What are David’s last words in 2 Samuel 23?

David’s last words in 2 Samuel 23 are a poetic declaration of God’s covenant faithfulness, righteous leadership, and the blessings that flow from fearing the Lord. He rejoices in God’s everlasting covenant and recognizes the futility of wickedness.

Who were David’s mighty men?

David’s mighty men were elite warriors who performed heroic deeds in service to Israel’s king. They include figures like Josheb-basshebeth, Eleazar, Shammah, Abishai, and Benaiah—men known for their courage, loyalty, and strength in battle.

How does 2 Samuel 23 point to Jesus?

David’s hope in God’s everlasting covenant points forward to Jesus, the eternal King from David’s line. His reign is marked by righteousness, fulfillment of God’s promises, and sacrificial leadership that brings eternal peace.

What is the significance of David pouring out the water from Bethlehem?

David poured out the water as an offering to the Lord, recognizing the great risk his men took to get it. It symbolized reverence, sacrifice, and his unwillingness to treat such loyalty as something ordinary—it belonged to God.

David’s Last Words and His Mighty Men – 2 Samuel 23 (July 23, 2025)

Name: David’s Last Words and His Mighty Men – 2 Samuel 23
Uploaded: 2025-07-23
Channel: Dave Jenkins
Description: In this episode of Reading the Bible Daily with Dave, we examine 2 Samuel 23:1–39, where David offers his final inspired words and honors the courageous exploits of his mighty men. A powerful look at covenant faithfulness, biblical leadership, and Christ-centered hope.

⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: 3 min read

2 Samuel 23:1–39 — David’s Last Words and His Mighty Men

Reading the Bible Daily with Dave
July 23, 2025
Hosted by Dave Jenkins

In today’s passage, we explore David’s final recorded words—a poetic reflection on God’s covenant faithfulness—and the extraordinary courage of his mighty men. From Josheb-basshebeth’s spear to Benaiah’s lion-slaying valor, 2 Samuel 23 celebrates loyalty, courage, and dependence on God.

Key Themes

God’s Faithfulness to His Covenant – David reflects on God’s unbreakable promises.
Courage and Loyalty – The mighty men display heroic devotion and sacrifice.
Leadership and Dependence – Even great kings rely on God and faithful companions.

Biblical Reflection

Verses 1–7 – David’s Last Words

David acknowledges God’s sovereign hand and everlasting covenant.
He paints a vision of righteous leadership “like morning light.”

Verses 8–23 – The Mighty Men

Josheb-basshebeth killed 800 men with his spear.
Eleazar’s hand clung to his sword in relentless battle.
Shammah stood his ground in a lentil field and brought victory.
Benaiah struck down a lion and an Egyptian with courage and skill.

Verses 24–39 – The Thirty

This section lists the other loyal warriors who stood with David—men of valor, faithfulness, and honor. Even Uriah the Hittite is remembered here, reminding us of the tragic layers in David’s story and God’s grace beyond failure.

Christ-Centered Application

David’s hope in God’s covenant points forward to Christ, the eternal King.
The mighty men’s courage reminds us to live faithfully and sacrificially for Jesus.
Our strength lies not in human might but in God’s enduring grace.

Scripture Memory

2 Samuel 23:5 — “For will he not cause to prosper all my help and my desire?”

Daily Life Takeaways

Private: Reflect on God’s faithfulness at every life stage.
Home: Discuss examples of Christian courage with your family.
Church: Honor faithful servants quietly serving the body.
Work: Be dependable and courageous in your calling.
Culture: Remember—our true King reigns forever.

For Teachers and Leaders

Use this passage to teach the value of honoring faithful service.
Contrast human valor with the sufficiency of God’s promises.
Point people to Christ as the fulfillment of every covenant hope.

Want More?

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“The might of men is nothing without the favor of God, but God can use even the feeblest to do great exploits.” – Matthew Henry

“David did not glory in his strength nor in the valor of his men, but in the covenant grace of God.” – John Calvin

Dave Jenkins

Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.