2 Samuel 23
-David’s last words in the form of a song are declared. He
was the son of Jesse raised on high by the call of the LORD, anointed by the
God of Jacob. He was the sweet psalmist of Israel. The Spirit of the LORD spoke
to him; His word was on his tongue. The Rock of Israel spoke to him and called
him the one who rules over men righteously because he feared God. His house
would be like the morning light that has no clouds, but springs tender grass
out of the earth like right after rain. He was the recipient of the eternal
covenant for the coming of Messiah. All of these things were ordered and
secured by the Creator. He would sustain this and make it grow. However, for
the worthless, they will be thrust away like thorns, “because they cannot be
taken in hand.” The man who touches these worthless ones must be armed with
iron and the shaft of a spear, and the worthless ones “will be completely
burned with fire in their place (2
Samuel 23:1-7).” I interpret this to be prophetic to the perils of the coming
kingdom of Israel and Judah, and the prophets who would encounter many
worthless kings and religious leaders with the truth of God’s Word. Jerusalem
would eventually be burned with fire and taken captive into Babylon (Jeremiah
39:1-9).
-Now in a wrap up of David’s valiant warriors who had helped
him achieve his legendary stature, a quick synopsis and listing is given. (1) Adino,
who killed 800 men at one time, (2) Eleazar, who killed Philistines by himself
until his hand was weary clinging to the sword in one battle that gained a
great victory for Israel from the LORD, and (3) Shammah, who took his stand in
the midst of a plot and defended it by striking down Philistines to achieve
another great victory were listed as the “three.” These were the mightiest of
the mighty men, and were honored with this title. These three went down based
on a wish of their leader, David, and valiantly retrieved water from the well
of Bethlehem’s gates when the Philistines had a garrison stationed there. David
then devoted this precious water to the LORD by pouring it out to Him. Then
there was the thirty, or literally 37 in all, when they are enumerated. Chief
among them were (1) Abishai, brother of Joab who killed 300 at one time, and (2)
Benaiah, who killed the sons of Ariel of Moab and also a lion in the middle of
a pit on a snowy day as well as an impressive Egyptian man with his own sword.
These two were very close to attaining to the three, but were not numbered
among them. They were commanders and honored among the thirty though. The rest
of the names are mentioned in recognition of greatness including Uriah the
Hittite, whom David had had killed in battle after his adulterous affair with
Bathsheba (2 Samuel 23:8-39)
-*Application* David’s last psalm acknowledges his
dependence on the providence of his Master. David was indeed the man after God’s
own heart (Acts 13:22). He pursued Him and was blessed. The same can go for us when
we trust and obey listening to the LORD’s Voice and His promises for us
individually. It was not an easy journey, but David stayed faithful and
compliant with the LORD’s purposes and plans. For this he was honored, and so
can we if we don’t falter or fade in His will. The mighty men who are
recognized remind us that we each have a part to play in the grand scheme of
things. Let us be mighty people of God and fight all the battles that he wants
us to engage in for the sake of the Kingdom of God.
Verses to Memorize:
2 Samuel 23:5, 12
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