2 Samuel 23:4
New International Version
he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth.’

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

English Standard Version
he dawns on them like the morning light, like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning, like rain that makes grass to sprout from the earth.

Berean Standard Bible
is like the light of the morning at sunrise of a cloudless dawn, the glistening after the rain on the sprouting grass of the earth.’

King James Bible
And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.

New King James Version
And he shall be like the light of the morning when the sun rises, A morning without clouds, Like the tender grass springing out of the earth, By clear shining after rain.’

New American Standard Bible
Is like the light of the morning when the sun rises, A morning without clouds, When the fresh grass springs out of the earth From sunshine after rain.’

NASB 1995
Is as the light of the morning when the sun rises, A morning without clouds, When the tender grass springs out of the earth, Through sunshine after rain.’

NASB 1977
Is as the light of the morning when the sun rises, A morning without clouds, When the tender grass springs out of the earth, Through sunshine after rain.’

Legacy Standard Bible
Is as the light of the morning when the sun rises, A morning without clouds, From brightness of the sun after rain.’ With the tender grass springing from the earth,

Amplified Bible
Is like the morning light when the sun rises, A morning without clouds, When the fresh grass springs out of the earth Through sunshine after rain.’

Christian Standard Bible
is like the morning light when the sun rises on a cloudless morning, the glisten of rain on sprouting grass.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
is like the morning light when the sun rises on a cloudless morning, the glisten of rain on sprouting grass.”

American Standard Version
He shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, A morning without clouds, When the tender grass springeth out of the earth, Through clear shining after rain.

Contemporary English Version
is like the sunrise on a cloudless day, or like rain that sparkles on the grass."

English Revised Version
He shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, a morning without clouds; when the tender grass springeth out of the earth, through clear shining after rain.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He is like the morning light as the sun rises, like a morning without clouds, like the brightness after a rainstorm. The rain makes the grass grow from the earth.'

Good News Translation
is like the sun shining on a cloudless dawn, the sun that makes the grass sparkle after rain."

International Standard Version
He is like dawn's first light, like bright sun blazing on a cloudless morning, glistening on grassland that flourishes after a rain shower.

Majority Standard Bible
is like the light of the morning at sunrise of a cloudless dawn, the glistening after the rain on the sprouting grass of the earth.?

NET Bible
is like the light of morning when the sun comes up, a morning in which there are no clouds. He is like the brightness after rain that produces grass from the earth.

New Heart English Bible
shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun rises, a morning without clouds, when the tender grass springs out of the earth, through clear shining after rain.'

Webster's Bible Translation
And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.

World English Bible
shall be as the light of the morning when the sun rises, a morning without clouds, when the tender grass springs out of the earth, through clear shining after rain.’
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And he rises as the light of morning, "" A morning sun [with] no clouds! By the shining, by the rain, "" Tender grass of the earth!

Young's Literal Translation
And as the light of morning he riseth, A morning sun -- no clouds! By the shining, by the rain, Tender grass of the earth!

Smith's Literal Translation
And as the light of the morning the sun will rise: the morning not dense; from the shining of the rain bringing forth herbage from the earth.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
As the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, shineth in the morning without clouds, and as the grass springeth out of the earth by rain.

Catholic Public Domain Version
like the first light of the morning as the sun is rising, when a morning without clouds glows red, and like plants springing forth from the earth after a rainfall.

New American Bible
Is like the light at sunrise on a cloudless morning, making the land’s vegetation glisten after rain.”

