David's Last Words
1 These are the last words of David: The proclamation of David son of Jesse, the proclamation of the man raised on high, the one anointed by the God of Jacob, the favorite singer of Israel:
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The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me, His word was on my tongue.
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The God of Israel spoke; the Rock of Israel said to me, "The one who rules the people with justice, who rules in the fear of God,
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is like the morning light when the sun rises on a cloudless morning, the glisten of rain on sprouting grass."
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Is it not true my house is with God? For He has established an everlasting covenant with me, ordered and secured in every [detail]. Will He not bring about my whole salvation and [my] every desire?
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But all the wicked are like thorns raked aside; they can never be picked up by hand.
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The man who touches them must be armed with iron and the shaft of a spear. They will be completely burned up on the spot.
Exploits of David's Warriors
8 These are the names of David's warriors: Josheb-basshebeth the Tahchemonite was chief of the officers. He wielded his spear against 800 [men] he killed at one time.
9
After him, Eleazar son of Dodo son of Ahohi was among the three warriors with David when they defied the Philistines. The men of Israel retreated in the place they had gathered for battle,
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but Eleazar stood [his ground] and attacked the Philistines until his hand was tired and stuck to his sword. The Lord brought about a great victory that day. Then the troops came back to him, but only to plunder the dead.
11
After him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. The Philistines had assembled [in formation] where there was a field full of lentils. The troops fled from the Philistines,