2 Samuel 23 1

2 Samuel 23:1 kjv

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,

2 Samuel 23:1 nkjv

Now these are the last words of David. Thus says David the son of Jesse; Thus says the man raised up on high, The anointed of the God of Jacob, And the sweet psalmist of Israel:

2 Samuel 23:1 niv

These are the last words of David: "The inspired utterance of David son of Jesse, the utterance of the man exalted by the Most High, the man anointed by the God of Jacob, the hero of Israel's songs:

2 Samuel 23:1 esv

Now these are the last words of David: The oracle of David, the son of Jesse, the oracle of the man who was raised on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, the sweet psalmist of Israel:

2 Samuel 23:1 nlt

These are the last words of David: "David, the son of Jesse, speaks ?
David, the man who was raised up so high,
David, the man anointed by the God of Jacob,
David, the sweet psalmist of Israel.

2 Samuel 23 verses

2 Samuel 23 1 Meaning

2 Samuel 23:1 introduces the solemn pronouncement of David's final significant words, presented as a summary of his life and kingship from a divine perspective. It describes David not merely as a mortal king but as one specially chosen and elevated by God from humble beginnings to rule Israel. His anointing is highlighted as directly from "the God of Jacob," emphasizing his divine appointment and linking him to the covenant promises made to the patriarchs. Furthermore, David is renowned for his spiritual gift as a "sweet psalmist," underscoring his pivotal role in Israel's worship and his lasting legacy through sacred song.

2 Samuel 23 1 Context

2 Samuel chapter 23 begins with David's final, divinely inspired poetic pronouncement, which follows closely after the extensive psalm of deliverance recorded in chapter 22. This verse marks a pivotal shift from a narrative of David's life to a reflection on his spiritual legacy and the nature of his kingship as a divinely appointed office. Placed before the record of his mighty men (23:8-39) and prior to his death in 1 Kings 2, it serves as a theological summation of David's understanding of his reign and God's covenant with him. The verse sets the stage for a prophetic glimpse into the eternal nature of the Davidic throne (verses 3-5), connecting David's reign directly to the greater, future Messiah, making it more than just a historical account of a human king. Historically, Israel was well established under David's strong leadership, and this period represented a golden age, solidifying the nation's spiritual and political identity under YHWH. The reference to "the God of Jacob" reaffirms YHWH's identity as the covenant God of Israel's patriarchs, contrasting with the polytheistic beliefs of surrounding nations by affirming monotheistic divine election and authority.

