Bible Strands
2 Samuel 23:1
These are the last words of David: “The oracle of David son of Jesse, the oracle of the man raised on high, the one anointed by the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel:
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — David speaks his final recorded utterance, identifying himself as the son of Jesse and the one appointed by God. The text presents these as his last words without specifying an immediate human audience.
The words — נְאֻם (ne.'Um) translates as "utterance" or "oracle," and דִּבְרֵי (div.Rei) means "words," establishing the passage as a divinely attributed declaration. הָ/אַֽחֲרֹנִ֑ים (ha./'a.cha.ro.Nim) literally means "last," marking this pronouncement as David’s final one.
The thread — The motif of David’s selection and anointing runs through 1 Samuel 16:12, 2 Samuel 7:8, and Psalms 89:20. These passages trace his origin from his father’s household, his elevation from a pasture, and his consecration with sacred oil.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to acknowledge that David’s authority and poetic legacy stem from divine appointment rather than human merit. It demands a clear distinction between earthly status and the Spirit’s source of speech.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
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,
Cross-references
- 1 Samuel 16:12 So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.”
- 2 Samuel 7:8 Now then, you are to tell My servant David that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to be the ruler over My people Israel.
- Psalms 89:20 I have found My servant David; with My sacred oil I have anointed him.
- Psalms 78:70 He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds;
- Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
- Luke 24:44 Jesus said to them, “These are the words I spoke to you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.”
- 1 Samuel 2:10 Those who oppose the LORD will be shattered. He will thunder from heaven against them. The LORD will judge the ends of the earth and will give power to His king. He will exalt the horn of His anointed.”
- 1 Chronicles 16:4 David appointed some of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, to celebrate, to give thanks, and to praise the LORD, the God of Israel.
- 1 Chronicles 16:7 On that day David first committed to Asaph and his associates this song of thanksgiving to the LORD:
- 1 Chronicles 16:9 Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; tell of all His wonders.