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:

◄ 2 Samuel 23:1 ►

New International Version
These are the last words of David: “The inspired utterance of David son of Jesse, the utterance of the man exalted by the Most High, the man anointed by the God of Jacob, the hero of Israel’s songs:

New Living Translation
These are the last words of David: “David, the son of Jesse, speaks— David, the man who was raised up so high, David, the man anointed by the God of Jacob, David, the sweet psalmist of Israel.

English Standard Version
Now these are the last words of David: The oracle of David, the son of Jesse, the oracle of the man who was raised on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, the sweet psalmist of Israel:

Berean Standard Bible
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:

King James Bible
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,

New King James Version
Now these are the last words of David. Thus says David the son of Jesse; Thus says the man raised up on high, The anointed of the God of Jacob, And the sweet psalmist of Israel:

New American Standard Bible
Now these are the last words of David. David the son of Jesse declares, The man who was raised on high, The anointed of the God of Jacob And the sweet psalmist of Israel, declares,

NASB 1995
Now these are the last words of David. David the son of Jesse declares, The man who was raised on high declares, The anointed of the God of Jacob, And the sweet psalmist of Israel,

NASB 1977
Now these are the last words of David. David the son of Jesse declares, And the man who was raised on high declares, The anointed of the God of Jacob, And the sweet psalmist of Israel,

Legacy Standard Bible
Now these are the last words of David. David the son of Jesse declares, The man who was raised on high declares, The anointed of the God of Jacob, And the sweet psalmist of Israel,

Amplified Bible
Now these are the last words of David. David the son of Jesse declares, The man who was raised on high declares, The anointed of the God of Jacob, And the sweet psalmist of Israel,

Christian Standard Bible
These are the last words of David: The declaration of David son of Jesse, the declaration of the man raised on high, the one anointed by the God of Jacob. This is the most delightful of Israel’s songs.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
These are the last words of David: The declaration of David son of Jesse, the declaration of the man raised on high, the one anointed by the God of Jacob, the favorite singer of Israel:

American Standard Version
Now these are the last words of David. 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:

Contemporary English Version
These are the last words of David the son of Jesse. The God of Jacob chose David and made him a great king. The Mighty God of Israel loved him. When God told him to speak, David said:

English Revised Version
Now these be the last words of David. 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:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
These are the last words of David: "Here is the declaration by David, son of Jesse- the declaration by the man whom God raised up, whom the God of Jacob anointed, the singer of Israel's psalms:

Good News Translation
David son of Jesse was the man whom God made great, whom the God of Jacob chose to be king, and who was the composer of beautiful songs for Israel. These are David's last words:

International Standard Version
This was David's last composition: The oracle of David, son of Jesse, an oracle by the valiant one who was exalted— anointed by the God of Jacob, the contented psalm writer of Israel.

Majority Standard Bible
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:

NET Bible
These are the final words of David: "The oracle of David son of Jesse, the oracle of the man raised up as the ruler chosen by the God of Jacob, Israel's beloved singer of songs:

New Heart English Bible
Now these are the last words of David. David the son of Jesse says, the man whom God raised up, the anointed of the God of Jacob, the sweet psalmist of Israel:

Webster's Bible Translation
Now these are the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said,

World English Bible
Now these are the last words of David. David the son of Jesse says, the man who was raised on high says, the anointed of the God of Jacob, the sweet psalmist of Israel:

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And these [are] the last words of David: “A declaration of David son of Jesse, "" And a declaration of the man raised up—Concerning the anointed of the God of Jacob, "" And the sweetness of the songs of Israel:

Young's Literal Translation
And these are the last words of David: -- 'The affirmation of David son of Jesse -- And the affirmation of the man raised up -- Concerning the Anointed of the God of Jacob, And the Sweetness of the Songs of Israel:

Smith's Literal Translation
And these the last words of David. The declaration of David, son of Jesse, and the declaration of the man raised up for the Messiah of the God of Jacob, and the sweet songs of Israel.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Now these are David's last words. David the son of Isai said: The man to whom it was appointed concerning the Christ of the God of Jacob, the excellent psalmist of Israel said:

Catholic Public Domain Version
These are the last words of David. Now David, the son of Jesse, the man to whom it was appointed concerning the Christ of the God of Jacob, the preeminent psalmist of Israel said:

New American Bible
These are the last words of David: The oracle of David, son of Jesse; the oracle of the man God raised up, Anointed of the God of Jacob, favorite of the Mighty One of Israel.

