2nd Samuel 23 LAST WORDS 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. Last words are usually those which have characterized one's life and fill the mind. David's last words sum up his life. He was raised up of the Lord from being a shepherd of sheep to being a shepherd of God's people. He was anointed by God 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 down through the years and all over the world. The psalms still are a source of comfort and inspiration to millions and are even quoted in the halls of power.
David recognized the fact that he was being used by the Spirit of God to express in words what people needed to hear. He was conscious of the fact the thoughts that came from his pen came from divine Persons to express divine inspiration that would bless those who drew near to the Lord and longed for a way to put into words that which was in their own hearts. Many will quote the words of David when in times of sorrow, despair, need and joy. David knew his description of a just and righteous ruler was not fulfilled in him, but he perhaps 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. People of faith looked forward to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ who will fulfill all the prophetic truths that to came believers of old.
Those who lead God's people must be just and fair in their dealing with people. The reverential fear of God is an essential quality of one who is going to 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 that had been previously not known, then become clear. Not only that, but those hidden things or things not understood will actually 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.
There were thirty-seven mighty men of valor who are listed as those who deserve special honor among the army of David. There is a group of three among the thirty-seven who 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 went away 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 that was needed to feed the people, and defeated the opposition when the Lord brought a great victory through him. Each of these men remind us that when we are involved in a work to which our Lord has directed us, He does not leave us to do what we cannot do naturally, but empowers us to accomplish that which is beyond human ability. The Lord's people need protecting, defending and feeding.
Three others of David's men broke through a Philistine 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 that was to be poured out before the Lord because it was so precious. An effort that costs great sacrifice, courage and devotion to the Lord is not overlooked by our Lord. Abishai, Benaiah and all the others listed were men who were mighty in courage. 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 true to him. They had been with him long enough to know him well, even though they knew his failures too. Devotion to our Lord motivates us to go beyond what others may think is enough because we know Him well and 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 that which is normal, to reach beyond their goals and to fulfill their potential. Hidden potential is not often drawn out unless there is an urgent situation, or a person who 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 who may be following us.