2 Samuel 23 -- David's Last Inspired Written Words From The Lord

David's "last inspired written words from the Lord" are presented in a psalm about leadership in verses 2-7.  They speak of the privileges of leadership along with the responsibilities of leadership, my commentary said.

David said, "The Lord's Spirit spoke through me, and His word was on my tongue.  The God of Israel spoke; and the Rock of Israel said to me:  'Whoever rules fairly over people, who rules with respect for God, is like the morning light at dawn, like a morning without clouds.  He is like sunshine after a rain that makes the grass sprout from the ground.' (A picture of moisture followed by warmth -- what plants need to grow.)  This is how God has cared for my family.  God made a lasting agreement with me, right and sure in every way.  He will accomplish my salvation and satisfy all my desires. (God seemed to tell me here that the desires I have may not be His desires at times, but what He will do in my life will cause me to be satisfied as if my own desires had been fulfilled.)  But all evil people will be thrown away like thorns that cannot be held in a hand.  No one can touch them except with a tool of iron or wood.  They will be thrown in the fire and burned where they lie."

A previous commentary I'd been using had said, "David realized that he did not fit the description, but he took comfort in the fact that God's covenant assured him that the Messiah would be descended from him."

My current commentary noted several things about David's God-given leadership qualities:  "David never ceased to marvel that God would call him to become the king of Israel ... The Lord had given David skillful hands and a heart of integrity, and equipped him to know and do His will ... A.W. Tozer said, 'Never follow any leader until you see the oil on his forehead.' ... Without righteousness and the fear of God, a leader becomes a dictator and abuses God's people, driving them like cattle instead of leading them like sheep.  David was a ruler who served and a servant who ruled."

Father, I know You are transitioning me at this very time.  I'm not sure yet what You will have me doing, but I thank You for this reminder of how You work in my life.  Help me to raise up other leaders, as You have in the past, who will become men after Your own heart like David.

 

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford