and come trembling
The imagery of trembling conveys a deep sense of fear and submission. This reaction is not merely physical but also spiritual, as it indicates an acknowledgment of the divine power backing Israel. In the ancient Near Eastern context, trembling before a victorious king or deity was a common expression of submission and recognition of authority. This can be seen in passages like Psalm 2:11, which calls for serving the Lord with fear and rejoicing with trembling. It also foreshadows the ultimate submission of all nations to Christ, as prophesied in Philippians 2:10-11, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

from their strongholds
Strongholds refer to fortified places of refuge and defense, often built on elevated terrain for strategic advantage. In the ancient world, these were seen as symbols of security and power. The fact that foreigners come trembling from their strongholds indicates that even their most secure defenses are inadequate against the power of God. This is reminiscent of the fall of Jericho in Joshua 6, where the seemingly impregnable walls fell by divine intervention. Spiritually, it suggests that no human or earthly power can stand against God's will. It also typologically points to Christ as the ultimate stronghold and refuge for believers, as seen in Psalm 18:2, where the Lord is described as a rock and fortress.

- David is singing about enemies outside Israel—nations that have no covenant with the LORD.

- These “foreigners” had often opposed Israel (2 Samuel 8; 10), yet God repeatedly promised that hostile peoples would melt before His chosen (Exodus 15:14-16; Deuteronomy 2:25).

- Psalm 18:44 repeats the same line: “As soon as they hear me, they obey me; foreigners cower before me.” The parallel underscores that the promise is not confined to one battle but is a pattern whenever God fights for His king.

- The idea reaches forward to times when Gentile nations will ultimately acknowledge the LORD (Isaiah 45:14; Zechariah 14:16).

- “Lose heart” shows total collapse of courage. They realize resistance is pointless because God is with David (Joshua 2:11; 5:1).

- Deuteronomy 20:3 warns Israel not to “let your hearts faint” before battle; here the reverse happens—unbelieving enemies are the ones whose hearts melt.

- God had promised Abraham, “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse” (Genesis 12:3). Their discouragement is evidence of that curse coming to bear.

- Practical takeaway: when the LORD defends His people, opposition cannot stand (Romans 8:31).

- The image shifts from inner fear to outward response—they physically quake.

- Isaiah 64:3-4 reminds us, “When You did awesome deeds, nations trembled.”

- Trembling also hints at forced submission (Psalm 66:3, “Through the greatness of Your power Your enemies shall submit themselves to You”).

- God’s power makes proud rebels bow (Micah 7:17, “They will lick dust like a snake… they will come trembling out of their hideouts”).

- Even fortified places cannot shield anyone from the reach of the Almighty (Obadiah 3-4).

- Strongholds symbolize human security apart from God; but Proverbs 21:22 says, “A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trust.”

- David had firsthand experience of capturing enemy fortresses (2 Samuel 5:7). His testimony validates that God’s deliverance penetrates every wall.

- For believers today, this reassures us that no barrier—political, cultural, or spiritual—can wall out the gospel when God decides to act (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).

2 Samuel 22:46 pictures the total supremacy of the LORD who fights for His anointed. Foreign nations that once threatened Israel lose all courage, quake with fear, and abandon their safest fortresses because God’s power renders human defenses useless. The verse testifies that when God rises to save, every enemy must ultimately concede, leaving His people secure and His name exalted.

Parallel Commentaries ...