2 Samuel Chapter 23

David's Last Song

(Psalm 108:1-13)

1Now 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,

2The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.

3The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.

4And 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.

5Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.

6But the sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands:

7But the man that shall touch them must be fenced with iron and the staff of a spear; and they shall be utterly burned with fire in the same place.

David's Mighty Men

(1 Chronicles 11:10-19; 1 Chronicles 11:20-47)

8These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time. 9And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away: 10He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil.

11And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentiles: and the people fled from the Philistines. 12But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory.

13And three of the thirty chief went down, and came to David in the harvest time unto the cave of Adullam: and the troop of the Philistines pitched in the valley of Rephaim. 14And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem. 15And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate! 16And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD. 17And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men.

18And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief among three. And he lifted up his spear against three hundred, and slew them, and had the name among three. 19Was he not most honourable of three? therefore he was their captain: howbeit he attained not unto the first three.

20And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow: 21And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear. 22These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among three mighty men. 23He was more honourable than the thirty, but he attained not to the first three. And David set him over his guard.

24Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty; Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem, 25Shammah the Harodite, Elika the Harodite, 26Helez the Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, 27Abiezer the Anethothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite, 28Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite, 29Heleb the son of Baanah, a Netophathite, Ittai the son of Ribai out of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin, 30Benaiah the Pirathonite, Hiddai of the brooks of Gaash, 31Abialbon the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Barhumite, 32Eliahba the Shaalbonite, of the sons of Jashen, Jonathan, 33Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam the son of Sharar the Hararite, 34Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maachathite, Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite, 35Hezrai the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite, 36Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite, 37Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armourbearer to Joab the son of Zeruiah, 38Ira an Ithrite, Gareb an Ithrite, 39Uriah the Hittite: thirty and seven in all.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

David’s Last Song

1 Now these are the last words of David. David the son of Jesse says, the man who was raised on high says, the anointed of the God of Jacob, the sweet psalmist of Israel:

2 “The Spirit of Yahweh spoke by me. His word was on my tongue.

3 The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to me, ‘One who rules over men righteously, who rules in the fear of God,

4 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.’

5 Most certainly my house is not so with God, yet he has made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure, for it is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he doesn’t make it grow.

6 But all of the ungodly shall be as thorns to be thrust away, because they can’t be taken with the hand,

7 But the man who touches them must be armed with iron and the staff of a spear. They shall be utterly burned with fire in their place.”

David’s Mighty Men
(1 Chronicles 11:10–47)

8 These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb Basshebeth a Tahchemonite, chief of the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite, against eight hundred slain at one time. 9 After him was Eleazar the son of Dodai the son of an Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines who were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away. 10 He arose, and struck the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand froze to the sword; and Yahweh worked a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to take spoil.

11 After him was Shammah the son of Agee a Hararite. The Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where there was a plot of ground full of lentils; and the people fled from the Philistines. 12 But he stood in the midst of the plot, and defended it, and killed the Philistines; and Yahweh worked a great victory.

13 Three of the thirty chief men went down, and came to David in the harvest time to the cave of Adullam; and the troop of the Philistines was encamped in the valley of Rephaim. 14 David was then in the stronghold; and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem. 15 David longed, and said, “Oh that one would give me water to drink of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!” 16 The three mighty men broke through the army of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but he would not drink of it, but poured it out to Yahweh. 17 He said, “Be it far from me, Yahweh, that I should do this! Isn’t it the blood of the men who went in jeopardy of their lives?” Therefore he would not drink it. The three mighty men did these things.

18 Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief of the three. He lifted up his spear against three hundred and killed them, and had a name among the three. 19 Wasn’t he most honorable of the three? therefore he was made their captain: however he didn’t attain to the three.

20 Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done mighty deeds, he killed the two sons of Ariel of Moab: he went down also and killed a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow. 21 He killed an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, and killed him with his own spear. 22 Benaiah the son of Jehoiada did these things, and had a name among the three mighty men. 23 He was more honorable than the thirty, but he didn’t attain to the three. David set him over his guard.

