Sermons

David’s Last Words

2 Samuel 23:1-7

A renowned architect was nearing the end of his career.
For decades, he had designed grand
buildings—cathedrals, civic halls, and beautiful homes
that stood as landmarks in cities around the world.
As retirement approached, a wealthy patron came to him
with one final request:
“Design one last structure for me—something that will
endure.”
The architect agreed.
People expected him to create his greatest
masterpiece—the kind of building that would immortalize
his name. But instead, he chose something unexpected.
He designed a well.
Not an ordinary well, but one placed in a dry region
where travelers often passed through. It was carefully
engineered—deep, secure, and protected so its water
would remain clean and accessible for generations.
When asked why he didn’t design one more magnificent
building, the architect simply said:
“Buildings impress people for a moment. Water gives
them life.”
Years later, many of his grand structures had weathered,
some even fallen into disrepair. But the well remained.
Travelers still stopped there, drew water, and lived
because of it.
And though many never knew the architect’s name, they
experienced the goodness of his final work every day.

Last week we examined David’s Song of Deliverance
where he praised God for His provision and protection
and for hearing his prayers and for His righteousness. It
was a beautiful song to recall all of the amazing ways
God had been there throughout David’s life.
Today we are going to see 7 short verses that make up
David’s last words.

2 Samuel 23:1-7

Descriptions of David

Son of Jesse – David was the youngest son of Jesse; a
shepherd. The last person anyone would have guessed
would be the next king. He was humble and cared for
his sheep by feeding them, protecting them and guiding
them. It was no accident that God chose the young son
of Jesse to lead Israel.

Raised on High – David didn’t work his way up the
corporate ladder to become king. He followed God’s lead
and obeyed as God raised him up in leadership. God
often uses the weak to shame the strong. God doesn’t
call the qualified, He equips those whom He calls. And
David is no exception.

Anointed by God – when Saul disobeyed God Samuel told
him that God was going to replace him with a neighbor
who is better than him. That someone was David.
As soon as David arrived at the house, God told Samuel
to anoint him and the Holy Spirit rushed upon David from
that day forward.
The people had chosen Saul as their king.
God chose David to be their king.
God knew David was a man after His own heart.

Sweet Psalmist of Israel – David wrote nearly half of the
Psalms. He also played the harp for Saul when he was
troubled by an evil spirit. David was a gifted musician,
singer, songwriter.
But David was also the hero of the songs of Israel.
Remember what the people would sing:
Saul has killed his thousands,
David his ten thousands.

Verse 2 David explains that everything he wrote and sang
about were the words of the Lord.
God gave him the words He wanted David to speak/write.
The Psalms David wrote and his song of deliverance in
chapter 22 were inspired by God. They are the word of
God.

He then calls God the God of Israel and refers to Him as
his Rock.

In David’s song that we looked at last week we saw David
referring to God as his rock.
Not only is he David’s rock, but He is the rock of Israel.
He is there for all who call upon His name.

Verse 3b gives us:

God’s words to David about Leadership

God told David he would be a
Ruler – this Hebrew word for ruler is used nowhere else in
the books of Samuel. It refers less to the person who is
ruling than to the rule itself. A king rules, wielding power
because of his position. A ruler leads his people and does
what is best for them.

God said that David would
Rule over mankind – the Hebrew word is Adam. David
would rule in a way that valued the person. He would be
a ruler who embraced humanity.

God said David would be a
Righteous Ruler – David did his best to do right by the
people. He treated them with respect and dealt fairly with
them. God knew that David would not abuse his power,
but lead His people like a shepherd.

Finally God said that David would
Rule in the Fear of God – David feared God and was
willing to do whatever God called him to do.

Listen to I Samuel 12:14 “If you will fear the LORD and
serve him and obey his voice and not rebel against the
commandment of the LORD, and if both you and the king
who reigns over you will follow the LORD your God, it will
be well.”

For any of us in leadership roles, we must remember that
it was God who placed us here. We didn’t get to our
leadership position in the church by our own merit or our
own doing. God is in charge of who leads His church.

And church, we should also be praying for our church
leadership. Pray that we hear from God and that we are
also spending time in prayer seeking His will and
guidance.

Leadership is not something to be taken lightly.
The Bible tells us that teachers are held to a higher
standard.

Verse 4 gives several anthropomorphisms to describe
David’s rule.

The Goodness of David’s Rule

Morning light – refreshing and encouraging
Sun on a cloudless morning – delightful and giving
warmth
Rain – live giving and a symbol of new life.

Isn’t it interesting how these also describe Jesus?
He is our bright and morning star
He will be the sun in the new heaven and new earth
He is the living water.

David’s House – remember back in 2 Samuel 7 when
David wanted to build the temple for God? God told him
he was going to make his name great and He was going
to make David a house. God has kept His promise. He
has given David the house he promised.

David surely recalled that conversation and is referring to
it here in his last words.

God’s Covenant – David also recalls the covenant that
God had made with him. God told him that his kingdom
would be forever.

David understands that God will do what He said He
would do.
There is no doubt in his mind that God keeps His
promises.
He will cause David to prosper because he is a man after
God’s own heart. A humble, obedient servant leader.

The last two verses describe worthless men and the
consequences they will face.

Worthless men do not lead in the fear of God and don’t
rule justly.
There have been several of this type of men in the past
few chapters. Sheba and Absalom to name two.

David refers to them as worthless and dangerous.
They will also be dealt with fully by God.
They will face judgment and endure God’s wrath for all
eternity.

APPLICATION

For leaders –
Focus on Faithfulness we should be less concerned
with numbers and titles and more concerned with the
spiritual growth of our flock.

For congregation –
Pray for your Leaders
Pray that they remain humble and faithfully follow God