 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be scattered 1b2) to be spread abroad 1c) (Hiphil) to scatter 1d) Hithpael) scatter
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: break (dash, shake) in (to) pieces, cast (abroad), disperse (selves), drive, retire, scatter (abroad), spread abroad. See also: Genesis 10:18; Jeremiah 10:21; Psalms 18:15.
בָּרָ֖ק
bârâq
H1300
"to use lightning"
N-ms
This word refers to lightning, a bright and powerful force of nature. It is also used to describe a flashing sword, conveying a sense of speed and intensity.
Definition: to flash (with lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: bright, glitter(-ing sword), lightning. See also: Exodus 19:16; Jeremiah 10:13; Psalms 18:15.
ו/יהמ/ם
hâmam
H2000
"to confuse"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
This verb means to confuse or disrupt something, causing trouble or destruction. It is used in various contexts, including making noise, consuming, or crushing something, as seen in the KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to move noisily, confuse, make a noise, discomfit, break, consume, crush, destroy, trouble, vex 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to move noisily 1a2) to confuse, discomfit, vex
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: break, consume, crush, destroy, discomfit, trouble, vex. See also: Exodus 14:24; 2 Samuel 22:15; Psalms 18:15.
וַ/יָּהֹֽם
hâmam
H2000
"to confuse"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to confuse or disrupt something, causing trouble or destruction. It is used in various contexts, including making noise, consuming, or crushing something, as seen in the KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to move noisily, confuse, make a noise, discomfit, break, consume, crush, destroy, trouble, vex 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to move noisily 1a2) to confuse, discomfit, vex
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: break, consume, crush, destroy, discomfit, trouble, vex. See also: Exodus 14:24; 2 Samuel 22:15; Psalms 18:15.
Study Notes — 2 Samuel 22:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — David’s Song of Deliverance
13From the brightness of His presence coals of fire blazed forth.
14The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded.
15He shot His arrows and scattered the foes; He hurled lightning and routed them.
16The channels of the sea appeared, and the foundations of the world were exposed at the rebuke of the LORD, at the blast of the breath of His nostrils. 17He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 32:23 | I will heap disasters upon them; I will spend My arrows against them. |
| 2 | Joshua 10:10 | And the LORD threw them into confusion before Israel, who defeated them in a great slaughter at Gibeon, pursued them along the ascent to Beth-horon, and struck them down as far as Azekah and Makkedah. |
| 3 | Habakkuk 3:11 | Sun and moon stood still in their places at the flash of Your flying arrows, at the brightness of Your shining spear. |
| 4 | Psalms 7:12–13 | If one does not repent, God will sharpen His sword; He has bent and strung His bow. He has prepared His deadly weapons; He ordains His arrows with fire. |
| 5 | Psalms 45:5 | Your arrows pierce the hearts of the king’s foes; the nations fall beneath your feet. |
| 6 | Psalms 18:14 | He shot His arrows and scattered the foes; He hurled lightning and routed them. |
| 7 | Psalms 144:6–7 | Flash forth Your lightning and scatter them; shoot Your arrows and rout them. Reach down from on high; set me free and rescue me from the deep waters, from the grasp of foreigners, |
2 Samuel 22:15 Summary
In 2 Samuel 22:15, we see a powerful picture of God's deliverance and judgment. When it says that God 'shot His arrows and scattered the foes', it means that God is powerful and able to defeat any enemy that comes against us, just like He did for David. This reminds us that we can trust in God's power and sovereignty, just as David did, and that He is always working to deliver and protect us, as seen in Psalm 91:4-5. By trusting in God's power, we can face any challenge with confidence, knowing that He is our mighty warrior and deliverer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God 'shot His arrows and scattered the foes' in 2 Samuel 22:15?
This phrase is a metaphor for God's powerful judgment and deliverance, similar to what we see in Deuteronomy 32:23 and Psalm 144:6, where God's arrows represent His swift and decisive action against His enemies.
How does the image of God hurling lightning relate to our lives today?
The lightning in 2 Samuel 22:15 symbolizes God's mighty power and intervention, reminding us of His ability to break through any darkness or challenge, as seen in Psalm 18:14 and Ezekiel 1:13-14, where God's glory and presence are accompanied by flashes of lightning.
What can we learn from the way God 'routed them' in this verse?
The routing of enemies in 2 Samuel 22:15 teaches us about God's sovereignty and our need to trust in His power, as expressed in Proverbs 21:31, which says that 'the horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the LORD'.
How does this verse relate to Jesus Christ and the New Testament?
While 2 Samuel 22:15 is an Old Testament passage, it foreshadows the ultimate victory of God through Jesus Christ, as seen in Revelation 19:11-16, where Jesus returns as the conquering King, defeating all enemies and establishing His eternal reign.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like I'm being 'scattered' or overwhelmed, and how can I apply the truth of God's powerful deliverance from 2 Samuel 22:15 to those situations?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and power when faced with challenges or enemies, just as David did in this psalm?
- What are some ways I can 'take hold' of God's promises and presence in my life, just as David was 'taken hold of' by God in 2 Samuel 22:17?
- In what ways can I practically apply the metaphor of God's 'arrows' and 'lightning' to my prayer life and my trust in God's intervention?
- How does the image of God as a powerful warrior in 2 Samuel 22:15 shape my understanding of His character and my relationship with Him?
Gill's Exposition on 2 Samuel 22:15
And he sent out arrows, and scattered them; lightning, and discomfited them. [See comments on Psalms 18:14].
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 2 Samuel 22:15
And he sent out arrows, and scattered them; lightning, and discomfited them. He sent out arrows, and scattered them , [ chitsiym (H2671)].
Cambridge Bible on 2 Samuel 22:15
15. scattered them] “Them” obviously refers to the enemies whose destruction was the object of this divine interposition (2 Samuel 22:4). discomfited them] A word denoting the confusion of a sudden panic, and used specially of supernatural defeat. Cp. Exodus 14:24 (E. V. troubled); Joshua 10:10; Judges 4:15; 1 Samuel 7:10.
Whedon's Commentary on 2 Samuel 22:15
15. Sends arrows — Jehovah’s arrows are the forked lightnings, as indicated in the next line of the parallelism.
Sermons on 2 Samuel 22:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
America Is Finished, unless... by Pierre Bynum | Pierre Bynum preaches about the impending judgment on America due to its sins and departure from God, emphasizing the need for national repentance and a God-sent Awakening to avert |
|
The Day the Sun Stood Still by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joshua and the battle against the five powerful kings. The preacher emphasizes the importance of learning from past experiences |
|
Turn or Burn by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that God will punish sin. He shares a story about a minister who, while walking in a forest, comes across a cle |
|
Healing Broken Hearts by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of Jesus to set people free from the bondage of sin. He highlights that sin often starts with a curious thought and can lead to de |
|
Psalm 45 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on the beauty and majesty of Christ as the spiritual Bridegroom, emphasizing the believer's fervent commendation of Jesus and the eloquence in expressing due pra |
|
Exposition on Psalm 19 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on the glory of God revealed through the heavens and the works of His hands, as well as the proclamation of His Word day and night. He emphasizes the univers |