2 Samuel 22:41

2Sa_22:41. “The neck,” or “the back.” Made them turn to flee. (See Exo_23:27.)

2Sa_22:43. “As the dust.” “This language may be only expressive of that contempt in which ancient conquerors were wont to indulge when speaking of their foes. But it is literally true that they might soon be reduced as small as dust. The bodies of slain enemies that lie exposed without the rites of burial on the field or streets, soon become the prey of dogs or vultures, and the bones, stripped of all flesh, blanch in the warm climate, where they are not long in being crumbled to dust, and so trodden under the feet of their masters.” (Jamieson.)

2Sa_22:44. “Strivings,” or contests. This may especially refer to the internal conflicts in David’s own kingdom. (So Keil and Alexander.) “The closing words of this psalm, and its obvious connection with the promises in 2 Samuel 7, show that the anticipation of the last clause of the psalm was not limited to David’s personal triumphs, either at home or abroad, but meant to comprehend the victories of his successors, and especially of Him in whom the royal line was at once to end and be perpetuated.” (Alexander.)

2Sa_22:45. “The stranger.” Or, “the sons of outland,” i.e., foreigners. “Submit.” Literally, &c., i.e., yield a feigned obedience. “As soon as they hear.” This may mean, “they will submit at the mere report, or when they hear the command they will obey,” implying personal presence.

The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary (gen. ed. Joseph S. Exell; Funk & Wagnalls, c. 1892) — public domain (pre-1929). A full-Bible homiletical/sermon-outline anthology covering 65 of 66 books (2 John is absent from the source module). Text from a community e-Sword module.

41. And mine enemies didst thou make to turn their backs unto me:

as for them that hate me, I destroyed them.

The first clause means that his enemies were put to flight (Exo_23:27), not (as the E. V. suggests) that he planted his foot on their necks in token of triumph (Jos_10:24).

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

41. Causest to give me the back — The word rendered back means properly the back of the neck. The meaning is, that God had made David’s foes turn their backs to him and fly. Compare a parallel expression in Exo_23:27. In all this passage it is noticeable how devoutly David ascribes all his successes and victories to God.

Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Vers. 41-43.

And mine enemies thou hast made to turn upon me their back, Even those that hate me; and have utterly destroyed them. They looked, but there was none to save, Even to Jehovah, but he answered them not. And I beat them small as the dust of the earth; As the mire of the streets I stamped upon them, I trode them down.

Those that hate me. The sentence is to be completed from the previous clause, "my haters" and "my enemies" being equivalent. There are several small variations between the text here and in Psalm 18., such as "they cried" for they looked; and "I emptied them out" for I stamped upon them, the difference in both cases consisting in a single letter.

The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.