In the last three chapters of 2 Samuel, the author collects a few things that he must have considered important about King David’s life and reign, perhaps an “executive summary.” In Chapter 22, the author recites “David’s Song” which is possibly the first of the many psalms and hymns David wrote throughout his life. This one can also be found as Psalm 18. So I would propose to call this David’s First Song, in contrast to the first eight verses of 2 Samuel 23, which is known as “David’s Last Song.”
David’s first song was written as a young man, just after God miraculously delivered him from the hands of a murderous Saul. David had been anointed by God to replace Saul and had a strong unity with God, who loved David passionately. Please read Chapter 22 right now and make it your own unity with God.
When David ascended to power, 2 Samuel showed us that David always inquired of God before doing anything. God directed him and blessed him in everything he did.
Until Bathsheba.
David’s great sin came as a result of not inquiring of God first. By the end of 2 Samuel, David watched tragedy after disaster piled on him as judgment from God – murder, political intrigue, rebellion, and much more.
So I had to ask: does David’s last song show sadness or repentance for all the harm that he caused? Read 23:18 now and see what you think.
David’s last song starts with the author of Samuel repeating David’s credentials from God:
“David the son of Jesse declares; the man who was raised on high declares, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel…” (23:1). No repentance here, just majesty.
“Truly is not my house…with God? For he has made an everlasting covenant with me, ordered in all things and secured; for all my salvation and all my desire, will he not indeed make it grow?” (23:5). This sounds like the perfect life, no regrets here.
Did David stop right here before verse 6? Did he reflect that perhaps it was “all my desire” hijacked from God that led him to destruction? I think so, although I can’t find anyone who has suggested this. Why do I?
Because verse 6 says:
“But the worthless, every one of them will be thrust away like thorns…and they will be completely burned with fire in their place” (23:6-7).
David’s last song, the song of the anointed one of Israel, ends suddenly on this devastating note. I believe David wanted us to understand the power of temptation and disobedience and how it can ruin our lives over very long periods of time.
Was your first song full of promise and joy and enthusiasm? Is your last song to be cut off in despair?
Wasn’t America’s first song, the Declaration of Independence declaring our rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness endowed by our Creator God? Are we now writing America’s last song of regret?
It does not have to be. David did not have a forgiving Savior his Messiah, our Jesus whom we do have.
Perfect unity with God lies in humbly admitting our mistakes, praying, and seeking Jesus through the presence of the Holy Spirit; if we would only do that together, as God people called by His name, he will hear from heaven…
…HE WILL HEAL OUR LAND.
(2 Chronicles 7:14)
David’s first song was written as a young man, just after God miraculously delivered him from the hands of a murderous Saul. David had been anointed by God to replace Saul and had a strong unity with God, who loved David passionately. Please read Chapter 22 right now and make it your own unity with God.
When David ascended to power, 2 Samuel showed us that David always inquired of God before doing anything. God directed him and blessed him in everything he did.
Until Bathsheba.
David’s great sin came as a result of not inquiring of God first. By the end of 2 Samuel, David watched tragedy after disaster piled on him as judgment from God – murder, political intrigue, rebellion, and much more.
So I had to ask: does David’s last song show sadness or repentance for all the harm that he caused? Read 23:18 now and see what you think.
David’s last song starts with the author of Samuel repeating David’s credentials from God:
“David the son of Jesse declares; the man who was raised on high declares, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel…” (23:1). No repentance here, just majesty.
“Truly is not my house…with God? For he has made an everlasting covenant with me, ordered in all things and secured; for all my salvation and all my desire, will he not indeed make it grow?” (23:5). This sounds like the perfect life, no regrets here.
Did David stop right here before verse 6? Did he reflect that perhaps it was “all my desire” hijacked from God that led him to destruction? I think so, although I can’t find anyone who has suggested this. Why do I?
Because verse 6 says:
“But the worthless, every one of them will be thrust away like thorns…and they will be completely burned with fire in their place” (23:6-7).
David’s last song, the song of the anointed one of Israel, ends suddenly on this devastating note. I believe David wanted us to understand the power of temptation and disobedience and how it can ruin our lives over very long periods of time.
Was your first song full of promise and joy and enthusiasm? Is your last song to be cut off in despair?
Wasn’t America’s first song, the Declaration of Independence declaring our rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness endowed by our Creator God? Are we now writing America’s last song of regret?
It does not have to be. David did not have a forgiving Savior his Messiah, our Jesus whom we do have.
Perfect unity with God lies in humbly admitting our mistakes, praying, and seeking Jesus through the presence of the Holy Spirit; if we would only do that together, as God people called by His name, he will hear from heaven…
…HE WILL HEAL OUR LAND.
(2 Chronicles 7:14)
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