24 Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty; Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem, 25 Shammah the Harodite, Elika the Harodite, 26 Helez the Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, 27 Abiezer the Anathothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite, 28 Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite, 29 Heleb the son of Baanah the Netophathite, Ittai the son of Ribai of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin, 30 Benaiah a Pirathonite, Hiddai of the brooks of Gaash. 31 Abialbon the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Barhumite, 32 Eliahba the Shaalbonite, the sons of Jashen, Jonathan, 33 Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam the son of Sharar the Ararite, 34 Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maacathite, Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite, 35 Hezro the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite, 36 Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite, 37 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armor bearers to Joab the son of Zeruiah, 38 Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite, 39 Uriah the Hittite: thirty-seven in all.

David’s Last Song

1 These are the last words of David:

“The oracle of David son of Jesse,

the oracle of the man raised on high,

the one anointed by the God of Jacob,

and the sweet psalmist of Israel: a

2 The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me;

His word was on my tongue.

3 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,

4 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.’

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 full salvation

and my every desire?

6 But the worthless are all like thorns raked aside,

for they can never be gathered by hand.

7 The man who touches them must be armed with iron

or with the shaft of a spear.

The fire burns them to ashes

in the place where they lie.”

David’s Mighty Men
(1 Chronicles 11:10–47)

8 These are the names of David’s mighty men:

Josheb-basshebeth the Tahchemonite b was chief of the Three. c He wielded his spear against d eight hundred men, whom he killed at one time.

9 Next in command was Eleazar son of Dodo e the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty men, he went with David to taunt the Philistines who had gathered for battle at Pas-dammim. The men of Israel retreated, 10 but Eleazar stood his ground and struck the Philistines until his hand grew weary and stuck to his sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day. Then the troops returned to him, but only to plunder the dead.

11 And after him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. When the Philistines had banded together near a field full of lentils, Israel’s troops fled from them. 12 But Shammah took his stand in the middle of the field, defended it, and struck down the Philistines. So the LORD brought about a great victory.

13 At harvest time, three of the thirty chief men went down to David at the cave of Adullam, while a company of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. 14 At that time David was in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was at Bethlehem. 15 David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!”

16 So the three mighty men broke through the Philistine camp, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem, and brought it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out to the LORD, 17 saying, “Far be it from me, O LORD, to do this! Is this not the blood of the men who risked their lives?” So he refused to drink it.

Such were the exploits of the three mighty men.

18 Now Abishai, the brother of Joab and son of Zeruiah, was chief of the Three, f and he lifted his spear against three hundred men, killed them, and won a name along with the Three. 19 Was he not more honored than the Three? g And he became their commander, even though he was not included among the Three.

20 And Benaiah son of Jehoiada was a man of valor h from Kabzeel, a man of many exploits. He struck down two champions i of Moab, and on a snowy day he went down into a pit and killed a lion. 21 He also killed an Egyptian, a huge man. Although the Egyptian had a spear in his hand, Benaiah went against him with a club, snatched the spear from his hand, and killed the Egyptian with his own spear. 22 These were the exploits of Benaiah son of Jehoiada, who won a name alongside the three mighty men. 23 He was most honored among the Thirty, but he did not become one of the Three. And David appointed him over his guard.

24 Now these were members of the Thirty: j

Asahel the brother of Joab,

Elhanan son of Dodo of Bethlehem,

25 Shammah the Harodite,

Elika the Harodite,

26 Helez the Paltite,

Ira son of Ikkesh the Tekoite,

27 Abiezer the Anathothite,

Mebunnai k the Hushathite,

28 Zalmon the Ahohite,

Maharai the Netophathite,

29 Heled l son of Baanah the Netophathite,

Ittai m son of Ribai from Gibeah of the Benjamites,

30 Benaiah the Pirathonite,

Hiddai n from the brooks o of Gaash,

31 Abi-albon the Arbathite,

Azmaveth the Barhumite,

32 Eliahba the Shaalbonite,

the sons of Jashen, p

Jonathan 33 son of Shammah q the Hararite,

Ahiam son of Sharar r the Hararite,

34 Eliphelet son of Ahasbai the Maacathite,

Eliam son of Ahithophel the Gilonite,

35 Hezro the Carmelite,

Paarai the Arbite,

36 Igal son of Nathan of Zobah,

Bani the Gadite,

37 Zelek the Ammonite,

Naharai the Beerothite, the armor-bearer of Joab son of Zeruiah,

38 Ira the Ithrite,

Gareb the Ithrite,

39 and Uriah the Hittite.

