2 Samuel 23:1-7 - Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible

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Bible Comments

The Last Words of David (cf. above). This poem is generally held to be a late production and not composed by David. Saith (twice) in 1 Samuel 23:1, is the solemn ne-' um, oracle (Numbers 24:3). Instead of sweet psalmist of Israel, render him whom Israel delights to praise (cf. RVm). 2 Samuel 23:4 should run:

He shall dawn like the light of morning,

Like the sun on a morning without clouds.

The text and translation of the last line, and of 2 Samuel 23:5-7, are uncertain; there is no agreement amongst scholars as to how they are to be restored, so that one cannot offer anything which is an assured improvement on RV, except at one or two points. 2 Samuel 23:5 should open, Verily my house is sure with God; the last line of the verse should be taken with what follows.

Related Commentaries of 2 Samuel 23:1

2 Samuel 23:1-7

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 fenceda with iron and the staff of a spear; and they shall be utterly burned with fire in the same place.