II Samuel Chapter 23
Please read: II Samuel 23 –
This chapter, like the previous one, is not placed in the chronological order of David’s life but instead is considered more of a great summary of his life. The first part of the chapter includes a beautiful psalm that is considered as the last psalm he wrote but not the last words he spoke on his deathbed. In this psalm David expresses that all the accomplishments of his life were because God made it so.
The second part of the chapter is a recognition of all the great men that had served David through the years in various ways. David recognized that God had allowed him to be their leader only because they were exceptional men who were willing to follow his leadership. David knew that he could not have done any of it without the help of these great men who stayed by his side through thick and thin.
David’s greatest accomplishment in his life was his recognition that God is in control of everything; and without that recognition and reliance upon God, man is nothing and can accomplish little. David wrote down much of what he learned, and we can benefit from it.
“This was the whole theme of David. The Lord is in control. Rest in Him. Don’t fret yourself because of the evildoers that bring evil devices to pass. Rest in the Lord, trust also in Him. Delight thyself in the Lord! And all of the help, and the strength, the ministry of God’s Spirit to our hearts, through the Psalms, the sweet psalmist of Israel. What a legacy he has left.” [Smith]
Let's Reflect
1. The first verse is a title given to the man David. This title includes a lot about the character of David. The title includes a recognition that David was anointed to speak, to prophecy, and to represent God by the Spirit of God. Who anointed David to be king?
2. David recognized that when a ruler of Israel ruled in the fear of the Lord that He would bless the nation. How did David describe that blessing?
“This is the key to justice in the work of a leader. When leaders rule in the fear of God, they recognize that a God of justice reviews their work and will require an accounting of how the ruler has led.” [Guzik]
3. David knew that he had fallen short many times, but he was successful for one reason and one reason only. What was the reason? See the beginning part of verse 5.
4. In the second half of verse 5 David recognizes that all his successes, all the help he had from various men, and all the desires he had were met. He knew that all his success was because God had made a covenant with him. But he also knew that obedience to God mattered. What became of men who disobeyed God?
5. Verses 8-39 lists all the men who had been the most loyal to David throughout his reign. Many joined David when they were poor and downcast and David was hiding from his enemies. How many men were considered his most loyal top men? Note: there is a number that is an even number, but then, as if in afterthought, seven more were added to that number.
6. We forget when we read accounts of various battles that these men fought that they were valiant warriors fighting with just spears and swords. According to verse 18 how many men in total was Abishai the brother of Joab, renowned for killing?
7. In verse 20 we read about a man name Benaiah who was a doer of great deeds and was also famous for killing what animal?
8. The very last man that David recognized as one of the great men who had served him well, was the man he had sent to the frontlines of battle so that he could cover his sin with Bathsheba, this man’s wife. Humbly, David names him here. What was his name?