There were thirty-seven in all.

Footnotes:

1 a Or the hero of the songs of Israel  or the favorite of the Strong One of Israel
8 b Tahchemonite  is probably a variant of Hachmonite ; see 1 Chronicles 11:11.
8 c Or chief among the captains
8 d Some LXX manuscripts (see also 1 Chronicles 11:11); Hebrew He was called Adino the Eznite because of
9 e Dodo  is a variant of Dodai ; see 1 Chronicles 27:4.
18 f Most Hebrew manuscripts (see also 1 Chronicles 11:20); two Hebrew manuscripts and Syriac the Thirty
19 g Hebrew; Syriac the Thirty
20 h Or Benaiah son of Jehoiada was the son of Ishhai
20 i Or two sons of Ariel
24 j Literally In the Thirty (were):
27 k Hebrew; some LXX manuscripts Sibbecai ; see 2 Samuel 21:18 and 1 Chronicles 11:29.
29 l Some Hebrew manuscripts and Vulgate (see also 1 Chronicles 11:30); most MT manuscripts Heleb
29 m Ittai  is a variant of Ithai ; see 1 Chronicles 11:31.
30 n Hiddai  is a variant of Hurai ; see 1 Chronicles 11:32.
30 o Or from the ravines
32 p Jashen  is a variant of Hashem ; see 1 Chronicles 11:34.
33 q Some LXX manuscripts (see also 1 Chronicles 11:34); Hebrew Jonathan, 33Shammah
33 r Hebrew; some LXX manuscripts Sachar ; see 1 Chronicles 11:35.

David's Last Song

(Psalm 108:1-13)

1And these are the last words of David: -- 'The affirmation of David son of Jesse -- And the affirmation of the man raised up -- Concerning the Anointed of the God of Jacob, And the Sweetness of the Songs of Israel:

2The Spirit of Jehovah hath spoken by me, And His word is on my tongue.

3He said -- the God of Israel -- to me, He spake -- the Rock of Israel: He who is ruling over man is righteous, He is ruling in the fear of God.

4And as the light of morning he riseth, A morning sun -- no clouds! By the shining, by the rain, Tender grass of the earth!

5For -- not so is my house with God; For -- a covenant age-during He made with me, Arranged in all things, and kept; For -- all my salvation, and all desire, For -- He hath not caused it to spring up.

6As to the worthless -- As a thorn driven away are all of them, For -- not by hand are they taken;

7And the man who cometh against them Is filled with iron and the staff of a spear, And with fire they are utterly burnt In the cessation.'

David's Mighty Men

(1 Chronicles 11:10-19; 1 Chronicles 11:20-47)

8These are the names of the mighty ones whom David hath: sitting in the seat is the Tachmonite, head of the captains -- he is Adino, who hardened himself against eight hundred -- wounded at one time. 9And after him is Eleazar son of Dodo, son of Ahohi, of the three mighty men with David; in their exposing themselves among the Philistines -- they have been gathered there to battle, and the men of Israel go up -- 10he hath arisen, and smiteth among the Philistines till that his hand hath been weary, and his hand cleaveth unto the sword, and Jehovah worketh a great salvation on that day, and the people turn back after him only to strip off.

11And after him is Shammah son of Agee the Hararite, and the Philistines are gathered into a company, and there is there a portion of the field full of lentiles, and the people hath fled from the presence of the Philistines, 12and he stationeth himself in the midst of the portion, and delivereth it, and smiteth the Philistines, and Jehovah worketh a great salvation.

13And three of the thirty heads go down and come unto the harvest, unto David, unto the cave of Adullam, and the company of the Philistines are encamping in the valley of Rephaim, 14and David is then in a fortress, and the station of the Philistines is then in Beth-Lehem, 15and David longeth and saith, 'Who doth give me a drink of the water of the well of Beth-Lehem, which is by the gate?' 16And the three mighty ones cleave through the camp of the Philistines, and draw water out of the well of Beth-Lehem, which is by the gate, and take it up, and bring in unto David; and he was not willing to drink it, and poureth it out to Jehovah, 17and saith, 'Far be it from me, O Jehovah, to do this; is it the blood of the men who are going with their lives?' and he was not willing to drink it; these things did the three mighty ones.

18And Abishai brother of Joab, son of Zeruiah, he is head of three, and he is lifting up his spear against three hundred -- wounded, and he hath a name among three. 19Of the three is he not the honoured? and he becometh their head; and unto the first three he hath not come.

20And Benaiah son of Jehoiada (son of a man of valour, great in deeds from Kabzeel), he hath smitten two lion-like men of Moab, and he hath gone down and smitten the lion in the midst of the pit in a day of snow. 21And he hath smitten the Egyptian man, a man of appearance, and in the hand of the Egyptian is a spear, and he goeth down unto him with a rod, and taketh violently away the spear out of the hand of the Egyptian, and slayeth him with his own spear. 22These things hath Benaiah son of Jehoiada done, and hath a name among three mighty. 23Of the thirty he is honoured, and unto the three he came not; and David setteth him over his guard.

24Asahel brother of Joab is of the thirty; Elhanan son of Dodo of Beth-Lehem. 25Shammah the Harodite, Elika the Harodite, 26Helez the Paltite, Ira son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, 27Abiezer the Annethothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite, 28Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite, 29Heleb son of Baanah the Netophathite, Ittai son of Ribai from Gibeah of the sons of Benjamin, 30Benaiah the Pirathonite, Hiddai of the brooks of Gaash, 31Abi-Albon the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Barhumite, 32Eliahba the Shaalbonite, of the sons of Jashen, Jonathan, 33Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam son of Sharar the Hararite, 34Eliphelet son of Ahasbai, son of the Maachathite, Eliam son of Ahithophel the Gilonite, 35Hezrai the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite, 36Igal son of Nathan from Zobah, Bani the Gadite, 37Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, bearer of the weapons of Joab son of Zeruiah, 38Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite, 39Uriah the Hittite; in all thirty and seven.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 23?

1.1Introduction to 2 Samuel 23

1.2Context of 2 Samuel 23

1.3Ancient Key Word Study

1.4Compare & Contrast

1.52 Samuel 23 Unique Insights

1.62 Samuel 23 Connections to Yeshua

1.72 Samuel 23 Scriptural Echoes

1.82 Samuel 23 Devotional

1.9Did You Know

What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 23?

Introduction to 2 Samuel 23

2 Samuel 23 stands as one of the most poignant chapters in Scripture, capturing the last recorded words of King David, Israel’s greatest monarch and the man after God’s own heart. These final utterances, known as David’s “last words,” though not chronologically his final speech, represent his spiritual testament and prophetic vision. The chapter then transitions to honor the mighty warriors who helped establish and maintain David’s kingdom, presenting a fascinating blend of prophetic utterance, personal testimony, and historical record.

The chapter serves as a bridge between David’s reign and the future Messianic kingdom, combining royal testimony with military chronicle in a way that prefigures the ultimate Warrior-King, the Messiah Himself. This dual nature of the text provides rich ground for understanding both the historical reality of David’s kingdom and its prophetic implications for the coming Kingdom of God.

Context of 2 Samuel 23

Within the immediate context of 2 Samuel, this chapter appears near the end of David’s life and reign, following his great psalm of thanksgiving in chapter 22. It forms part of the final four chapters (21-24) which serve as an epilogue to the books of Samuel, providing theological reflection on David’s reign rather than following the chronological narrative of the preceding chapters.

In the broader biblical narrative, 2 Samuel 23 occupies a crucial position in the unfolding story of God’s covenant with David. The chapter’s opening oracle recalls and reinforces the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-16), while its listing of mighty men demonstrates how יהוה (Yahweh) provided human instruments to establish that covenant in history. This chapter also serves as a bridge to the books of Kings, where the Davidic dynasty’s future unfolds, sometimes faithfully and sometimes failing to live up to the ideal described in David’s last words.

The chapter’s position in Scripture’s grand narrative is particularly significant as it connects to both historical fulfillment and future promise. It looks back to the establishment of David’s kingdom and forward to the perfect rule of the Messiah, providing a template for understanding godly leadership and divine kingship that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Yeshua.

