In this chapter, David speaks to the people and confirms God has chosen him. The chapter also highlights David’s special warriors within his army. The chapter begins, “These are the last words of David: “David, the son of Jesse, speaks -- David, the man to whom God gave such wonderful success, David, the man anointed by the God of Jacob, David the sweet psalmist of Israel.
“The Spirit of the Lord speaks through me; his words are upon my tongue. The God of Israel spoke. The Rock of Israel said to me: “The person who rules righteously, who rules in the fear of God, he is like the light of the morning, like the sunrise bursting forth in a cloudless sky, like the refreshing rains that bring tender grass from the earth.”
“It is my family God has chosen! Yes, he has made an everlasting covenant with me. His agreement is eternal, final, sealed. He will constantly look after my safety and success. But the godless are like thorns to be thrown away, for they tear the hand that touches them. One must be armed to chop them down; they will be utterly consumed with fire.” (2 Samuel 23:1-7)
The second half of the chapter discusses David’s mightiest men, including an elite group of 30 fighters. The first warrior was Jashobeam, the Hacmonite. He was the commander and a part of the three greatest warriors among David’s men. Legend has it that he killed 800 enemy warriors in a single battle.
“Next in rank among the Three was Eleazar son of Dodai, a descendant of Ahoah. Once Eleazar and David stood together against the Philistines when the entire Israelite army had fled. He killed Philistines until his hand was too tired to lift his sword, and the Lord gave him a great victory that day. The rest of the army did not return until it was time to collect the plunder!
Next in rank was Shammah son of Agee from Harar. One time the Philistine gathered at Lehi and attacked the Israelites in a field full of lentils. The Israelite's army fled, but Shammah held his ground in the middle of the field and beat back the Philistines. So the Lord brought about a great victory.” (2 Samuel 23:9-13)
The chapter ends with naming all 30 of David’s elite group of 30 mighty men, placing emphasis on Zeruiah, the leader of the Thirty, as well as, Abishai and Benaiah, the two most famous of the Thirty.
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Thank you for showing us that a flawed man like David can still be like the light of the morning and close and dear to your heart. We love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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