The praise of David at the close of his reign is a significant moment in biblical history, reflecting the culmination of his life as a king, warrior, and servant of God. This period is marked by David's deep gratitude and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and enduring mercy throughout his life and reign over Israel.

Context and Background

David, the son of Jesse, was anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the king of Israel, succeeding Saul. His reign is characterized by military conquests, the unification of the tribes of Israel, and the establishment of Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of the nation. Despite personal failings and family strife, David is remembered as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14).

As David's reign draws to a close, he reflects on his life and God's unwavering presence. This period is captured in several biblical passages, most notably in 2 Samuel 22 and 1 Chronicles 29, where David offers praise and thanksgiving to God.

2 Samuel 22: David's Song of Praise

In 2 Samuel 22, David sings a song of deliverance, which is also recorded in Psalm 18. This song is a testament to God's protection and deliverance throughout David's life. David begins by declaring, "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer" (2 Samuel 22:2). He recounts how God rescued him from his enemies and praises God's righteousness and faithfulness.

David acknowledges his own righteousness, attributing it to his adherence to God's statutes and commandments. He states, "For I have kept the ways of the LORD and have not wickedly departed from my God" (2 Samuel 22:22). This reflects David's understanding of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where obedience brings blessing and protection.

The song concludes with David exalting God as the source of his strength and victory, proclaiming, "The LORD lives, and blessed be my Rock! And may God, the Rock of my salvation, be exalted" (2 Samuel 22:47).

1 Chronicles 29: David's Prayer and Blessing

In 1 Chronicles 29, as David prepares for the transition of power to his son Solomon, he offers a public prayer of praise and thanksgiving. This prayer is a reflection of David's heart for God and his desire to see the temple built in Jerusalem.

David begins by blessing the LORD in the presence of the assembly, saying, "Blessed are You, O LORD, the God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting" (1 Chronicles 29:10). He acknowledges God's greatness, power, glory, and majesty, recognizing that everything in heaven and earth belongs to Him.

David's prayer emphasizes the transient nature of human life and the enduring nature of God's kingdom. He humbly admits, "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? For everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand" (1 Chronicles 29:14).

David concludes by asking God to keep the hearts of the people loyal to Him and to grant Solomon a perfect heart to keep God's commandments and build the temple.

Significance

The praise of David at the close of his reign serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of gratitude, humility, and faithfulness to God. It highlights the centrality of worship in the life of a believer and the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty over all aspects of life. David's legacy as a king who sought after God's heart is encapsulated in these moments of praise, setting a standard for future generations to follow.1 Chronicles 29:10-19
Why David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be you, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.
Nave's Topical Index

The King.
... are those of the first freshness of thankful praise when he ... would throw it onwards
to the very close of his ... of the psalm among the records of David's last days ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/ix the king.htm

Hezekiah
... the temple courts resounded with words of praise and adoration. The songs of David
and of Asaph were sung ... division of the kingdom after the close of Solomon's ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 28 hezekiah.htm

The King --Continued.
... in the past, now changed into music of praise. ... former there shine out not only David's
habitual consciousness ... at the beginning are in part echoed in the close. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/x the kingcontinued.htm

Introduction.
... These be the names of the mighty men whom David had ... opened his mouth to show forth"
God's praise, and strengthened ... from exile; and even in the dark close of his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/i introduction.htm

The Songs of the Fugitive.
... deeper meaning the tones of his old praise, and let ... too, with solemn warnings to
the rebels, close this psalm of ... years of rule that remained to David after his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/xv the songs of the.htm

Early Days
... the elegiac tenderness and pathos of David's later hymns. ... over the mountains of Moab,
which close the eastern ... of the lips of his fellows, God perfects praise. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/ii early days.htm

Introduction.
... Magnificat"), in the hymns of David and Solomon and ... Christians; but until towards
the close of the 16th ... of contrapuntal music in sanctuary devotion and praise. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/brown/the story of the hymns and tunes/introduction.htm

Hymn for the Epiphany
... of Kings draws near To reign in David's seat of ... Close to His very altar, gay With
palms and crowns ... deeds of other days Prophetic chant the Saviour's praise. ...
/.../prudentius/the hymns of prudentius/xii hymn for the epiphany.htm

Jehoshaphat
... Toward the close of Jehoshaphat's reign the kingdom of Judah ... could sing with
understanding the inspired hymns of David: ... So is Thy praise unto the ends of the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 15 jehoshaphat.htm

Christ is Glorious --Let us Make Him Known
... the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed ... and know no lack; if they abide
close to his ... with thanksgiving, and into thy courts with praise, for thou ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/christ is gloriouslet us make.htm

What does it mean to praise the Lord? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to praise God? | GotQuestions.org

What is the difference between praise and worship? | GotQuestions.org

Praise: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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