Peter Barnes | 2 Samuel 23
SERMON NOTES
DAVID’S LAST WORDS
2 Samuel 23
– 2 Samuel 23 must be understood as David’s last words to the nation.
1. David was raised by God.
– 23:1. The NIV and ESV margin have David spoken of ‘the hero of Israel’s songs’. But 1 Sam.18:7; 21:11; 29:5 were an embarrassment.
– God raised David high to two tasks: to be the anointed of the God of Jacob and the sweet psalmist of Israel.
2. God spoke through David.
– 23:2-3a. We are naturally interested in the last words of anyone; the Spirit of God speaks God’s word to David. See too Matt.22:41-43.
3. Justice leads to blessing.
– 23:3b-4; partially fulfilled in the reign of David; it reads like Genesis 1, and re-creation.
4. An everlasting covenant.
– 23:5; 2 Sam.7:13, 16; John 17:1-2, 6. John 6:44, 65; Heb.13:20.
5. Victories in the kingdom.
– 23:6-7; Josheb-basshebeth (23:8); Eleazar (23:9-10); Shammah (23:11-12); the three men of verses 13-17; Abishai (23:18-20); Benaiah (23:21-23); and others (23:24-39). But it is flawed – see 23:39.
– a greater king and kingdom – Isa.9:6-7.