New Revised Standard Version
is like the light of morning, like the sun rising on a cloudless morning, gleaming from the rain on the grassy land.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
He is like the light of the morning when the sun rises, even a morning without clouds, before dawn, a morning free from rain which makes the grass to spring up.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Like the light of the morning whenever the sun rises, a morning without clouds, from twilight before dawn and from the rain that makes the land sprout
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, A morning without clouds; When through clear shining after rain, The tender grass springeth out of the earth.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And in the morning light of God, let the sun arise in the morning, from the light of which the Lord passed on, and as it were from the rain of the tender grass upon the earth.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
David's Last Song
3The God of Israel spoke; the Rock of Israel said to me, ‘He who rules the people with justice, who rules in the fear of God, 4is like the light of the morning at sunrise of a cloudless dawn, the glistening after the rain on the sprouting grass of the earth.’ 5Is not my house right with God? For He has established with me an everlasting covenant, ordered and secured in every part. Will He not bring about my full salvation and my every desire?…

Cross References
Psalm 72:6-7
May he be like rain that falls on freshly cut grass, like spring showers that water the earth. / May the righteous flourish in his days and prosperity abound until the moon is no more.

Isaiah 60:1-3
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. / For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you. / Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

Malachi 4:2
“But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings, and you will go out and leap like calves from the stall.

Psalm 89:36-37
his offspring shall endure forever, and his throne before Me like the sun, / like the moon, established forever, a faithful witness in the sky.” Selah

Isaiah 9:2
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.

Matthew 4:16
the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.”

Luke 1:78-79
because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the Dawn will visit us from on high, / to shine on those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

John 8:12
Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Revelation 22:16
“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the bright Morning Star.”

Isaiah 11:1-5
Then a shoot will spring up from the stump of Jesse, and a Branch from his roots will bear fruit. / The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him—the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD. / And He will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what His eyes see, and He will not decide by what His ears hear, ...

Hosea 6:3
So let us know—let us press on to know the LORD. As surely as the sun rises, He will appear; He will come to us like the rain, like the spring showers that water the earth.

Psalm 110:3
Your people shall be willing on Your day of battle. Arrayed in holy splendor, from the womb of the dawn, to You belongs the dew of Your youth.

Isaiah 32:1-2
Behold, a king will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule with justice. / Each will be like a shelter from the wind, a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in a dry land, like the shadow of a great rock in an arid land.

Matthew 13:43
Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.

2 Peter 1:19
We also have the word of the prophets as confirmed beyond doubt. And you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.


Treasury of Scripture

And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun rises, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.

as the light

Judges 5:31
So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: but let them that love him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years.

Psalm 89:36
His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me.

Psalm 110:3
Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.

mourning

Hosea 6:3
Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.

tender

Deuteronomy 32:2
My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:

Psalm 72:6
He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth.

Isaiah 4:2
In that day shall the branch of the LORD be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel.

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Brightness Clear Clouds Dawns Earth Forth Grass Light Making Morning Rain Rises Riseth Rising Shining Springeth Springing Springs Sun Sunrise Sunshine Tender Young
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Brightness Clear Clouds Dawns Earth Forth Grass Light Making Morning Rain Rises Riseth Rising Shining Springeth Springing Springs Sun Sunrise Sunshine Tender Young
2 Samuel 23
1. David, in his last words, professes his faith in God's promises
6. The different state of the wicked
8. A catalogue of David's mighty men














is like the light of the morning at sunrise
This phrase evokes the imagery of a new beginning and hope. In biblical times, the morning light symbolized renewal and the dispelling of darkness, often associated with God's presence and favor. The sunrise is a metaphor for righteousness and justice, as seen in Malachi 4:2, where the "sun of righteousness" rises with healing. This imagery can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is referred to as the "light of the world" in John 8:12, bringing spiritual illumination and salvation.

of a cloudless dawn
A cloudless dawn suggests clarity, peace, and the absence of obstacles. In the ancient Near East, a clear sky was often seen as a sign of divine blessing and favor. This imagery can be connected to the peace and righteousness of God's kingdom, as described in Isaiah 9:7, where the reign of the Messiah is characterized by endless peace. The absence of clouds can also symbolize the removal of sin and separation from God, as seen in Isaiah 44:22, where God promises to "sweep away" transgressions like a cloud.

