The Last Words

As we begin to conclude our studies in 1st and 2nd Samuel. I was looking through my notes on both books recorded in the Old Testament. If you recall, when I started this series, I shared that it's actually one complete book in its original writings. Our English translations and Hebrew translations were divided into two books. It is ultimately a layout at the beginning of David's life. As far as King David goes, we see his days as a young boy through his days as a teen, through a man through his kingship and leadership. We find ourselves here at the end of his life, presumably within his last words. This is not necessarily a deathbed moment, but it is not too far from death's end for him at around the age of about 70 years of age.

In 2 Samuel chapter 23, these are some of the last thoughts David wants to share or impart to us. The first part of chapter 23, verse one down through verse 7, is believed to be a song that may be a continuation of chapter 22. If you recall, last week, we talked about chapter 22 not only being recorded in 2 Samuel but in Psalm 18. the Levitical Psalms in Psalm 18. This particular song recorded in 2 Samuel 23: 1-7 is also a Psalm, but it's not recorded in the Book of Psalms. We know that David wrote about 75% of the book of Psalms, another one or another of Psalms to the Lord. As he draws near the end of his life, he looks back on some things. Chapter 23 is not necessarily in chronological order. It also continues what we saw in chapters 21 and 22 epilogues if you will. It summarizes some things related to David's reign as a king.

Look at verse 1 of Chapter 23; These are the last words of David: “The declaration of David son of Jesse, the declaration of the man raised on high, the one anointed by the God of Jacob. This is the most delightful of Israel’s songs.”

Did you catch how David identifies himself and his life? David identifies himself in three different ways. He says that he's the son of Jesse. We also know that he was a man that God raised and was appointed by the God of Jacob. He succeeded Saul to the throne. But it’s the last part of this opening verse that David desires to be remembered for. David called himself the anointed king or the sweetest psalmist of Israel. My copy of God's word says, “ I am the most delightful of Israel’s songs.” He doesn't refer to himself as a warrior though he was a warrior. When we go back to Chapter 22, David could have promoted himself as a great warrior with the killing of the Philistine Giants and, most notably, Goliath (1 Samuel 17). He doesn't refer to himself as a grand King, though he was a King on the throne all the way up through the entirety of these two writings. But remember, there was a period in time, particularly from 2 Samuel 11-18 when he felt like there was a threat or he was not the best King or representation of the Lord Almighty. David wanted history to remember him as someone who found rest in the sweet psalm of the Lord. Should that not be our aspiration for our life as well?

The rest of 2 Samuel 23 follows David’s acknowledgments of his mighty warriors. In verses 8-17, we have the record of 3 of his mightiest warriors, the most elite of his force. He portrays these men as individuals who would run toward conflict rather than run away. They are presented as men who would stand their ground. David recalls a moment in life (1 Samuel 22-28) when He himself was on the run from Saul and took refuge in the Cave of Adullam. After highlighting his mighty men, he next recalls 3 additional men. They were loyal but not as mighty as the previous 3 (2 Samuel 23:19, 23). Finally, the chapter concludes with a list of 37 notable men whom David bestowed honors upon. In that list was the father of Bethsheba and the husband of Bathsheba, David’s trusted general, who died at David's orders.

Think back over your life; is writing your “last words” a task you could fulfill? How would you describe yourself to those in your family who know you best and those who might be reading your reflection many years later? As you ponder those individuals, both family and strangers, that God has placed in your life, how would you mention those interactions and relationships in your life?