2 Samuel 23:1-38
23:1-7
1 Thus says David the son of Jesse;
Thus says the man raised up on high,
The anointed of the God of Jacob,
And the sweet psalmist of Israel:
David identifies himself as the author (speaker) of these words. They are David's last words as his journey on the earth comes to a close. As in life, David's full attention is focused on God.
2 “The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me,
And His word was on my tongue.
David receives counsel and wisdom from God and here he imparts it on everyone who is listening to him.
3 The God of Israel said,
The Rock of Israel spoke to me:
‘He who rules over men must be just,
Ruling in the fear of God.
The God of Israel, the foundation of Israel impressed upon David the importance of justice and obedience. David's own life teaches us that to be just in life and obedient in faith is to be productive, joyful, victorious, blessed and respected.
4 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.’
David's description of God highlights how gentle and brilliant our creator is: morning light and fresh grass, clear rain and sky. Our God is clarity for He provides perspective, wisdom and truth. His light illuminates our life and shatters the shadows of fear and brokenness in our lives. His love is pure, unadulterated by selfish motive and arrogance. He is as invigorated everyday as new dawn, as spring grass. He has been with humanity since our beginning but He is vibrant and nimble as He always was.
5 “Although my house is not so with God,
Yet He has made with me an everlasting covenant,
Ordered in all things and secure.
For this is all my salvation and all my desire;
Will He not make it increase?
David acknowledges that there were times in his life where he was not totally aligned with God. In those times, God remained faithful to loving and disciplining David. God never discarded him because of his mistakes, grave as they were. God restored and put David's life and priorities back into order. He healed the damage David inflicted and felt. Incredibly, God continued to provide and bless David; time and time again, God increased David's blessings. David is awed by God's constantly generosity and forgiveness.
6 But the sons of rebellion shall all be as thorns thrust away,
Because they cannot be taken with hands.
David trusts God to remove the harms that threaten His children.
7 But the man who touches them
Must be armed with iron and the shaft of a spear,
And they shall be utterly burned with fire in their place.”
Finally David warns that those who confront evil must have the armor of their faith, Ephesians 6:10-18. God's removal of evil is thorough. As we are coworkers with Him, when we join His army, we receive the tools to do such complete work.
23:8-12 The names of David's most productive military men are given: Josheb-Basshebeth, Eleazar, and Shammah who each had spectacular God-given victories against the Philistines.
23:13-17 David's men were so loyal to him that even if David merely mentioned a desire, they pursued filling it regardless of the danger. Their trust in God to deliver them through such dangerous situations is evident as well. When David's men return from enemy-land with a cup of water for David, David shows his humility by pouring it out to God. David does not feel worthy of it, even though he is thirsty (and likely desperately so, since he even mentioned it). To David, the One worth going through such trouble for is God.
There is much to learn from David's relationship with God and his respect for Him. David puts God first. Before his own needs, he puts God's worthiness to be worshiped. David's steadfast willingness to place his faith before everything else, even when it was difficult, changed and blessed his entire life, healed every wound and repaved every path.
23:18-19 Abishai is listed as another of David's mighty men.
23:20-23 Benaiah is listed as another of David's mighty men.
23:24-38 More of David's loyal military men are listed: Asahel, Elhanan, Shammah, Elika, Helez, Ira, Abieazer, Mebunnai, Zalmon, Maharai, Heleb, Ittai, Benaiah, Hiddai, Abi-Albon, Azmaveth, Eliahba, Jonathan, Shammah, Ahiam, Eliphelet, Eliam, Hezrai, Paarai, Igal, Bani, Zelek, Naharai, Ira, Gareb, and Uriah.
David was blessed by God to be surrounded by faithful, brave and loyal men. God is thorough in building beautiful lives for His children; He surrounds us with love and the material and opportunity to give love.
