This chapter comes to a conclusion with a triumphant declaration of the rule of Christ over the nations (2 Samuel 22:31-51). Verse 51 cries out, “Great salvation He brings,” or He is a tower of salvation. Psalm 18 declares, “He gives his king great victories,” and Paul also defends this prophetic promise,

For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.” Romans 15:8-9

John declares this prophetic promise,

and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Revelation 1:5-6

Because He lives, all who believe in Him will live. Because He reigns as King over all, his people will reign with Him, hallelujah! These next 20 verses give us a glimpse into how God will accomplish this for His son.

This God-his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.  2 Samuel 22:31

Remember that David is speaking prophetically. He is not just referring to the actions of God towards the people of Israel at that time but also to the way in which He would act towards His covenant people. This is also the nature of the foundational relationship between the father and the son, “I will be a shield to Him.” “This is my son in whom I am well pleased.” The relationship of the trinity is the foundation to everything we receive in Christ.

So God is behind His servant. He is the underlying support and sustainer. God alone is his son’s rock (vs 32). All other things that we set up as gods of stability and support are pseudo rocks. ‘All other ground is sinking sand,’ said the hymn writer. God’s stability and commitment to His son also secures the same for us, as Psalm 18 says “my rock”

It’s a mystery and a wonder that, because of these promises to His son, we can be recipients of this equal care. It’s the miracle of being in Christ. God is with His servant in his times of testing.

This God is my strong refuge and has made my way blameless. 

He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights. He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have given me the shield of your salvation, and your gentleness made me great.  2 Samuel 22:33-36

God gives what His son needs to overcome. Speed, agility, skill, attack, defence whilst dealing with His son with gentleness. This is why David could say and Jesus know; The LORD is my shepherd I shall not want, or even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, or you prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies, you anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows. These magnificent promises are ours in Christ. The security of these promises for us, is wrapped up in the relationship between God and His son.

God has gone ahead of His servant. He prepares the way, removing the obstacles so that His son will not stumble (vs 37). He prepared a way and therefore will do so for you.

The imagery of verses 38-43 is war like, but can’t stop there as it must point prophetically to the victory of Christ in subduing all His enemies.

This is the theme of scripture, that light will overcome the darkness that the battle belongs to the Lord and that all His foes will be destroyed.

He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. Colossians 2:15

Nothing less than the eschatological triumph of Jesus Christ and his church is in view here although it’s not pretty nor gentle.

They looked, but there was none to save; they cried to the LORD, but he did not answer them. I beat them fine as the dust of the earth; I crushed them and stamped them down like the mire of the streets.  2 Samuel 22:42-43

Clearly an end time description, and end times discussions tend to throw up all sort of passions and arguments. I have heard such things as, Christ is coming back soon! Therefore, let’s sell all our possessions, leave our jobs, and turn our backs on a culture that is hell-bound! Wooah!

What did Peter say.

The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies-in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:7-11

What most Christians don’t grasp is that the primary purpose of eschatology is two-fold. First, it is designed to deepen our confidence and faith in God as the sovereign Lord over history who will bring his purposes to their proper consummation in such a way that righteousness will prevail, evil will be defeated and that Jesus Christ will be glorified. Eschatology is important because it tell us that God wins! And because he wins, he is to be worshipped.

But eschatology has a secondary purpose as well. It is also designed to encourage and sustain us in practical righteousness, faith, endurance and so on. It is precisely because we know that Christ will return and put the World to rights that we are to live in obedience to the Word of God, longing for a better country.