II Samuel 23: David's Last Words and Mighty Warriors
Now 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,
The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.
The 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.
And 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.
Although 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.
But the sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands:
But 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.
These 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.
And 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:
He 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.
And 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.
But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the Lord wrought a great victory.
And 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.
And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Beth–lehem.
And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Beth–lehem, which is by the gate!
And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Beth–lehem, 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.
And 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.
And 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.
Was he not most honourable of three? therefore he was their captain: howbeit he attained not unto the first three.
And 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:
And 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.
These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among three mighty men.
He was more honourable than the thirty, but he attained not to the first three. And David set him over his guard.
Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty; Elhanan the son of Dodo of Beth–lehem,
Shammah the Harodite, Elika the Harodite,
Helez the Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite,
Abiezer the Anethothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite,
Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite,
Heleb the son of Baanah, a Netophathite, Ittai the son of Ribai out of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin,
Benaiah the Pirathonite, Hiddai of the brooks of Gaash,
Abi–albon the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Barhumite,
Eliahba the Shaalbonite, of the sons of Jashen, Jonathan,
Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam the son of Sharar the Hararite,
Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maachathite, Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite,
Hezrai the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite,
Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite,
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armourbearer to Joab the son of Zeruiah,
Ira an Ithrite, Gareb an Ithrite,
Uriah the Hittite: thirty and seven in all.
II Samuel 23 offers a powerful conclusion to David's story, shifting from the historical narrative to a reflection on his reign and the valiant men who served him. This chapter can be broadly divided into three sections: David's last words (II Samuel 23:1-7), and the list of David's mighty warriors (II Samuel 23:8-39).
David's Song: A King's Reflection (II Samuel 23:1-7)
These verses contain David's last recorded words, presented as a psalm of praise to God. It's a moment of profound reflection as David looks back on his life, from his humble beginnings as a shepherd boy in Bethlehem to his divinely appointed role as king of Israel. He acknowledges that his exaltation was not due to his own merit but to God's sovereign grace. David recognizes himself as "the anointed of the God of Jacob" (II Samuel 23:1), highlighting the divine selection that set him apart. He considers this psalm "the sweet psalmist of Israel" (II Samuel 23:1).
David seems to claim divine inspiration for his writings (II Samuel 23:2-3). The Old Testament prophets frequently prefaced their messages with phrases like, "The word of the LORD came to me" (see Jeremiah 1:11; Ezekiel 6:1), indicating divine inspiration. David's words here echo this prophetic sense of being a vessel for God's message. A righteous king, ruling in accordance with God's will, is portrayed as a blessing to the land (II Samuel 23:3-4).
At the heart of David's reflection lies the Davidic covenant (see II Samuel 7:12-16). David expresses unwavering confidence in God's faithfulness to this everlasting covenant (II Samuel 23:5), which finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who will return to reign on David's throne in his coming millennial kingdom (see Luke 1:31-33). In stark contrast to the blessings of God's covenant, the wicked are likened to thorns, utterly useless and destined for the fire of God's judgment (II Samuel 23:6-7).
The Valor of David's Warriors (II Samuel 23:8-39)
The remainder of II Samuel 23 is dedicated to honoring the courage and loyalty of David's mighty warriors. These aren't just names on a list; they are individuals who performed extraordinary feats of bravery and devotion. Their stories surpass even the most imaginative comic book superhero tales – and they're true!
The first three warriors listed (II Samuel 23:8-12) are celebrated for their exceptional acts of valor in battle, time and again turning the tide of war against the Philistines. Then there are the thirty leading warriors who demonstrated incredible bravery and devotion to David (II Samuel 23:13).
One particular anecdote illustrates their unwavering loyalty. During a battle, David expressed a longing for water from the well at the gate of Bethlehem (II Samuel 23:15). This was likely a nostalgic yearning, as Bethlehem was occupied by the Philistines. David probably never expected anyone to take his words literally. Yet, three of his mighty men risked their lives to break through the enemy lines, draw water from the well, and bring it to David (II Samuel 23:16). Overcome with a sense of conviction about the risk they took, David refused to drink the water and instead poured it out as an offering to the Lord.
Benaiah is another standout among David's warriors. He is remembered for his incredible feat of going down into a pit on a snowy day and killing a lion (II Samuel 23:20-21). Recognizing Benaiah's exceptional skills and courage, David wisely appointed him as the commander of his bodyguard (II Samuel 23:23), and later Solomon placed him in command of his own army (see 1 Kings 2:35).
The chapter concludes with a list of the Thirty – David's elite warriors (II Samuel 23:24-39). Notably, this list includes Uriah the Hittite (II Samuel 23:39). His inclusion serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of sin, even in the life of a dedicated believer like David. Uriah was not just a good and loyal soldier; he was one of David's best, a man who had sworn to defend the king at the cost of his own life. Tragically, being David's soldier did cost Uriah his life, but his death brought great shame upon David (see II Samuel 11).
Interestingly, among all the names, "Joab" is not included. His brothers Abishai and Asahel are listed, and each is designated as Joab’s brother (II Samuel 23:18, 24). Joab was certainly a great warrior who was the commander of David’s entire army for most of his reign. But, Joab was also an extremely violent and brutal man who did not hesitate to kill his own kinsmen when they got in his way. (On the other hand, his omission from the list may have been due simply to his position as commander, which meant he was over all these men.)
