2 Samuel 23

2 Samuel 23 is one of the appendix-like sections gathered at the end of 2 Samuel (chapters 21–24). It follows David's song of thanksgiving in 2 Samuel 22 and records David's last words and the roster of his mighty men.

Outline

• Verses 1–7: The last words of David. He sings that the one who rules justly is like the morning light when the sun rises, and he confesses that God has made an everlasting covenant with him. He likens the wicked to thorns that are thrust away.
• Verses 8–12: The exploits of the first three mighty men. Josheb-basshebeth (Adino) slew eight hundred men at one time. Eleazar struck down the Philistines until his hand clave to his sword. Shammah stood alone in a field of lentils and held off the Philistines.
• Verses 13–17: Three of the mighty men break through the Philistine camp and draw water from the well by the gate of Bethlehem. David refuses to drink it and instead pours it out to the LORD.
• Verses 18–23: Abishai killed three hundred men with his spear. Benaiah killed a lion and an Egyptian of great stature, and David set him over his guard.
• Verses 24–39: The list of the thirty runs from Asahel to Uriah the Hittite and concludes with a total of thirty-seven.

Key Verses

• 2 Samuel 23:3–4: "He that ruleth over men must be just … as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth." These verses portray the ideal king.
• 2 Samuel 23:5: "He hath made with me an everlasting covenant." This recalls the Davidic covenant of 2 Samuel 7.
• 2 Samuel 23:17: "Is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives?" This shows how highly David valued the lives of his men.

People and Places

• David: The son of Jesse and king of Israel.
• Josheb-basshebeth, Eleazar, and Shammah: David's first three mighty men.
• Abishai: The brother of Joab and chief among the three.
• Benaiah: The son of Jehoiada, who was placed over the royal guard.
• Uriah: The Hittite whose name appears last on the list. David has him killed in 2 Samuel 11.
• Bethlehem: David's hometown, where a garrison of the Philistines was stationed at the time.
• The cave of Adullam and the valley of Rephaim: The cave where the mighty men came to David, and the valley where the Philistines encamped.

Points for Reflection

• 1 Chronicles 11 also contains a list of mighty men. It differs from this chapter in details such as the name of the first warrior (Jashobeam) and the number he slew (three hundred).
• A count of the names in the list does not readily match the stated total of "thirty and seven." Interpreters differ over whom the total includes.
• Some interpreters identify Eliam the son of Ahithophel (v. 34) with Eliam the father of Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:3), though the text does not directly connect the two.
• In Christian tradition, the "anointed" one and the righteous ruler of verses 1–7 are sometimes read in connection with the Messiah. Acts 2 calls David a prophet (Acts 2:30).

In the Korean Church

The story of the water from the well of Bethlehem (vv. 13–17) is frequently used as a sermon text on devotion, loyalty, and the character of a leader.