Commentary on 2 Samuel 22:21

Verse: "The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me." (2 Samuel 22:21)

This verse is part of David's song of praise and thanksgiving that highlights the themes of divine reward, righteousness, and accountability before God. In this commentary, insights from public domain resources such as those by Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke provide depth to our understanding of this pivotal text.

Introduction

This passage encapsulates David's reflection on God’s justice and his own moral standing before God. After years of struggle, this statement is both a declaration of faith and an acknowledgment of God’s favor.

Contextual Overview

David, having been delivered from enemies and adversity, offers a poetic hymn that celebrates God’s faithfulness and justice. The surrounding verses also detail God's interventions in David's life, affirming that when he called for help, God answered.

Divine Reward According to Righteousness

Matthew Henry: Henry notes that David’s perception of being rewarded according to his righteousness speaks to the covenant relationship established between man and God. He emphasizes that God does not reward based on mere superficial actions but assesses the condition of the heart and the motives behind one’s deeds.

Albert Barnes: Barnes elaborates that this verse reflects the principle found throughout Scripture that God's blessing often corresponds to one's character and conduct. He points out that while David acknowledges his righteousness, he does so not in pride but as a humble realization of God’s mercy and grace toward him.

Adam Clarke: Clarke emphasizes the notion of integrity. He interprets David's proclamation as a recognition that God sees the purity of intentions behind actions, suggesting that such righteousness is a prerequisite for receiving God’s favor and support.

The Cleanness of My Hands

This phrase signifies moral purity and integrity. How one conducts oneself in the world is crucial to this understanding.

• Moral Integrity: Henry points out that the specific mention of "hands" refers to both action and intention, symbolizing everything from decisions made to deeds executed.
• Practical Righteousness: Barnes illustrates that cleanness of hands can be understood as a commitment to living righteously in practical terms—doing justly and acting ethically in various circumstances.
• Spiritual Purity: Clarke discusses the connection between outward conduct and inward sincerity, suggesting that cleanness of hands encompasses both outward actions and inner purity.

God's Recompense and Justice

The concept of recompense presents a crucial theological principle: God’s justice extends to rewarding the faithful and punishing the wicked. This is seen in David’s life where he faced both tribulation and blessing.

• God's Vindication: Henry argues that God vindicates His people, affirming that righteous living will lead to divine favor.
• Justice Beyond Measure: Barnes reminds us that God's recompense might not always align with human expectations but reflects divine wisdom and timing.
• Judgment and Grace: Clarke emphasizes the tension between judgment and grace, suggesting that while David acknowledges his righteousness, he simultaneously recognizes his need for God’s grace to maintain that righteousness.

Practical Implications for Believers

This verse prompts believers to reflect on their own lives in light of God's standards. The questions below may guide this reflection:

• Are we pursuing righteousness in our daily actions and decisions?
• How do our motivations align with our outward actions?
• In what areas do we seek God’s help to cleanse and align our hearts?

Conclusion

2 Samuel 22:21 stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of righteousness and moral integrity in the life of a believer. As David exclaims, the Lord rewards according to one's righteousness and pureness of heart. It invites pastors, theologians, and students of the Bible to consider how divine justice operates in their lives and to pursue a lifestyle reflective of God's character.

In summary, this verse encourages a life of active faith and integrity, emphasizing that while God is just in His rewards, His grace enables believers to uphold righteousness. Therefore, it calls on each of us to strive for a heart attitude that is not only externally clean but also internally pure, acknowledging our dependence on God's grace for both standards of living and hope in divine recompense.