2 Samuel 23:2-7

2 “The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; his word was on my tongue.

3 The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: ‘When one rules over people in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God,

4 he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth.’

5 “If my house were not right with God, surely he would not have made with me an everlasting covenant, arranged and secured in every part; surely he would not bring to fruition my salvation and grant me my every desire.

6 But evil men are all to be cast aside like thorns, which are not gathered with the hand.

7 Whoever touches thorns uses a tool of iron or the shaft of a spear; they are burned up where they lie.”

2 Samuel 23:2-7 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.

Cross References

• 1. Matthew 22:43; Mark 12:36; 2 Peter 1:21
• 2. Deuteronomy 32:4; S 1 Samuel 2:2; Psalms 18:31; 2 Samuel 22:2,32
• 3. Psalms 72:2
• 4. S Genesis 42:18
• 5. 2 Chronicles 19:7,9; Isaiah 11:1-5
• 6. John 1:5
• 7. Psalms 119:147; Psalms 130:6; Proverbs 4:18
• 8. S Judges 5:31; Psalms 89:36; Matthew 13:43
• 9. S Deuteronomy 32:2
• 10. S Genesis 9:16; Psalms 89:29; Isaiah 55:3
• 11. Isaiah 5:6; Isaiah 9:18; Isaiah 10:17; Isaiah 27:4; Isaiah 33:12; Micah 7:4; Nahum 1:10; Matthew 13:40-41