2 Samuel 23:1-7, David’s Legacy

In 2 Sam. 21:1-14 we read of David avenging the Gibeonites for an atrocity committed by King Saul.  This may have happened when Saul destroyed the priestly city of Nob.  The Gibeonites helped maintain temple worship and thus there were likely many living in this city that was near Jerusalem.  God’s anger was against “Saul and his bloodthirsty house” (v1)  Thus, the Gibeonites were avenged against Saul’s house.  This story fits the “avenger of blood” against those who have not sought refuge in a City of Refuge. 

2 Sam. 21:15-22 is an interesting record of other giants besides Goliath that were killed at various times during David’s reign.  2 Sam. 22 is identical to Psalm 18 and is David’s psalm of praise to the LORD for being his Savior.  To encourage reading and application of this great song here is a brief outline.

·         v1-4: God was David’s Savior! (As “Savior” the LORD was David’s rock, fortress, deliverer, strength, shield, horn of salvation, stronghold and refuge.)

·       v5-7: The enemy was fearsome.

·       v8-13: But the LORD, my God, was far more powerful.

·       v14-20: Thus trusting Him as my support was always wise.

·       v21-25: This was David, after God’s heart.

·       v26-28: God was faithful and could be trusted (2 Tim. 2:11-12).

·       v29-37: He strengthened and equipped David to fight.

·       v38-43: “You have made me victorious over the enemy without.”

·       v44-46: “You have made me ruler over many people.”

·       v47-51: God did and does this, for David and his descendants.

2 Samuel 24 records another difficult story concerning a census late in David’s reign.  You may wonder what was so sinful about David taking this census.  The only thing that makes sense to me is that David violated Ex. 30:12: When you take the census of the children of Israel for their number, then every man shall give a ransom for himself to the LORD, when you number them, that there may be no plague among them when you number them.  The “ransom money” was a way of giving God the glory for the nation.  David apparently was doing it for his own satisfaction.

Today’s passage record David’s “last words.”  It is an accurate and honest testimony.  David acknowledges his two prominent roles: king (God’s anointed) and the sweet psalmist of Israel.  He gives credit to his father (Jesse) and to God who raised him up. Verse 2 notes that those psalms he wrote were inspired by the Holy Spirit.  Verse 3 tells what makes for a good king, and verse 4 the blessing that comes on a good king.  Verses 5-7 speaks of the covenant God made with him, even though David’s house was not always what it should have been (did I not say, these words are honest).  This was for David a testimony and an expression of hope.  A good read on this New Year's Eve!