He brought me forth also into a large place: he delivered me, because he delighted in me.

2 SAMUEL 22:20KJV
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2 Samuel 22:20 (KJV)

What does 2 Samuel 22:20 mean?

2 Samuel 22:20 describes how God rescued David from danger and brought him into a safe and spacious place, showing that God cared for him and took pleasure in him. The verse emphasizes both God’s deliverance and His delight in David as reasons for this rescue.

David is speaking these words as a song of praise after being delivered from his enemies, especially King Saul. The “large place” refers to a situation of freedom and safety, in contrast to being trapped or threatened. David credits God’s personal delight in him as the reason for his deliverance, highlighting a close and caring relationship.

The Hebrew behind 2 Samuel 22:20

  • “forth” (יָצָא, yatsa’): This word means to bring out or lead out. Here, it paints a picture of God actively taking David out of a tight or dangerous spot.
  • “place” (מֶרְחָב, merchav): This word means a broad or spacious place. It suggests relief, safety, and freedom after a time of distress or confinement.
  • “delivered” (חָלַץ, chalats): This word often means to rescue or snatch away from danger. It emphasizes God’s power to save David from real threats.
  • “delighted” (חָפֵץ, chaphets): This word means to take pleasure in or to desire. It shows that God’s motivation for helping David was not just obligation, but genuine affection and favor.

Why 2 Samuel 22:20 matters

  • The verse clarifies that God’s rescue of David was not only about removing him from danger, but also about bringing him into a better, freer situation.
  • The emphasis on God’s delight in David shows that God’s actions are rooted in relationship and care, not just duty or power.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage, which is a song of thanksgiving, by highlighting the personal nature of God’s help and the reason for David’s gratitude.

Where else these words appear

“place” Hebrew H4800 · used in 6 verses

  • Psalms 18:19 He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.
  • Psalms 31:8 And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou hast set my feet in a large room.
  • Hosea 4:16 For Israel slideth back as a backsliding heifer: now the LORD will feed them as a lamb in a large place.

“delivered” Hebrew H2502 · used in 44 verses

  • Leviticus 14:40 Then the priest shall command that they take away the stones in which the plague is, and they shall cast them into an unclean place without the city:
  • Joshua 4:13 About forty thousand prepared for war passed over before the LORD unto battle, to the plains of Jericho.
  • Psalms 50:15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

“delighted” Hebrew H2654 · used in 71 verses

  • Genesis 34:19 And the young man deferred not to do the thing, because he had delight in Jacob's daughter: and he was more honourable than all the house of his father.
  • Job 21:14 Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.
  • Song of Solomon 2:7 I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please.