King James Version

What Does 2 Samuel 23:1 Mean?

2 Samuel 23:1 in the King James Version says “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 o...” — study this verse from 2 Samuel chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 Samuel 23:1 · KJV

Context

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. He: or, Be thou ruler, etc

Read 2 Samuel 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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,

This verse contributes to the narrative of Last Words and Mighty Men, emphasizing legacy, faithful servants. David's last words emphasize the eternal covenant God established (v. 5) and declare principles of righteous rule. The accounts of David's mighty men demonstrate extraordinary courage and devotion. The water-drawing incident reveals David's unwillingness to value his comfort above his soldiers' lives. Theological themes include the importance of final testimonies, the eternal nature of God's covenant, the value of faithful servants, and the necessity of sacrificial leadership.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting of 2 Samuel 23 occurs during David's reign (circa 1010-970 BCE) over Israel's united monarchy. Archaeological discoveries, including the Tel Dan inscription mentioning the 'House of David,' corroborate biblical historicity. Ancient Near Eastern customs regarding legacy, faithful servants provide crucial background. The geopolitical situation involved regional powers—Philistines, Ammonites, Arameans, Moabites, Edomites—as David consolidated and expanded Israel's territory. Cultural practices concerning kingship, warfare, covenant relationships, family dynamics, and religious observance differed significantly from modern Western contexts, requiring careful attention to avoid anachronistic interpretation while extracting timeless theological principles applicable across cultures and eras.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage deepen your understanding of legacy, faithful servants?
  2. What does this verse reveal about God's character, and how should that shape your worship and obedience?
  3. In what specific ways can you apply this truth to your current circumstances and relationships this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְאֵ֛לֶּה1 of 18
H428

these or those

דִּבְרֵ֥י2 of 18

“words”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

דָּוִ֣ד3 of 18

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

הָאַֽחֲרֹנִ֑ים4 of 18

“Now these be the last”

H314

hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western

וּנְאֻ֤ם5 of 18

“said”

H5002

an oracle

דָּוִ֣ד6 of 18

“David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

בֶּן7 of 18

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשַׁ֗י8 of 18

“of Jesse”

H3448

jishai, david's father

וּנְאֻ֤ם9 of 18

“said”

H5002

an oracle

הַגֶּ֙בֶר֙10 of 18

“and the man”

H1397

properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a person simply

הֻ֣קַם11 of 18

“who was raised up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

עָ֔ל12 of 18

“on high”

H5920

properly, the top; specifically, the highest (i.e., god); also (adverb) aloft, to jehovah

מְשִׁ֙יחַ֙13 of 18

“the anointed”

H4899

anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the messiah

אֱלֹהֵ֣י14 of 18

“of the God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יַֽעֲקֹ֔ב15 of 18

“of Jacob”

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

וּנְעִ֖ים16 of 18

“and the sweet”

H5273

delightful (objective or subjective, literal or figurative)

זְמִר֥וֹת17 of 18

“psalmist”

H2158

a song to be accompanied with instrumental music

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃18 of 18

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Samuel 23:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 2 Samuel 23:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Samuel 16:12-13Psalms 89:202 Samuel 7:8-9Colossians 3:16Psalms 78:70-71Luke 24:44

Test Your Knowledge

2 Samuel 23 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapter2 Samuel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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