Ancient Key Word Study

נְאֻם (ne’um) – “Oracle/utterance”: This term typically introduces prophetic speech and appears 376 times in the Hebrew Bible. Its use here elevates David’s last words to the level of divine oracle, indicating these are not merely the reminiscences of an aging king but inspired prophetic testimony.
צַדִּיק (tzaddik) – “Righteous”: In verse 3, this term describes the ideal ruler. Beyond mere moral uprightness, it implies one who fulfills their covenant obligations perfectly. The word points to the Messiah, the ultimately righteous ruler.
יִרְאַת (yirat) – “Fear of”: This construct form appears in verse 3, speaking of ruling in the fear of God. It implies not terror but reverent awe leading to obedience, a fundamental characteristic of true wisdom and faithful leadership.
בְּלִיַּעַל (beliyaal) – “Worthlessness/wickedness”: Used in verse 6 to describe those opposed to God’s rule, this term literally means “without value” but carries strong moral connotations of active evil and rebellion against divine authority.
מוֹשָׁב (moshav) – “Dwelling/seat”: This term in verse 8 describes the position of David’s mighty men, indicating not just physical location but status and authority within the kingdom’s structure.
גִּבּוֹר (gibbor) – “Mighty man”: Appearing multiple times in the chapter’s second half, this word denotes more than physical strength, implying moral courage and divine empowerment for service.
שָׁלִשִׁים (shalishim) – “Three/officers”: A term possibly referring to a special military rank or elite unit, its root meaning connects to the number three, suggesting these warriors held third rank after the king and army commander.
חֶסֶד (chesed) – “Lovingkindness”: Though not explicitly used, this concept underlies David’s description of God’s covenant relationship, emphasizing the faithful love that characterizes divine rule.
מָשַׁל (mashal) – “Rule/dominion”: Used in verse 3, this verb describes righteous governance, implying authority exercised according to divine standards rather than human ambition.
בָּעַר (ba’ar) – “Burned”: Used metaphorically in verse 7, this term describes the fate of the wicked, suggesting complete judgment and removal of evil from God’s kingdom.

Compare & Contrast

Verse 1’s introduction of David as “raised on high” (על הקם) deliberately echoes the language used of Joseph in Genesis, suggesting a divine pattern of elevation through humility. The Hebrew could have used more common terms for elevation (רום or נשא) but chose this specific construction to emphasize God’s sovereign action in raising up His chosen leader.
The phrase “Spirit of יהוה spoke by me” in verse 2 uses the preposition ב (in/by) rather than the more common אל (to), emphasizing the Spirit’s complete possession of David rather than mere external communication. This construction parallels prophetic inspiration language throughout Scripture.
Verse 3’s description of righteous rule employs metaphorical language of morning light rather than direct statement, connecting to ancient Near Eastern royal ideology while transforming it through covenant theology. The Hebrew could have simply stated “he who rules justly,” but the poetic imagery emphasizes the transformative nature of righteous leadership.
The military achievements in verses 8-39 are recorded using specific numerical values and detailed circumstances rather than general praise, emphasizing historical authenticity and the concrete nature of God’s work through human instruments.
The phrase “mighty men” (גִּבּוֹרִים) is used rather than the more common “warriors” (אַנְשֵׁי מִלְחָמָה) throughout the list, emphasizing not just military prowess but character and divine calling.
Verse 4’s comparison of righteous rule to morning light uses the rare phrase בֹּקֶר לֹא עָבוֹת (“morning without clouds”) rather than simpler alternatives, creating a powerful image of perfect clarity and divine blessing.
The description of the wicked as thorns in verse 6 employs the unusual term מֻנָד (“thrust away”) rather than more common terms for rejection, emphasizing complete separation from God’s kingdom.

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2 Samuel 23 Unique Insights

The chapter’s structure reveals a fascinating chiastic pattern that ancient Jewish commentators have noted, where David’s prophetic oracle forms an inclusio with the list of mighty men. This literary structure suggests that the practical achievements of David’s warriors were the concrete manifestation of the divine kingship principles outlined in his oracle. The Midrash Rabbah draws particular attention to how the number of mighty men listed corresponds to the numerical value of key words in David’s oracle, suggesting divine orchestration in even the details of the historical record.

The ancient rabbis also noted that David’s last words begin with the divine name אל (El) and end with על (al), creating a wordplay that suggests how divine power operates through human instruments. This concept finds particular resonance in Messianic Jewish understanding, where Yeshua’s divine nature operates through His human nature to accomplish redemption.