New Revised Standard Version
Now these are the last words of David: The oracle of David, son of Jesse, the oracle of the man whom God exalted, the anointed of the God of Jacob, the favorite of the Strong One of Israel:

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
NOW these are the last words of David. David the son of Jesse, the anointed one whose rule has been established, the one whom the God of Jacob has made the sweet psalmist of Israel said,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
These are the last words of David. David said, the son of Iyshay said, the man who lifted up the yoke beam of his Messiah and the God of Yaqub, composing the sweet Psalms of Israel*

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
Now these are the last words of David: The saying of David the son of Jesse, And the saying of the man raised on high, The anointed of the God of Jacob, And the sweet singer of Israel:

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And these are the last words of David. Faithful is David the son of Jessae, and faithful the man whom the Lord raised up to be the anointed of the God of Jacob, and beautiful are the psalms of Israel.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

David's Last Song
1These 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: 2The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; His word was on my tongue.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Psalm 72:20
Thus conclude the prayers of David son of Jesse.

1 Samuel 16:13
So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.

1 Chronicles 16:7
On that day David first committed to Asaph and his associates this song of thanksgiving to the LORD:

1 Kings 2:1-2
As the time drew near for David to die, he charged his son Solomon, / “I am about to go the way of all the earth. So be strong and prove yourself a man.

1 Chronicles 29:28
He died at a ripe old age, full of years, riches, and honor, and his son Solomon reigned in his place.

Acts 2:29-30
Brothers, I can tell you with confidence that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. / But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that He would place one of his descendants on his throne.

1 Samuel 13:14
But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought a man after His own heart and appointed him ruler over His people, because you have not kept the command of the LORD.”

1 Kings 3:7
And now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in my father David’s place. But I am only a little child, not knowing how to go out or come in.

1 Chronicles 17:7
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.

Psalm 89:20
I have found My servant David; with My sacred oil I have anointed him.

Acts 13:22
After removing Saul, He raised up David as their king and testified about him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart; he will carry out My will in its entirety.’

1 Samuel 17:12
Now David was the son of a man named Jesse, an Ephrathite from Bethlehem of Judah who had eight sons. And in the days of Saul, Jesse was old and well along in years.

1 Kings 1:39
Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon. Then they blew the ram’s horn, and all the people proclaimed, “Long live King Solomon!”

1 Chronicles 11:1-3
Then all Israel came together to David at Hebron and said, “Here we are, your own flesh and blood. / Even in times past, while Saul was king, you were the one who led Israel out and brought them back. And the LORD your God said, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be ruler over them.’” / So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, where David made a covenant with them before the LORD. And they anointed him king over Israel, according to the word of the LORD through Samuel.

Matthew 22:43
Jesus said to them, “How then does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord’? For he says:

Treasury of Scripture

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,

Genesis 49:1
And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days.

Deuteronomy 33:1
And this is the blessing, wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death.

Joshua 23:1-24:32
And it came to pass a long time after that the LORD had given rest unto Israel from all their enemies round about, that Joshua waxed old and stricken in age…

raised

2 Samuel 7:8,9
Now therefore so shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people, over Israel: …

Psalm 78:70
He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds:

the anointed

1 Samuel 2:10
The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.

1 Samuel 16:12,13
And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he…

Psalm 2:6
Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.

sweet psalmist

1 Chronicles 16:4,5,7,9
And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, and to record, and to thank and praise the LORD God of Israel: …

Amos 6:5
That chant to the sound of the viol, and invent to themselves instruments of musick, like David;

Luke 20:42
And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

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2 Samuel 23

1. David, in his last words, professes his faith in God's promises
6. The different state of the wicked
8. A catalogue of David's mighty men

Berean Study Bible

These are the last words of David
This phrase introduces a significant moment, marking the final recorded words of King David, a central figure in the history of Israel. The Hebrew word for "last" (אַחֲרוֹן, acharon) implies not just the end chronologically but also the culmination of his life’s experiences and wisdom. David's life, filled with triumphs and tribulations, is encapsulated in these final reflections, offering a legacy of faith and leadership.

The oracle of David son of Jesse
The term "oracle" (נְאֻם, ne'um) suggests a divine utterance or prophecy, indicating that these words are inspired by God. David, identified as the "son of Jesse," roots him in his humble beginnings, reminding readers of his journey from shepherd to king. This phrase underscores the divine selection and purpose in David's life, emphasizing that his words carry weight and authority.

