New International Reader s Version - NIrV - 1996
2 Samuel 23
1
Here are David's last words. He said, "I am David, the son of Jesse. God has given me a message. The Most High God has greatly honored me. The God of Jacob anointed me as king. I am Israel's singer of songs.
Reference
Parallel theme
Psalm 2:6
1 Chronicles 16:9
1 Samuel 2:10
References David
Psalm 89:20
Psalm 72:20
1 Chronicles 16:7
Amos 6:5
Word
Colossians 3:16
Luke 24:44
3
The God of Israel spoke. The Rock of Israel said to me, 'A king must rule over people in a way that is right. He must have respect for me when he rules.
Reference
References God
2 Samuel 22:32
Exodus 18:21
Psalm 42:9
References Israel
Genesis 33:20
Righteousness
Deuteronomy 32:4
Psalm 72:2
4
Then he will be like the light of morning at sunrise when there aren't any clouds. He will be like the bright sun after rain that makes the grass grow on the earth.'
Reference
5
"Isn't my royal family right with God? Hasn't he made a covenant with me that will last forever? Every part of it was well prepared and made secure. Won't he save me completely? Won't he give me everything I long for?
Reference
Covenant
Isaiah 55:3
Jeremiah 32:40
Hebrews 13:20
Isaiah 61:8
Ezekiel 37:26
Parallel theme
Hebrews 6:19
Isaiah 27:6
Isaiah 11:1
Acts 13:34
Amos 9:11
6
But evil people are like thorns that are thrown away. You can't pick them up with your hands.
Reference
7
Even if you touch them, you must use an iron tool or a spear. Thorns are burned up right where they are."
Reference
Parallel theme
Hebrews 6:8
8
Here are the names of David's mighty men. Josheb-Basshebeth was chief of the Three. He was a Tahkemonite. He used his spear against 800 men. He killed all of them at one time.
Reference
People
Parallel theme
1 Chronicles 27:2
9
Next to him was Eleazar. He was one of the three mighty men. He was the son of Dodai, the Ahohite. Eleazar was with David at Pas Dammim. That's where Israel's army made fun of the Philistines who were gathered there for battle. Then the men of Israel pulled back.
Reference
People
10
But Eleazar stayed right where he was. He struck the Philistines down until his hand grew tired. But he still held on to his sword. The Lord helped him win a great battle that day. The troops returned to Eleazar. They came back to him only to take what they wanted from the dead bodies.
Reference
11
Next to him was Shammah, the son of Agee. Shammah was a Hararite. The Philistines gathered together at a place where there was a field full of lentils. Israel's troops ran away from them.
Reference
People
12
But Shammah took his stand in the middle of the field. He didn't let the Philistines capture it. He struck them down. The Lord helped him win a great battle.
Reference
13
David was at the cave of Adullam. During harvest time, three of the 30 chief men came down to him there. A group of Philistines was camped in the Valley of Rephaim.
Reference
14
At that time David was in his usual place of safety. Some Philistine troops were stationed at Bethlehem.
15
David longed for water. He said, "I wish someone would get me a drink of water from the well that is near the gate of Bethlehem."
Reference
16
So the three mighty men fought their way past the Philistine guards. They got some water from the well that was near the gate of Bethlehem. They took the water back to David. But David refused to drink it. Instead, he poured it out as a drink offering to the Lord.
Reference
17
"Lord, I would never drink that water!" David said. "It stands for the blood of these men. They put their lives in danger by going to Bethlehem to get it." So David wouldn't drink it. Those were some of the brave things the three mighty men did.
Reference
Blood
Leviticus 17:10
18
Abishai was chief over the Three. He was the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah. He used his spear against 300 men. He killed all of them. So he became as famous as the Three were.
Reference
19
In fact, he was even more honored than the Three. He became their commander. But he wasn't included among them.
Reference
20
Benaiah was a great hero from Kabzeel. He was the son of Jehoiada. Benaiah did many brave things. He struck down two of Moab's best fighting men. He also went down into a pit on a snowy day. He killed a lion there.
