2
Samuel chapter 23 begins with the final psalm of David. It is
intended endure in that important position. Fittingly, David does
not embellish his own accomplishments, but once again reminds us that
his source of righteousness is God’s faithfulness alone. He
begins, “These
are the last words of David: “Thus says David son of Jesse, thus
says the man exalted by the Most High, the man anointed by the God of
Jacob, Israel’s singer of songs“.
He was s shepherd that God raised up to lead. He could have listed
his titles of General of the army of Israel or King of Israel or
slayer of giants, but instead he calls himself Israel’s singer of
songs. I am confident that God does not care about the title on our
business card as much as our attitude toward His beloved.
In this age of cell phone, instant message and email, what
important final word will you leave behind?
David
is unequivocal about the source of the psalms, “The
Spirit of the Lord spoke through me; His word was on my tongue“.
David also adds an interesting verse; “Is
not my house right with God? Has he not made with me an everlasting
covenant, arranged and secured in every part? Will he not bring to
fruition my salvation and grant me my every desire?”
In spite of all of his failures, David understands that God
considers him righteous because God keeps His promises. David’s
confidence is in God’s faithfulness. He knows with certainty that
God will complete the work of salvation. Quite beautifully, perhaps
as a statement of completing the promise, the Book of Matthew begins
with the genealogy of Jesus this way: “The
book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of
Abraham“.
The
rest of the chapter is devoted to listing the accomplishments of
“David’s
mighty men“.
In each case he notes one valiant moment and its significance.
Remember who these men were? 1 Samuel chapter 22 explains after a
humbling time in Gath, David escaped to a cave. The chapter
explains, “All
those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around
him, and he became their leader“.
They become “mighty” only after they are used for God’s
purposes. James 4:10 reminds us when we pause and acknowledge our
need for salvation; He will hear the cry of our heart. “Humble
yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up“.
All we need is enough faith to ask. God specializes in doing
extraordinary things with very ordinary people!