Now 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,
The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.
The 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.
And 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.
Although 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.
But the sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands:
But 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.
These 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.
And 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:
He 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.
And 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.
But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the Lord wrought a great victory.
And 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.
And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Beth–lehem.
And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Beth–lehem, which is by the gate!
And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Beth–lehem, 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.
And 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.
And 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.
Was he not most honourable of three? therefore he was their captain: howbeit he attained not unto the first three.
And 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:
And 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.
These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among three mighty men.
He was more honourable than the thirty, but he attained not to the first three. And David set him over his guard.
Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty; Elhanan the son of Dodo of Beth–lehem,
Shammah the Harodite, Elika the Harodite,
Helez the Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite,
Abiezer the Anethothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite,
Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite,
Heleb the son of Baanah, a Netophathite, Ittai the son of Ribai out of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin,
Benaiah the Pirathonite, Hiddai of the brooks of Gaash,
Abi–albon the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Barhumite,
Eliahba the Shaalbonite, of the sons of Jashen, Jonathan,
Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam the son of Sharar the Hararite,
Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maachathite, Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite,
Hezrai the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite,
Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite,
Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armourbearer to Joab the son of Zeruiah,
Ira an Ithrite, Gareb an Ithrite,
Uriah the Hittite: thirty and seven in all.
II Samuel 23 offers a powerful conclusion to David's story, shifting from the historical narrative to a reflection on his reign and the valiant men who served him. This chapter can be broadly divided into three sections: David's last words (II Samuel 23:1-7), and the list of David's mighty warriors (II Samuel 23:8-39).
David's Song: A King's Reflection (II Samuel 23:1-7)
These verses contain David's last recorded words, presented as a psalm of praise to God. It's a moment of profound reflection as David looks back on his life, from his humble beginnings as a shepherd boy in Bethlehem to his divinely appointed role as king of Israel. He acknowledges that his exaltation was not due to his own merit but to God's sovereign grace. David recognizes himself as "the anointed of the God of Jacob" (II Samuel 23:1), highlighting the divine selection that set him apart. He considers this psalm "the sweet psalmist of Israel" (II Samuel 23:1).
David seems to claim divine inspiration for his writings (II Samuel 23:2-3). The Old Testament prophets frequently prefaced their messages with phrases like, "The word of the LORD came to me" (see Jeremiah 1:11; Ezekiel 6:1), indicating divine inspiration. David's words here echo this prophetic sense of being a vessel for God's message. A righteous king, ruling in accordance with God's will, is portrayed as a blessing to the land (II Samuel 23:3-4).
At the heart of David's reflection lies the Davidic covenant (see II Samuel 7:12-16). David expresses unwavering confidence in God's faithfulness to this everlasting covenant (II Samuel 23:5), which finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who will return to reign on David's throne in his coming millennial kingdom (see Luke 1:31-33). In stark contrast to the blessings of God's covenant, the wicked are likened to thorns, utterly useless and destined for the fire of God's judgment (II Samuel 23:6-7).
The Valor of David's Warriors (II Samuel 23:8-39)
The remainder of II Samuel 23 is dedicated to honoring the courage and loyalty of David's mighty warriors. These aren't just names on a list; they are individuals who performed extraordinary feats of bravery and devotion. Their stories surpass even the most imaginative comic book superhero tales – and they're true!
The first three warriors listed (II Samuel 23:8-12) are celebrated for their exceptional acts of valor in battle, time and again turning the tide of war against the Philistines. Then there are the thirty leading warriors who demonstrated incredible bravery and devotion to David (II Samuel 23:13).
One particular anecdote illustrates their unwavering loyalty. During a battle, David expressed a longing for water from the well at the gate of Bethlehem (II Samuel 23:15). This was likely a nostalgic yearning, as Bethlehem was occupied by the Philistines. David probably never expected anyone to take his words literally. Yet, three of his mighty men risked their lives to break through the enemy lines, draw water from the well, and bring it to David (II Samuel 23:16). Overcome with a sense of conviction about the risk they took, David refused to drink the water and instead poured it out as an offering to the Lord.
Benaiah is another standout among David's warriors. He is remembered for his incredible feat of going down into a pit on a snowy day and killing a lion (II Samuel 23:20-21). Recognizing Benaiah's exceptional skills and courage, David wisely appointed him as the commander of his bodyguard (II Samuel 23:23), and later Solomon placed him in command of his own army (see 1 Kings 2:35).
The chapter concludes with a list of the Thirty – David's elite warriors (II Samuel 23:24-39). Notably, this list includes Uriah the Hittite (II Samuel 23:39). His inclusion serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of sin, even in the life of a dedicated believer like David. Uriah was not just a good and loyal soldier; he was one of David's best, a man who had sworn to defend the king at the cost of his own life. Tragically, being David's soldier did cost Uriah his life, but his death brought great shame upon David (see II Samuel 11).
Interestingly, among all the names, "Joab" is not included. His brothers Abishai and Asahel are listed, and each is designated as Joab’s brother (II Samuel 23:18, 24). Joab was certainly a great warrior who was the commander of David’s entire army for most of his reign. But, Joab was also an extremely violent and brutal man who did not hesitate to kill his own kinsmen when they got in his way. (On the other hand, his omission from the list may have been due simply to his position as commander, which meant he was over all these men.)