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2 Samuel 23

2 Sam 23, 2 Sa 23, 2S 23, II Sa 23, 2 Sm 23, 2Sa 23, II Sam 23, 2Sam 23, II Samuel 23, 2Samuel 23, 2nd Samuel 23, Second Samuel 23


2 Samuel 23

1 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 The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.

3 The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.

4 And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.

5 Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.

6 But the sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands:

7 But the man that shall touch them must be fenced with iron and the staff of a spear; and they shall be utterly burned with fire in the same place.

8 These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: The Tachmonite that sat in the seat, chief among the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite: he lift up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time.

9 And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines that were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away:

10 He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil.

11 And after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a piece of ground full of lentils: and the people fled from the Philistines.

12 But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory.

13 And three of the thirty chief went down, and came to David in the harvest time unto the cave of Adullam: and the troop of the Philistines pitched in the valley of Rephaim.

14 And David was then in an hold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.

15 And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!

16 And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD.

17 And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men.

18 And Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief among three. And he lifted up his spear against three hundred, and slew them, and had the name among three.

19 Was he not most honorable of three? therefore he was their captain: howbeit he attained not unto the first three.

20 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man, of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, he slew two lionlike men of Moab: he went down also and slew a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow:



21 And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and slew him with his own spear.

22 These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had the name among three mighty men.

23 He was more honorable than the thirty, but he attained not to the first three. And David set him over his guard.

24 Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty; Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,

25 Shammah the Harodite, Elika the Harodite,

26 Helez the Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite,

27 Abiezer the Anethothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite,

28 Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite,

29 Heleb the son of Baanah, a Netophathite, Ittai the son of Ribai out of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin,

30 Benaiah the Pirathonite, Hiddai of the brooks of Gaash,

31 Abialbon the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Barhumite,

32 Eliahba the Shaalbonite, of the sons of Jashen, Jonathan,

33 Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam the son of Sharar the Hararite,

34 Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maachathite, Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite,

35 Hezrai the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite,

36 Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite,

37 Zelek the Ammonite, Nahari the Beerothite, armourbearer to Joab the son of Zeruiah,

38 Ira an Ithrite, Gareb an Ithrite,

39 Uriah the Hittite: thirty and seven in all.

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Summary and the Meaning of 2 Samuel Chapter 23

The book of 2 Samuel is the second part of a two-part historical narrative in the Old Testament of the Holy Bible. It continues the story of King David, the second king of Israel, and his rise to power and reign over the nation. Chapter 23 of 2 Samuel is the final chapter of the book, and it contains the last words of David, as well as a list of his mighty men. This chapter provides a glimpse into the character of King David and the important role that his faithful and courageous warriors played in his reign. It also highlights the faithfulness and sovereignty of God in fulfilling His promises to David and His people.

The Last Words of David (2 Samuel 23:1-7)

The chapter begins with the introduction of the last words of David, which are described as a prophecy. This is significant because it shows that even in his final moments, David was still a prophet, speaking the words of God. The first part of his prophecy focuses on the character of a ruler, stating that a just ruler must be one who fears God and is just in his dealings with men. This echoes the qualities that God had instilled in David when He chose him to be king over Israel.

David then reflects on his own reign and how God had established him as the ruler of Israel. He acknowledges that it was God who had made an everlasting covenant with him, promising to establish his descendants as rulers over Israel forever. This covenant was fulfilled through the line of David, leading to the birth of Jesus Christ, who was the ultimate fulfillment of this promise.

David's last words also include a warning to those who would oppose the rule of God and His anointed king. He speaks of the fate of the wicked, who will be destroyed by God's judgment. This is a reminder that God is sovereign and will ultimately judge those who reject His rule.

The Mighty Men of David (2 Samuel 23:8-39)

The second part of chapter 23 is a list of David's mighty men, who were his most loyal and courageous warriors. This list is divided into three categories, the first being the "Three," who were the most elite and distinguished among David's army. The second category is the "Thirty," who were also renowned warriors but not as prominent as the Three. The last category is a list of other notable warriors who served under David's command.

The first of the Three mentioned is Josheb-Basshebeth, who was also known as Adino the Eznite. He is credited with killing 800 men in a single battle. The second is Eleazar, who stood his ground against the Philistines when the other Israelites had fled. He fought so fiercely that his hand became stuck to his sword, and he was able to defeat the enemy and bring about a great victory. The third is Shammah, who defended a field of lentils against the Philistines, even when the rest of the Israelite army had fled. He also fought with great courage and was able to secure a victory for his people.

The list of the Thirty also includes notable warriors such as Abishai, Benaiah, and Joab, who were all key figures in David's army. These men were known for their bravery and loyalty to their king, and their feats of valor are recorded in this chapter.

The list of other notable warriors includes names such as Uriah the Hittite, who was betrayed by David when he had an affair with his wife, Bathsheba. This serves as a reminder of David's failures and the consequences that followed. However, it also highlights the faithfulness of God in using even broken and flawed individuals to fulfill His plans.

The Meaning of 2 Samuel Chapter 23

Chapter 23 of 2 Samuel serves as a fitting conclusion to the book, as it highlights the central themes of the reign of King David. It showcases the importance of having a leader who fears God and is just in his rule, as David was. It also emphasizes the faithfulness and sovereignty of God in fulfilling His promises, as seen through the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the birth of Jesus Christ.

The chapter also serves as a reminder of the importance of loyalty and courage in the face of adversity. The mighty men of David exemplify these qualities, and their actions demonstrate the power of God working through His people. It also serves as a warning to those who oppose the rule of God, as seen through David's prophecy of the destruction of the wicked.

Furthermore, the inclusion of the list of David's mighty men also serves as a reminder that God uses ordinary people to accomplish His purposes. These men were not perfect, but they were willing to serve and fight for their king and their God. This is a reminder that God can use anyone who is willing to submit to His will and serve Him wholeheartedly.

In conclusion, 2 Samuel Chapter 23 is a powerful and meaningful chapter that brings together the major themes of the book and provides a glimpse into the character of King David and the faithfulness of God. It serves as a reminder of the importance of having a leader who fears God and the significance of loyalty and courage in the face of adversity. It also highlights the sovereignty and faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises and using ordinary people to accomplish His purposes. This chapter is a testament to the enduring legacy of King David and the enduring power of God's grace and mercy.



This article is informed by the King James Version of the Holy Bible, the authors' personal knowledge, considerations and experience, and additional materials and resources available in internet.

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