2 Samuel 23:1-7

1 These are the last words of David: “David, the son of Jesse, speaks— David, the man who was raised up so high, David, the man anointed by the God of Jacob, David, the sweet psalmist of Israel.

2 “The Spirit of the LORD speaks through me; his words are upon my tongue.

3 The God of Israel spoke. The Rock of Israel said to me: ‘The one who rules righteously, who rules in the fear of God,

4 is like the light of morning at sunrise, like a morning without clouds, like the gleaming of the sun on new grass after rain.’

5 “Is it not my family God has chosen? Yes, he has made an everlasting covenant with me. His agreement is arranged and guaranteed in every detail. He will ensure my safety and success.

6 But the godless are like thorns to be thrown away, for they tear the hand that touches them.

7 One must use iron tools to chop them down; they will be totally consumed by fire.”

2 Samuel 23:1-7 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or the favorite subject of the songs of Israel; or the favorite of the Strong One of Israel.