An E! True Jerusalem Story: David in His Own Words (2 Sam 23:1-7)
These are David’s “Last Words,” summing up his life and reign to that point in his own words. This short excerpt is something of an autobiography, highlighting in poetic and general form what God has done in, through, and around David.
David the Man of Prayer (1-2)
Verse 1 calls David the “sweet psalmist of Israel”. David’s life was characterized by worship and praise.
David Just Ruler (3-4)
David Ruled Israel in “the fear of God” and so Israel received God’s blessing and favor.
David the Covenant King (5-7)
The entirety of the reign of David is built on God’s gracious promise to him. In 2 Samuel 7 we learn that his house would be established forever. Here, David expresses his faith in the God of the Covenant.
David and the Future
These are set as David’s “Last Words,” but this was not the end of his story. In the very next chapter, David enacts a sinful census, leading to civil war in Israel. What do we do when the trajectory of the world seems counter to God’s promises?