Reference
21
And he struck down a huge Egyptian. The Egyptian was holding a spear. Benaiah went out to fight against him with a club. He grabbed the spear out of the Egyptian's hand. Then he killed him with it.
22
Those were some of the brave things Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, did. He too was as famous as the three mighty men were.
23
He was honored more than any of the Thirty. But he wasn't included among the Three. David put him in charge of his own personal guards.
24
Here is a list of David's men who were among the Thirty. Asahel, the brother of Joab Elhanan, the son of Dodo, from Bethlehem
Reference
26
Helez, the Paltite Ira, the son of Ikkesh, from Tekoa
Reference
People
Parallel theme
2 Samuel 14:2
29
Heled, the son of Baanah, from Netophah Ithai, the son of Ribai, from Gibeah in Benjamin
📍 Netophah
People
34
Eliphelet, the son of Ahasbai, the Maacathite Eliam, the son of Ahithophel, from Giloh
Reference
📍 Gilo
People
39
Uriah, the Hittite The total number of men was 37.
Reference
Parallel theme
2 Samuel 11:3
Summary of 2 Samuel 23
This chapter presents David's final words and honors the warriors who helped establish his kingdom. The chapter provides both a spiritual reflection on leadership and a historical record of faithful service.
The chapter begins with David's final declaration. David recognizes that his words are inspired by God and that a righteous ruler must lead with justice and reverence for the Lord. He describes the ideal king as someone who brings blessing and stability to the people. David also remembers God's covenant with him, recognizing that his kingdom and future generations depend on God's faithfulness.
The chapter then shifts to the mighty men who served David. These warriors demonstrated extraordinary courage and loyalty during difficult times. The Three—Josheb-basshebeth, Eleazar, and Shammah—performed remarkable acts of bravery against overwhelming enemies. Their victories show that God worked through individuals who were willing to stand firm.
The story of the three warriors who brought David water from Bethlehem is one of the chapter's most memorable moments. Their willingness to risk their lives showed deep devotion. David's decision to pour out the water before the Lord demonstrated his understanding that such sacrifice represented something sacred.
The chapter also highlights Abishai and Benaiah, two leaders who became important figures in Israel's future. Their courage and achievements show the importance of faithful service.
The final verses list additional warriors whose names were preserved. While their individual stories are not recorded, their inclusion shows that God values the contributions of all faithful servants.
The chapter ends with Uriah the Hittite, creating a powerful reminder of both loyalty and human failure. Uriah was faithful to David, yet David's sin led to his death. This contrast reveals that even God's chosen leaders must remain humble and accountable.
The chapter begins with David's final declaration. David recognizes that his words are inspired by God and that a righteous ruler must lead with justice and reverence for the Lord. He describes the ideal king as someone who brings blessing and stability to the people. David also remembers God's covenant with him, recognizing that his kingdom and future generations depend on God's faithfulness.
The chapter then shifts to the mighty men who served David. These warriors demonstrated extraordinary courage and loyalty during difficult times. The Three—Josheb-basshebeth, Eleazar, and Shammah—performed remarkable acts of bravery against overwhelming enemies. Their victories show that God worked through individuals who were willing to stand firm.
The story of the three warriors who brought David water from Bethlehem is one of the chapter's most memorable moments. Their willingness to risk their lives showed deep devotion. David's decision to pour out the water before the Lord demonstrated his understanding that such sacrifice represented something sacred.
The chapter also highlights Abishai and Benaiah, two leaders who became important figures in Israel's future. Their courage and achievements show the importance of faithful service.
The final verses list additional warriors whose names were preserved. While their individual stories are not recorded, their inclusion shows that God values the contributions of all faithful servants.
The chapter ends with Uriah the Hittite, creating a powerful reminder of both loyalty and human failure. Uriah was faithful to David, yet David's sin led to his death. This contrast reveals that even God's chosen leaders must remain humble and accountable.