LAST WORDS. 2nd Samuel 23 The “last words of David” seem to me to be the last poetic words, like the Psalms. David wrote seventy-three of the Psalms in the Book of the Psalms, and seventy of them are identified by his name. No wonder he is called “the sweet psalmist of Israel” because he is the hero of many of Israel’s songs. God, the Holy Spirit, appointed Him to put into poetic words songs of praise to God that express truth in unique ways.
The last words of any person have a particular impact on those who hear them. The last words of a father or mother are often remembered for the rest of one's life. The final conversation of a faithful servant of the Lord is not easily forgotten. The last words usually have characterized one's life and filled the mind. David's last words sum up his life.
The Lord raised him from being a shepherd of sheep to being a shepherd of God's people. God anointed him to lead a splintered group of twelve tribes into a cohesive nation that was united even though there had been civil wars. The Spirit of the Lord was on him to write thoughts in poetic form that have blessed God's people through the years and worldwide. The Psalms are still a source of comfort and inspiration to millions and are even quoted in the halls of power. David recognized that the Spirit of God was using him to express what people needed to hear in words. He was conscious that the thoughts from his pen came from divine persons to express divine inspiration that would bless those who drew near to the Lord, and he longed for a way to put into words what was in their hearts. David knew his description of the ideal, just, and righteous ruler was not fulfilled in him. By faith, he knew the king who would rule in righteousness would be his greater Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. He looked ahead to the One who would come and sit on the throne of David and rule and reign in righteousness and peace over all the earth.
The “last words” begin with praise to the Lord, given to Him by the Holy Spirit, who made it plain that the one who rules must fear and obey the Most High God if there are to be blessings on Israel. He knew he and his sons were not perfect, but the Lord would remain true to His covenant with Israel. Without God, they would not last long. The king who will judge the people's right, must have on the armor of God and rule under the authority of God.
Through the ages, people of faith looked forward to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, who would fulfill all the prophetic truths that came to believers of old. Many will quote the words of David in times of sorrow, despair, need, and joy. Those who lead God's people must be just and fair in their dealings with people. The reverential fear of God is an essential quality that will be respected by those who follow his leadership. Leadership calls for those who can give the light of understanding, like the dawning of the day and things previously unknown, to become apparent.
Also, those hidden things or things not understood will become acceptable and refreshing through the insight of spiritual leaders. Leaders are not perfect people but have been given responsibility by a covenant-keeping God who they serve by His will and their own willingness. The leaders need to be consistent and not vacillating because they are passing on the truth of God to others. It is their responsibility to protect and defend God's people from evil men who are motivated by the power of darkness.
Thirty-seven mighty men of valor are listed as those who deserve special honor in the army of David. A group of three among the thirty-seven are given special recognition similar to the Medal of Honor winners in the United States. Adino slew eight hundred at one time. Eleazar remained at his post when others left and slew Philistine enemies until his hand was cramped onto his sword. He actually won that battle, and others came back to gather up what had been left by the defeated foe. Shammah stood alone in a field of lentils needed to feed the people and defeated the opposition when the Lord brought a great victory through him.
Three others of David's men broke through an army to get water from the well of Bethlehem for David. He was so touched by their sacrifice and courage that he looked at the water as the blood of a sacrifice to be poured out before the Lord because it was so precious. Abishai, Benaiah, and all the others listed were mighty and courageous. They were also men of wisdom in their actions and devotion to David. Those thirty followed David from the cave of Adullam to the throne of Israel, and all the way, their complete devotion to him kept them faithful to him. They had been with him long enough to know him well, even though they knew his failures, too.
Our Lord does not overlook an effort that costs great sacrifice, courage, and devotion to the Lord. Each of these men reminds us that when we are involved in a work our Lord has directed us, He does not leave us to do what we cannot do naturally but empowers us to accomplish what is beyond human ability. The Lord's people need protecting, defending, and feeding. Devotion to our Lord motivates us to go beyond what others may think is sufficient because we know Him well, have taken His "yoke" upon us, and have "learned" of Him. He is deserving of every last effort of devotion we can give Him.
The motivation of those thirty-seven men to do great things and go above and beyond "the call of duty" was the personal qualities of David himself. He inspired them to go beyond the ordinary, reach beyond their goals, and fulfill their potential. The hidden potential is not often drawn out unless an urgent situation or someone claims our heart. The One we follow has affected our lives and motivates us to fulfill our commitment to the cause and the Person we serve. David was aware of God's leadership, and they were aware of David's leadership. He was a good leader following his Leader. Respect and devotion to our Leader will promote loyalty and allegiance to our Lord in other people following us.
How thankful I am for the Spirit of God within, sealing, empowering, and filling us for acceptable service for the Lord. Apart from His power, I would be prone to sin because I am not perfect, even though God’s grace has saved me. The Spirit of God empowers me to live by faith in ways that please the Lord. The desire is there, but far too often, the power is not, except that the Holy Spirit in me has done a work Himself in this frail and weak body of mine. What is unnatural to me can be brought into line with God’s will to accomplish God's purposes.
God can bring to pass what would naturally not happen. He can make what seemed so fleeting flourish and last forever. I look on with wonder at what, in His grace, He has done for me and my family and also those He has saved when He has allowed us to preach His Gospel with such a feeble effort from such an unworthy son. I look at many things differently around me, even those closer to home, but I strive and want to be consistent in my own way. I know God is still working through the Holy Spirit, who uses His word to bring faith to those seeking the Lord. Our family doesn’t see things the same, though I believe our family loves the Lord. I am out of date to some, like a life-form from some different world, but I see no reason to change what I have experienced just to please them. I am more concerned with what God wants from me than trying to please men.
I may end up alone as others choose to walk a different road. Perhaps when I get older, this will seem like a heavy load to me, but at the present time, this “Jericho Road” is just fine with me. However, my ultimate desire is to be where my Lord calls me to dwell in fellowship with Him; if I am alone there, I’ll still know all is well.