EGW Writings2 Samuel 23

Ye Shall Receive Power

David, September 10

YRP 262.1

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, The spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue. 2 Samuel 23:1, 2.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 75, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 75, 1907, par. 8

“The sweet psalmist of Israel said, The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and His word was in my tongue. The God of Israel said, The Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.” [2 Samuel 23:1-4.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Lt 170, 1908

23LtMs, Lt 170, 1908, par. 2

I have a message to give to those who for years have hindered the work in the South. It is now time to come into line. A species of selfishness has sometimes characterized your work, and this has provoked our enemies to institute lawsuits against us, when if a greater spirit of tenderness and unselfishness had been manifested, less excuse would have been given to rob the cause of God. Brother Evans, you are to consider that whatever your position, you are constantly to reflect light, blessed light. “The man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said, The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and His word was in my tongue. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.” [2 Samuel 23:1-4.]

Conflict and Courage

Last Words, June 30

CC 187.1

Now these be the last words of David. 2 Samuel 23:1.

CC 187.2

David’s “last words,” as recorded, are a song—a song of trust, of loftiest principle, and undying faith:

CC 187.3

“David the son of Jesse saith,
And the man who was raised on high saith,
The anointed of the God of Jacob,
And the sweet psalmist of Israel:
The Spirit of Jehovah spake by me: ....
One that ruleth over men righteously,
That ruleth in the fear of God,
He shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth,
A morning without clouds,
When the tender grass springeth out of the earth,
Through clear shining after rain.
Verily my house is not so with God,
Yet he hath made me an everlasting covenant,
Ordered in all things, and sure:
For it is all my salvation, and all my desire” (2 Samuel 23:1-5, R.V.).

CC 187.4

Great had been David’s fall, but deep was his repentance, ardent was his love, and strong his faith. He had been forgiven much, and therefore he loved much (Luke 7:48).

CC 187.5

The psalms of David pass through the whole range of experience, from the depths of conscious guilt and self-condemnation to the loftiest faith and the most exalted communing with God. His life record declares that sin can bring only shame and woe, but that God’s love and mercy can reach to the deepest depths, that faith will lift up the repenting soul to share the adoption of the sons of God. Of all the assurances which His word contains, it is one of the strongest testimonies to the faithfulness, the justice, and the covenant mercy of God.... Glorious are the promises made to David and his house, promises that look forward to the eternal ages, and find their complete fulfillment in Christ.53Patriarchs and Prophets, 754.

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 73—The Last Years of David

PP 754.2

“David the son of Jesse saith,
And the man who was raised on high saith,
The anointed of the God of Jacob,
And the sweet psalmist of Israel:
The Spirit of Jehovah spake by me: ...
One that ruleth over men righteously,
That ruleth in the fear of God,
He shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth,
A morning without clouds;
When the tender grass springeth out of the earth,
Through clear shining after rain.
Verily my house is not so with God;
Yet He hath made me an everlasting covenant,
Ordered in all things, and sure:
For it is all my salvation, and all my desire.” 2 Samuel 23:1-5, R.V.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 163, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 163, 1902, par. 3

“These be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of God of Jacob, and the sweet singer of Israel said, The Spirit of the Lord [spake] by me, and His word was in my tongue. The God of Israel saith, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain. Although my house be not so with God, yet hath He made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure; for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although He made it not to grow.” [2 Samuel 23:1-5.] Thus David bears witness to the truth of God’s promises. With deep earnestness he praises God for his oversight over him in past years and declares his trust in His leading.

From Splendor to Shadow

Chapter 1—Solomon’s Spectacular Beginning

SS 13.2

Solomon was anointed king in the closing years of his father David. His early life was bright with promise, and it was God’s purpose that he should ever approach nearer the similitude of the character of God, and thus inspire His people to fulfill their sacred trust as the depositaries of divine truth. David knew that in order for Solomon to fulfill the trust with which God honored him, the youthful ruler must be not merely a warrior and statesman, but a good man, a teacher of righteousness, an example of fidelity. With earnestness David entreated Solomon to be noble, to show mercy to his subjects, and in all his dealings with the nations to honor the name of God and to manifest the beauty of holiness. “He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.” 2 Samuel 23:3.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 1—Solomon

PK 26.2

With tender earnestness David entreated Solomon to be manly and noble, to show mercy and loving-kindness to his subjects, and in all his dealings with the nations of earth to honor and glorify the name of God and to make manifest the beauty of holiness. The many trying and remarkable experiences through which David had passed during his lifetime had taught him the value of the nobler virtues and led him to declare in his dying charge to Solomon: “He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.” 2 Samuel 23:3, 4.

Selections from the Testimonies for the Church For the Study of Those Attending the General Conference in Oakland, Ca., March 27, 1903

Chapter 19—He That Ruleth Over Men Must Be Just

PH151 81.1

“He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.” 2 Samuel 23:3, 4.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 58—The Coming of a Deliverer

PK 688.1

With prophetic vision David, the anointed of God, had foreseen that the coming of Christ should be “as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds.” 2 Samuel 23:4. And Hosea testified, “His going forth is prepared as the morning.” Hosea 6:3. Quietly and gently the daylight breaks upon the earth, dispelling the shadow of darkness and waking the earth to life. So was the Sun of Righteousness to arise, “with healing in His wings.” Malachi 4:2. The multitudes dwelling “in the land of the shadow of death” were to see “a great light.” Isaiah 9:2.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 10—The Voice in the Wilderness

DA 102.5

Alone in the silent night he read God’s promise to Abraham of a seed numberless as the stars. The light of dawn, gilding the mountains of Moab, told of Him who should be as “the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds.” 2 Samuel 23:4. And in the brightness of noontide he saw the splendor of His manifestation, when “the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.” Isaiah 40:5.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 10—The Voice in the Wilderness

HLv 61.2

Alone in the silent night he read God’s promise to Abraham of a seed numberless as the stars. The light of dawn told of Him who should be as “the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds.” 2 Samuel 23:4. And in the brightness of noontide he saw the splendor when “the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.” Isaiah 40:5.

From Splendor to Shadow

The True Character of the Messiah Revealed

SS 356.2

With prophetic vision David had foreseen that the coming of Christ should be “as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds.” 2 Samuel 23:4. And Hosea testified, “His going forth is prepared as the morning.” Hosea 6:3. Quietly and gently the daylight breaks on the earth, dispelling the darkness and waking the earth to life. Isaiah exclaimed:

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 72—The Rebellion of Absalom

PP 736.4

Of David’s sacred regard for human life, striking evidence had been given, even while he himself was hunted like a beast of prey. One day while he was hidden in the cave of Adullam, his thoughts turning back to the untroubled freedom of his boyhood life, the fugitive exclaimed, “Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!” 2 Samuel 23:13-17. Bethlehem was at that time in the hands of the Philistines; but three mighty men of David’s band broke through the guard, and brought of the water of Bethlehem to their master. David could not drink it. “Be it far from me,” he cried; “is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives?” And he reverently poured out the water as an offering to God. David had been a man of war, much of his life had been spent amid scenes of violence; but of all who have passed through such an ordeal, few indeed have been so little affected by its hardening, demoralizing influence as was David.