Topical Bible: David: King of Israel: Last Words of

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David, the second king of Israel and a central figure in the Old Testament, is renowned for his leadership, psalms, and deep relationship with God. His last words, recorded in 2 Samuel 23:1-7, offer a profound insight into his understanding of his kingship, his covenant with God, and his legacy.

Context and Significance

David's last words are not merely a personal reflection but are considered an oracle, a divinely inspired utterance. They encapsulate his role as the anointed king and his relationship with God, highlighting the divine authority and guidance that characterized his reign. These words are traditionally seen as a testament to his faith and the promises God made to him and his descendants.

The Oracle of David

2 Samuel 23:1-2 introduces David's last words, emphasizing his identity and divine inspiration: "These are the last words of David: 'The oracle of David son of Jesse, the oracle of the man raised on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, the sweet psalmist of Israel: The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; His word was on my tongue.'"

David acknowledges his humble beginnings as the son of Jesse and recognizes his elevation by God to the throne of Israel. He attributes his ability to speak and lead to the Spirit of the LORD, underscoring the divine source of his wisdom and authority.

The Righteous Ruler

In verses 3-4, David reflects on the ideal qualities of a ruler: "The 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, is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth.'"

David emphasizes justice and the fear of God as essential attributes of a righteous ruler. He uses vivid imagery to describe the positive impact of such leadership, likening it to the refreshing and life-giving qualities of morning light and rain.

The Everlasting Covenant

David's last words also reaffirm the covenant God made with him, as seen in verse 5: "Is 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 whole salvation and my every desire?"

Here, David expresses confidence in the divine covenant, which promises the establishment and perpetuation of his dynasty. This covenant is central to the Messianic hope, as it foretells the coming of a future king from David's line who will establish an eternal kingdom.

The Fate of the Wicked

In contrast to the blessings of the righteous, David concludes with a warning about the fate of the wicked in verses 6-7: "But the worthless are all like thorns raked aside, for they cannot be gathered by hand. 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."

David uses the metaphor of thorns to describe the wicked, emphasizing their ultimate destruction. This serves as a reminder of the consequences of living in opposition to God's will and the futility of wickedness in the face of divine justice.

David's last words, therefore, encapsulate his understanding of righteous leadership, the assurance of God's promises, and the inevitable triumph of justice over wickedness. These themes resonate throughout the biblical narrative, underscoring the enduring legacy of David as a man after God's own heart.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Samuel 23:1-7
Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said,
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Dying King's Last vision and Psalm
... tongue.3. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to ... It was fitting that
'the last words of David' should be a prophecy of the true King, whom his ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the dying kings last vision.htm

The Story of David
... I defy the armies of Israel this day ... The king had promised great rewards to any man
who would ... David's elder brothers heard his questions, and seeing how amazed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/steedman/david the shepherd boy/the story of david.htm

The Promised King and Temple-Builder
... kingdom, in the form in which David's descendants ruled ... hearts rejoicingly confess,
'Thou art the King of glory ... were but partially fulfilled in Israel's monarchs ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture f/the promised king and temple-builder.htm

The King --Continued.
... may have passed through, and which had been barred against Israel till David's might
had ... even their towering portals were too low, "and the King of glory ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/xi the kingcontinued.htm

David's Gratitude
... hosts (v.26); Jehovah of hosts, God of Israel (v.27 ... another wave of blessedness passing
over David's spirit as ... The king is never tired of realising his absolute ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/davids gratitude.htm

The Last King of Judah
... turned for help to the ancient enemy of Israel's prosperity, "sending ... was Judah again
to be permitted to have a king. ... the throne of the house of David; "and it ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 36 the last king.htm

The Kingdom of all Israel.
... song, and of gallant courage, the youth David was favoured as ... He was the king's
son-in-law, the prince's bosom friend; but, as the hopes of Israel became set ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson vi the kingdom of.htm

The God who Dwells with Men
... it is very beautiful to see how David lays hold ... The devout hearts in Israel felt
that there was something ... His Temple,' and that once again this King of Glory ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the god who dwells with.htm

The Shepherd King of Israel
... from the quiet sheep-cotes to rule over Israel, sings this ... of the psalm as the work
of David's later years ... not very beautiful to see the old king looking back ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the shepherd king of israel.htm

The King in his Beauty
... of the sons of David, the future King of Israel. ... the devout Israelite to think of
the coming King in whom 'the sure mercies' promised to David should be ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the king in his beauty.htm