2 Samuel 23:1–7

David’s Last Words

23Here are David’s last words. He said,

“I am David, the son of Jesse. God has given me a message.

The Most High God has greatly honored me.

The God of Jacob anointed me as king.

I am Israel’s singer of songs.

²“The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me.

I spoke his word with my tongue.

³The God of Israel spoke.

The Rock of Israel said to me,

‘A king must rule over people in a way that is right.

He must have respect for me when he rules.

⁴Then he will be like the light of morning at sunrise

when there aren’t any clouds.

He will be like the bright sun after rain

that makes the grass grow on the earth.’

⁵“Isn’t my royal family right with God?

Hasn’t he made a covenant with me that will last forever?

Every part of it was well prepared and made secure.

Won’t he save me completely?

Won’t he give me everything I long for?

⁶But evil people are like thorns that are thrown away.

You can’t pick them up with your hands.

⁷Even if you touch them,

you must use an iron tool or a spear.

Thorns are burned up right where they are.”