2 Samuel 23:1-10

David’s last words

1 These are David's last words: This is the declaration of Jesse's son David, the declaration of a man raised high, a man anointed by the God of Jacob, a man favored by the strong one of Israel.
2 The LORD's spirit speaks through me; his word is on my tongue.
3 Israel's God has spoken, Israel's rock said to me: "Whoever rules rightly over people, whoever rules in the fear of God,
4 is like the light of sunrise on a morning with no clouds, like the bright gleam after the rain that brings grass from the ground."
5 Yes, my house is this way with God! He has made an eternal covenant with me, laid out and secure in every detail. Yes, he provides every one of my victories and brings my every desire to pass.
6 But despicable people are like thorns, all of them good for nothing, because they can't be carried by hand.
7 No one can touch them, except with iron bar or the shaft of a spear. They must be burned up with fire right on the spot!

David’s warriors

8 These are the names of David's warriors: Jeshbaal from Hachmon was chief of the Three. He raised his spear against eight hundred, killing them on a single occasion.
9 Next in command was Eleazar, Dodo's son and Ahohi's grandson. He was among the three warriors with David when they insulted the Philistines who had gathered there for battle. The Israelites retreated,
10 but he stood his ground and fought the Philistines until his hand was weary and stuck to the sword. But the LORD accomplished a great victory that day. The troops then returned to Eleazar, but only to plunder the dead.

2 Samuel 23:1-10 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO SECOND SAMUEL 23

In this chapter are recorded the last words of David under a divine inspiration, 2Sa 23:1-7; and an account is given of his great men, famous for warlike exploits, particularly of three mighty men who did very marvellous things, 2Sa 23:8-17; and of two others next unto them, which belonged to another class of three, 2Sa 23:18-23; and then of thirty one more, 2Sa 23:24-39; who are all mentioned by name.

Footnotes 6

  • [a]. Or Israel’s favorite singer or the favorite of Israel’s songs
  • [b]. Or Yes, my house is surely with God!
  • [c]. LXXL, OL; MT Josheb-bashebeth; cf 1 Chron 11:11
  • [d]. See 1 Chron 11:11.
  • [e]. LXXL, Vulg; cf 1 Chron 11:11; MT chief of the officers
  • [f]. Cf 1 Chron 11:11; Heb uncertain
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