Early Christian writers, particularly Origin and Augustine, saw in the list of mighty men a prefiguring of apostolic ministry, noting how David’s warriors, like the apostles, operated in teams of three and twelve. This pattern suggests divine wisdom in establishing leadership structures that balance authority and accountability.

The phrase “raised on high” (על הקם) in verse 1 uses the same root as the Hebrew word for resurrection (תְּקוּמָה), creating a subtle link between David’s elevation and the future resurrection of the Messiah. This connection becomes particularly significant when considering how David’s last words speak of an eternal covenant, fulfilled ultimately in Yeshua’s resurrection and eternal reign.

The Targum Jonathan adds an interesting layer of interpretation to verse 5’s mention of the “everlasting covenant,” explicitly connecting it to the resurrection of the dead and the future Messianic kingdom. This ancient Jewish interpretation aligns perfectly with New Testament teaching about Yeshua’s role in fulfilling the Davidic covenant through His death and resurrection.

2 Samuel 23 Connections to Yeshua

The chapter’s opening oracle presents David as the “anointed of the God of Jacob,” a title that prefigures Yeshua as the ultimate Anointed One. David’s experience of the Spirit speaking through him parallels how the Messiah would perfectly embody divine communication, as expressed in John 12:49: “For I have not spoken on My own authority, but the Father who sent Me has Himself given Me a commandment—what to say and what to speak.”

The description of the ideal ruler in verses 3-4 finds its perfect fulfillment in Yeshua. The metaphor of morning light without clouds points to His perfect reign, where there will be no ambiguity or darkness. This imagery connects powerfully with Revelation 22:5, describing the eternal kingdom where no artificial light is needed because the Lord God gives light to His people.

2 Samuel 23 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates deeply with numerous biblical passages. The opening oracle echoes Psalm 72, another royal psalm that looks forward to the perfect king. The imagery of morning light recalls Malachi 4:2, which speaks of the “sun of righteousness” rising with healing in its wings.

The list of mighty men finds parallel in 1 Chronicles 11, though with significant variations that highlight different aspects of their service. The concept of divine empowerment for military victory echoes throughout Scripture, from Exodus 15:3 to Revelation 19:11-16.

2 Samuel 23 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to consider our own role in God’s kingdom work. Just as David had his mighty men, each with their own specific contributions, we too are called to serve in our unique capacity. The chapter reminds us that great achievements for God’s kingdom often come through teamwork and mutual support, not lone heroics.

David’s final oracle encourages us to examine our leadership principles. Are we ruling our areas of influence—whether family, work, or ministry—in the fear of God? Do we reflect the morning light of His presence in our interactions with others? These questions probe the heart of our daily walk with the Lord.

Did You Know

The phrase “mighty men” (gibborim) shares its root with Genesis 6:4’s reference to “mighty men of old,” suggesting these warriors represented a restoration of human capability under divine authority rather than rebellious power.
The feat of Eleazar son of Dodo (verses 9-10) where his hand clung to his sword is referenced in ancient Jewish military manuals as an example of divine empowerment overcoming physical limitations.
The three mighty men who brought David water from Bethlehem (verses 13-17) became a rabbinic example of zealous devotion, with their act being compared to the water libation ceremony during Sukkot.
The number of mighty men listed (37) corresponds to the numerical value of the Hebrew word for “heart” (לב), which rabbinic tradition connects to David being a man after God’s own heart.
Archaeological discoveries have confirmed the existence of elite military units in ancient Israel similar to the structure described in this chapter.
The term “raised on high” (על הקם) appears only here and in reference to Joseph in Genesis, creating a deliberate parallel between two key figures in salvation history.
The description of the ideal ruler in verses 3-4 uses solar imagery common in ancient Near Eastern royal inscriptions but transforms it through covenant theology.
Several of the mighty men listed were not Israelites by birth, demonstrating the inclusive nature of David’s kingdom and prefiguring the international scope of Messiah’s kingdom.
The organization of the mighty men into groups of three and thirty reflects administrative patterns found throughout Scripture, including the organization of the Levites and later the disciples.

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Bible Themes

Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. What is the F.O.G?

Articles: 46900

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