King James Version
What Does 2 Samuel 23:3 Mean?
“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”
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
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.
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(3) **The Rock of Israel.**—Comp. 2Samuel 22:3. A frequent Scriptural comparison, appropriate here, to show the perfect reliability of what God declares.
**He that ruleth.**—The English gives the true sense, but the original is exceedingly elliptical, both here and in the following verse. The fundamental point of all just government has never been more perfectly set forth:—that it must be “in the fear of God.”
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 23:3 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 23:3
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge