2 Samuel 22:6

The cords of Sheol entangled me; the snares of death confronted me.

Study Bible

The cords of Sheol entangled me;
In this phrase, "cords" symbolize the inescapable and binding nature of death and the grave. "Sheol" refers to the Hebrew concept of the underworld or the realm of the dead, often depicted as a place of darkness and separation from God. This imagery reflects the psalmist's feeling of being trapped and overwhelmed by mortal danger. In biblical context, Sheol is not necessarily a place of punishment but rather a shadowy existence apart from the living. The use of "cords" suggests a struggle against forces that seek to drag the psalmist down, reminiscent of Jonah's prayer from the belly of the fish (Jonah 2:2-6), where he also describes being entangled by the deep. This phrase can be seen as a type of Christ, who, in His death, descended to the dead and broke the bonds of Sheol, offering victory over death (Acts 2:24).

the snares of death confronted me.
"Snares" indicate traps set to capture and destroy, emphasizing the imminent threat to the psalmist's life. The imagery of "death" as an active force that confronts suggests a personal and direct encounter with mortality. This reflects the historical context of David's life, who faced numerous life-threatening situations, including battles and persecution by King Saul. The phrase echoes the sentiment found in Psalm 18:5, which parallels this passage and highlights the perilous situations from which God delivered David. In a broader biblical narrative, this confrontation with death prefigures the ultimate confrontation Jesus faced on the cross, where He overcame death itself (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). The imagery of snares and confrontation underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the believer's reliance on God's deliverance from both physical and spiritual death.

Persons / Places / Events

1. David
The author of this song of deliverance, David is reflecting on God's deliverance from his enemies and from the hand of Saul. This chapter is a song of thanksgiving and praise to God for His protection and salvation.

2. Sheol
In Hebrew thought, Sheol is the realm of the dead, a place of darkness and separation from the living. It represents the ultimate threat and despair that David felt when he was pursued by his enemies.

3. Death
Personified here as having snares, death represents the imminent danger and threat to David's life. It is a metaphor for the perilous situations he faced.

4. Enemies of David
While not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of the chapter includes the various enemies David faced throughout his life, including King Saul and other adversaries.

5. God's Deliverance
The overarching event in this chapter is God's deliverance of David from his enemies, which is the central theme of this song.

Teaching Points

Understanding Despair
Recognize that even a man after God's own heart, like David, experienced deep despair and felt entangled by the cords of death. This can encourage believers to be honest about their struggles.

God's Deliverance
Emphasize that God is a deliverer who rescues His people from the depths of despair and the snares of death. Trust in His power to save.

Prayer in Distress
Encourage believers to cry out to God in their times of distress, just as David did. God hears and responds to the cries of His people.

Spiritual Warfare
Understand that the snares of death can also represent spiritual battles. Equip yourself with the armor of God to stand firm against these threats.

Hope in Resurrection
Reflect on the ultimate deliverance from death through Jesus Christ, who conquered the grave and offers eternal life to those who believe.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does David's experience of feeling entangled by the cords of Sheol relate to times of despair in your own life?

2. In what ways can you see God's deliverance in your life, similar to how David experienced it?

3. How can the imagery of "snares of death" inform your understanding of spiritual warfare and the need for God's protection?

4. What practical steps can you take to cry out to God in times of distress, following David's example?

5. How does the hope of resurrection through Jesus Christ provide comfort and assurance in the face of death and despair?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 18
This psalm is almost identical to 2 Samuel 22 and provides additional context and insight into David's heart and his relationship with God during times of distress.

Jonah 2
Jonah's prayer from the belly of the fish echoes the themes of being entangled by the cords of death and calling out to God from the depths of Sheol.

Psalm 116
This psalm speaks of the cords of death and the anguish of the grave, similar to David's expression in 2 Samuel 22:6, highlighting God's deliverance.