the glistening after the rain
Rain in the Bible is frequently associated with God's provision and blessing, as it was essential for agriculture in the arid climate of Israel. The glistening after the rain suggests a refreshed and renewed earth, symbolizing the restoration and renewal that comes from God's presence. This can be linked to the spiritual renewal promised in passages like Joel 2:23-24, where God promises to send rain and restore the years the locusts have eaten. It also reflects the cleansing and life-giving power of the Holy Spirit, as seen in Titus 3:5, where the "washing of regeneration" is mentioned.

on the sprouting grass of the earth.
The sprouting grass represents new life and growth, a common biblical metaphor for spiritual vitality and prosperity. In the context of David's last words, it signifies the flourishing of God's people under righteous leadership. This imagery is echoed in Psalm 72:6-7, where the reign of a righteous king is likened to rain on mown grass, causing the righteous to flourish. It also points to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who brings eternal life and growth to His followers, as seen in John 10:10, where Jesus promises abundant life.

Persons / Places / Events
1. David
The speaker of this verse, King David, is reflecting on the qualities of a righteous ruler. This verse is part of his last words, a poetic reflection on leadership and God's covenant with him.

2. Righteous Ruler
The verse metaphorically describes the ideal king or leader, one who rules justly and in the fear of God.

3. Morning Light
Symbolizes clarity, hope, and renewal, representing the positive impact of a righteous leader.

4. Sunrise on a Cloudless Morning
A metaphor for purity and the promise of a new day, indicating the peace and prosperity brought by just leadership.

5. Brightness After Rain
Represents refreshment and growth, symbolizing the blessings and flourishing that follow righteous governance.
Teaching Points
The Impact of Righteous Leadership
Just and God-fearing leaders bring clarity, hope, and prosperity to their people, much like the refreshing light of a new day.

Symbolism of Light and Growth
The imagery of light and growth in this verse encourages believers to seek and support leadership that aligns with God's righteousness.

Personal Reflection on Leadership
Consider how you can embody the qualities of a righteous leader in your own spheres of influence, bringing light and growth to those around you.

God's Covenant and Promises
Reflect on God's faithfulness to His promises, as seen in His covenant with David, and how this assurance can guide us in our daily lives.

Spiritual Renewal and Refreshment
Just as rain brings new life to the earth, seek spiritual renewal through God's Word and presence, allowing His righteousness to flourish in your life.(4) A morning without clouds.--This description of the blessings of the ideally perfect government is closely connected with the Divine promise made through Nathan (2 Samuel 7). David recognises that the ruler of God's people must be just, and here, as in Psalms 72, the highest blessings are depicted as flowing from such a government. David knew far too much of the evil of his own heart and of the troubles in his household to suppose that his ideal could be perfectly realised in any other of his descendants than in Him who should "crush the serpent's head "and win the victory over the powers of evil. The sense of the verse will be made clearer by the following translation: "And as the light of the morning when the sun ariseth, a morning without clouds; as by means of sunlight and by means of rain the tender grass grows from the earth:--is not my house so with God?"



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
is like the light
וּכְא֥וֹר (ū·ḵə·’ō·wr)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-k | Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 216: Illumination, luminary

of the morning
בֹּ֖קֶר (bō·qer)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1242: Dawn, morning

at sunrise
שָׁ֑מֶשׁ (šā·meš)
Noun - common singular
Strong's 8121: The sun, the east, a ray, a notched battlement

of a cloudless
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

dawn,
בֹּ֚קֶר (bō·qer)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1242: Dawn, morning

the glistening
מִנֹּ֥גַהּ (min·nō·ḡah)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5051: Brilliancy

after the rain
מִמָּטָ֖ר (mim·mā·ṭār)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4306: Rain

on the sprouting grass
דֶּ֥שֶׁא (de·še)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1877: A sprout, grass

of the earth.’
מֵאָֽרֶץ׃ (mê·’ā·reṣ)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land


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OT History: 2 Samuel 23:4 He shall be as the light (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)
2 Samuel 23:3
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