2 Samuel 23 1 Word analysis

• Now these are the last words of David.
  • Now (וְאֵלֶּה, v'e'leh): Conjunction "and" followed by "these." Connects the following statement directly to what precedes, indicating a continuation of thought, specifically, from David's song in chapter 22.
  • these are (אֵלֶּה, e'leh): Points to the words that follow, giving them a distinct and significant introduction.
  • the last (הָאַחֲרוֹנִים, ha'akharonim): Emphasizes finality and importance. Similar "last words" (e.g., Jacob in Gen 49, Moses in Dt 33) were prophetic, summative, or testamentary, giving this passage particular weight. This signifies a testament, not just concluding remarks, but words of deep reflection on life, covenant, and the future.
  • words (דִּבְרֵי, divrei): From the root dabar, meaning "word," "speech," but also "matter," "thing," "event." Here, it carries the weight of a formal declaration or pronouncement.
  • of David: Identifies the speaker and validates the words as his divinely inspired reflection.
• David the son of Jesse,
  • David (דָּוִד, David): Reinforces the identity, focusing on his humanity and familial origin.
  • the son of Jesse: Highlights his humble Bethlehemite origin, a significant detail that underscores God's unexpected choice of him from an ordinary family (1 Sam 16:1-13). It contrasts with typical royal succession and emphasizes divine election. This also sets up the "root of Jesse" prophecy for the Messiah (Isa 11:1).
• the man who was raised on high,
  • the man (הַגֶּבֶר, ha'gever): Refers to a strong, mighty man, indicating his role as a leader and warrior, but here qualified by God's action.
  • who was raised on high (הֻקַם עָל, huqqam 'al): This is a passive construction, literally "caused to rise upon" or "made high." The unspoken agent is God. It stresses divine election and elevation. David did not achieve his kingship by his own strength but by God's sovereign power and choice (Ps 89:19-20). This elevation is not just positional but also moral and spiritual.
• the anointed of the God of Jacob,
  • the anointed (מְשִׁיחַ, meshiach): A pivotal term, literally "anointed one." In Hebrew, this is Mashiach, from which the Greek Christos (Christ) is derived. This title is first and foremost applied to David (and other kings/priests), marking him as divinely set apart for his office. For David, this implies divine authority, protection, and destiny.
  • of the God of Jacob (אֱלֹהֵי יַעֲקֹב, Elohei Ya'akov): Refers to YHWH, the covenant God who revealed Himself to Jacob (Gen 28:13; Ex 3:6) and continued to act in Israel's history. It grounds David's anointing in the long-standing, personal covenant relationship between YHWH and the nation of Israel, thereby affirming his rule is under this divine covenant, not pagan gods or human power.
• the sweet psalmist of Israel.
  • the sweet (נְעִים, ne'im): Signifies "pleasant," "gracious," "delightful." Describes the quality of his psalms.
  • psalmist (זְמִירוֹת, zemi'rot): Lit. "of songs" or "melodies." This refers to David's unique poetic and musical gift, by which he enriched Israel's worship life (2 Chr 29:30). His enduring legacy is not just as a king or warrior, but as a central figure in Israel's devotional life. This highlights the spiritual aspect of his reign, showing him as a leader who guided Israel in praise and communion with God.
  • of Israel: His psalms and leadership in worship were for the entire nation.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• "Now these are the last words of David.": This opening sets a solemn and authoritative tone. It is not just an obituary but a testamentary statement, possibly divinely inspired or at least heavily weighted with spiritual significance, similar to patriarchs and prophets who spoke "last words." This intro commands attention, indicating profound wisdom or prophecy about to be delivered.
• "David the son of Jesse, the man who was raised on high": This phrase complex simultaneously identifies David by his humble birth ("son of Jesse") while immediately elevating him to a position of divine appointment and status ("raised on high"). This tension emphasizes that his kingship was not an outcome of noble lineage or human achievement, but of God's sovereign and surprising choice (divine grace).
• "the anointed of the God of Jacob": This is perhaps the most profound theological statement in the verse. "Anointed" (Hebrew: Mashiach) links David directly to the messianic tradition. His anointing by "the God of Jacob" grounds his legitimacy in Israel's ancient covenant with YHWH, rejecting any notion that his kingship was by chance or due to a generic deity. This strongly emphasizes YHWH's unique choice and His specific covenant relationship with David, hinting at a dynasty far grander than earthly kingdoms. It also subtly polemicizes against other regional gods whose kings might claim authority; David's authority comes from the supreme, covenant God of Israel.
• "the sweet psalmist of Israel.": This epithet encapsulates David's spiritual and artistic contribution, showing that his legacy extends beyond political rule and military conquest. He was the spiritual leader, bringing profound worship to the nation. This gift distinguished his reign and deeply impacted Israel's religious life, making him a figure who connected the people with God through song and prayer, ultimately pointing towards a spiritual kingdom that his greater Son, Jesus, would establish.

2 Samuel 23 1 Bonus section

• Theological Structure: This verse serves as an important theological introduction to the poetic section of David's last words (23:1-7), often seen as a literary chiasm or highly structured poetic oracle. Its careful language indicates its intentionality in shaping the reader's understanding of David's kingship and its eschatological implications.
• Royal vs. Prophetic Roles: David, in this verse, is presented not just as a king (ruler) but also as a prophet ("last words," divinely elevated, anointed) and a priest-like figure (leading worship as "psalmist"). This multifaceted portrayal sets a precedent for the Messiah who would also embody these roles perfectly as King, Prophet, and High Priest.
• Historical Setting and Legitimacy: Coming late in David's reign, these words offer a final, divinely sanctioned testament to his legitimacy and the stability of the Davidic dynasty, which had faced considerable turmoil. By reaffirming David's anointing by "the God of Jacob," it counters any skepticism about his reign or potential succession crises, asserting a divine imprimatur on his rule and lineage.

2 Samuel 23 1 Commentary

2 Samuel 23:1 is a weighty introduction to what many scholars consider a profound messianic prophecy. It provides a divine framing of David's entire life and reign, positioning his "last words" not as personal reflections alone, but as a prophetic oracle inspired by God's Spirit, acting as a postlude to his entire life and foreshadowing his greater Descendant. David is described by four distinct titles, each adding depth to his character and mission: "son of Jesse" grounds him in humility, highlighting God's election from unlikeliness; "man raised on high" stresses divine elevation and authority; "anointed of the God of Jacob" elevates him to a prophetic, royal, and messianic status, signifying his divine authorization through the covenant God; and "sweet psalmist of Israel" reveals his crucial role in shaping Israel's worship and expressing the nation's heart towards God. This verse thus lays the theological groundwork for the subsequent verses (23:2-7), which elaborate on the nature of the just and everlasting ruler, ultimately pointing to Christ, the ultimate Mashiach, whose reign fulfills and transcends David's. The passage emphasizes God's sovereign choice, covenant faithfulness, and the blend of regal power with spiritual leadership in God's chosen King.