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2 Samuel 23 · Grade 5

The Last Words of David

Name Date

Read and Think

Chapter 23 opens with a short prophetic poem called the last words of David, the son of Jesse, the man who was raised on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, the sweet psalmist of Israel. David says Yahweh's Spirit spoke by him and His word was on his tongue. The Rock of Israel described the ideal ruler: one who rules over men righteously, in the fear of God, is like the light of the morning when the sun rises, like clear shining after rain.

David asks, Isn't my house so with God? He knew his family had failed, yet God had made with him an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure. It was all his salvation and all his desire. By contrast, the ungodly are like thorns thrust away and burned.

The chapter then honors the mighty men. Josheb Basshebeth, Eleazar, and Shammah formed the three, and each time the text gives credit to Yahweh for the victory. Abishai and Benaiah were renowned as well. In the cave of Adullam, David longed for water from the well of Bethlehem by the gate. Three men broke through the Philistine garrison and brought it, but David poured it out to Yahweh, refusing to drink what had cost men's lives. The list of the thirty ends with a sobering name: Uriah the Hittite.

Show What You Know

  1. What titles describe David in his last words?

  2. What did David know about his house?

  3. What are the ungodly like?

  4. Who gets credit for the victories of the mighty men?

  5. Why is the last name in the list sobering?

Crossword

41235

Across

  1. water to drink from the ____ of Bethlehem
  2. but ____ it out to Yahweh
  3. when the tender ____ springs out of the earth

Down

  1. The town with the well by the gate
  2. as the light of the ____ when the sun rises

Think About It

  1. David's hope rested on God's covenant, not on his own record. How does that apply to your relationship with God?

  2. The list ends with Uriah's name, a reminder of David's sin. Why do you think the Bible is honest about the failures of its heroes?

Memory Verse

“Yahweh’s Spirit spoke by me. His word was on my tongue.

2 Samuel 23:2 (WEB)

Copy It

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for every new morning. Help me . Amen.

Take It Home

For families: talk about these together.

  • What does a righteous ruler in the fear of God look like?
  • How can we honor people who sacrifice for us?
  • What is one way you could live out this chapter this week?

Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.