The oracle of the man raised on high
Here, "raised on high" (הֻקַּם עַל, huqqam al) reflects God's elevation of David from obscurity to prominence. This elevation is not merely a social or political ascent but a spiritual one, highlighting God's sovereign choice and blessing. David's life exemplifies how God can lift the humble and use them for His purposes, serving as an inspiration for believers to trust in God's plans.

The anointed of the God of Jacob
"Anointed" (מָשִׁיחַ, mashiach) refers to David's consecration as king, chosen by God to lead His people. The "God of Jacob" connects David to the patriarchs, reinforcing the continuity of God's covenantal promises. This phrase emphasizes the divine legitimacy of David's kingship and his role in the unfolding of God's redemptive history, pointing ultimately to the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

The sweet psalmist of Israel
David is celebrated as the "sweet psalmist" (נָעִים זְמִרוֹת, na'im zemirot), acknowledging his profound contribution to the worship and spiritual life of Israel through the Psalms. His music and poetry have been a source of comfort, guidance, and worship for generations. This title reflects the beauty and depth of David's relationship with God, inspiring believers to express their faith creatively and passionately.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(1) The son of Jesse said.--The description of the human author of the following prophecy is strikingly analogous to that of Balaam in Numbers 24:3-4; Numbers 24:15-16. The word "said," used twice, is a peculiar form (used between two hundred and three hundred times) of direct Divine utterances, and applied to human sayings only here, in the places referred to in Numbers, and in Proverbs 30:1, in all which special claim is made to inspiration.

The sweet psalmist of Israel.--Literally, He that is pleasant in Israel's psalms, i.e., by the composition and arrangement of Israel's liturgical songs he was entitled to be called "pleasant." David, with life now closing, fitly sends down this prophetic song to posterity with such description of its human writer as should secure to it authority.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 1. - Now these be the last words of David. A long interval separates this psalm from the preceding. The one was written when David had just reached the zenith of his power, and, when still unstained by foul crime, he could claim God's favour as due to his innocence. These last words were David's latest inspired utterance, written, probably, towards the end of the calm period which followed upon his restoration to his throne, and when time and the sense of God's renewed favour had healed the wounds of his soul. David the son of Jesse said. It was probably this account of the author, and its personal character, which caused the exclusion of this hymn from the Book of Psalms. It seemed to belong rather to David's private history than to a collection made for use in the public services of the temple. Said. The word is one usually applied to a message coming directly from God. It is used, however, four times in Numbers 24. of the words of Balaam, and in Proverbs 30. of those of Agur. The solemnity of the word indicates the fatness of its inspiration. The sweet psalmist; literally, he who is pleasant in the psalms of Israel. David might well claim this title, as, under God, we owe the Psalter to him.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

These
וְאֵ֛לֶּה (wə·’êl·leh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

are the last
הָאַֽחֲרֹנִ֑ים (hā·’a·ḥă·rō·nîm)
Article | Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 314: Hinder, late, last, western

words
דִּבְרֵ֥י (diḇ·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

of David:
דָוִ֖ד (ḏā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

“The oracle
נְאֻ֧ם (nə·’um)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5002: An oracle

of David
דָּוִ֣ד (dā·wiḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Jesse,
יִשַׁ֗י (yi·šay)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3448: Jesse -- father of David

the oracle
וּנְאֻ֤ם (ū·nə·’um)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5002: An oracle

of the man
הַגֶּ֙בֶר֙ (hag·ge·ḇer)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1397: A valiant man, warrior, a person simply

raised
הֻ֣קַם (hu·qam)
Verb - Hofal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand

on high,
עָ֔ל (‘āl)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5920: The top, the highest, aloft, to Jehovah

the one anointed
מְשִׁ֙יחַ֙ (mə·šî·aḥ)
Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4899: Anointed, a consecrated person, the Messiah

by the God
אֱלֹהֵ֣י (’ĕ·lō·hê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

of Jacob,
יַֽעֲקֹ֔ב (ya·‘ă·qōḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3290: Jacob -- a son of Isaac, also his desc

and the sweet
וּנְעִ֖ים (ū·nə·‘îm)
Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5273: Pleasant, delightful

psalmist
זְמִר֥וֹת (zə·mi·rō·wṯ)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 2158: A song

of Israel:
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

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OT History: 2 Samuel 23:1 Now these are the last words (2Sa iiSam 2 Sam ii sam)