2 Samuel 22:1-51 GNT

[1] When the LORD saved David from Saul and his other enemies, David sang this song to the LORD: [2] The LORD is my protector; he is my strong fortress. [3] My God is my protection, and with him I am safe. He protects me like a shield; he defends me and keeps me safe. He is my savior; he protects me and saves me from violence. [4] I call to the LORD, and he saves me from my enemies. Praise the LORD! [5] The waves of death were all around me; the waves of destruction rolled over me. [6] The danger of death was around me, and the grave set its trap for me. [7] In my trouble I called to the LORD; I called to my God for help. In his temple he heard my voice; he listened to my cry for help. [8] Then the earth trembled and shook; the foundations of the sky rocked and quivered because God was angry! [9] Smoke poured out of his nostrils, a consuming flame and burning coals from his mouth. [10] He tore the sky open and came down, with a dark cloud under his feet. [11] He flew swiftly on his winged creature; he traveled on the wings of the wind. [12] He covered himself with darkness; thick clouds, full of water, surrounded him; [13] burning coals flamed up from the lightning before him. [14] Then the LORD thundered from the sky, and the voice of Almighty God was heard. [15] He shot his arrows and scattered his enemies; with flashes of lightning he sent them running. [16] The floor of the ocean was laid bare, and the foundations of the earth were uncovered when the LORD rebuked his enemies and roared at them in anger. [17] The LORD reached down from above and took hold of me; he pulled me out of the deep waters. [18] He rescued me from my powerful enemies and from all those who hate me- they were too strong for me. [19] When I was in trouble, they attacked me, but the LORD protected me. [20] He helped me out of danger; he saved me because he was pleased with me. [21] The LORD rewards me because I do what is right; he blesses me because I am innocent. [22] I have obeyed the law of the LORD; I have not turned away from my God. [23] I have observed all his laws; I have not disobeyed his commands. [24] He knows that I am faultless, that I have kept myself from doing wrong. [25] And so he rewards me because I do what is right, because he knows that I am innocent. [26] O LORD, you are faithful to those who are faithful to you, and completely good to those who are perfect. [27] You are pure to those who are pure, but hostile to those who are wicked. [28] You save those who are humble, but you humble those who are proud. [29] You, LORD, are my light; you dispel my darkness. [30] You give me strength to attack my enemies and power to overcome their defenses. [31] This God-how perfect are his deeds, how dependable his words! He is like a shield for all who seek his protection. [32] The LORD alone is God; God alone is our defense. [33] This God is my strong refuge; he makes my pathway safe. [34] He makes me sure-footed as a deer; he keeps me safe on the mountains. [35] He trains me for battle, so that I can use the strongest bow. [36] O LORD, you protect me and save me; your help has made me great. [37] You have kept me from being captured, and I have never fallen. [38] I pursue my enemies and defeat them; I do not stop until I destroy them. [39] I strike them down, and they cannot rise; they lie defeated before me. [40] You give me strength for the battle and victory over my enemies. [41] You make my enemies run from me; I destroy those who hate me. [42] They look for help, but no one saves them; they call to the LORD, but he does not answer. [43] I crush them, and they become like dust; I trample on them like mud in the streets. [44] You saved me from my rebellious people and maintained my rule over the nations; people I did not know have now become my subjects. [45] Foreigners bow before me; when they hear me, they obey. [46] They lose their courage and come trembling from their fortresses. [47] The LORD lives! Praise my defender! Proclaim the greatness of the strong God who saves me! [48] He gives me victory over my enemies; he subdues the nations under me [49] and saves me from my foes. O LORD, you give me victory over my enemies and protect me from violent men. [50] And so I praise you among the nations; I sing praises to you. [51] God gives great victories to his king; he shows constant love to the one he has chosen, to David and his descendants forever.