March 22, 2024 - 2 Samuel 23-24

The heading, here in my Bible, is:  “David’s Last Words,” the last words of “the man who was raised on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, the sweet psalmist of Israel” (23:1).  Of course, through the psalms and other materials his voice speaks out through the centuries, but these are his last words before he died.  He speaks of just rulers and the benefits they bring to their people and warns against worthless people.  Then are listed the mighty men of David, those who stood faithfully with him through it all, and the things they accomplished.

Here at the end, although David is deserving of so many accolades, he is once again having to ask for forgiveness.  He did a census of his fighting men, apparently trusting in his own prowess and strength of numbers rather than trusting in God.  “David’s heart struck him after he had numbered the people. And David said to the Lord, ‘I have sinned greatly in what I have done. But now, O Lord, please take away the iniquity of your servant, for I have done very foolishly’” (24:10).  Consequences ensued but David, crying out to the Lord, found forgiveness, once more, for both himself and for Israel:  “And David built there an altar to the Lord and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings.  So the Lord responded to the plea for the land, and the plague was averted from Israel” (24:25).  David cried out, and the Lord responded to his plea!  Let’s let the words of David himself suffice for our hymn, today.

A Prayer of David.  Incline your ear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.

 Preserve my life, for I am godly; save your servant, who trusts in you-- you are my God.

 Be gracious to me, O Lord, for to you do I cry all the day.

 Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.

 For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. (Ps. 86:1-5).