David's Last Words

1These 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 God of Israel spoke,

the Rock of Israel said to me:

‘When one rules over people in righteousness,

when he rules in the fear of God,

4he is like the light of morning at sunrise

on a cloudless morning,

like the brightness after rain

that brings grass from the earth.’

5“If my house were not right with God,

surely he would not have made with me an everlasting covenant,

arranged and secured in every part;

surely he would not bring to fruition my salvation

and grant me my every desire.

6But evil men are all to be cast aside like thorns,

which are not gathered with the hand.

7Whoever touches thorns

uses a tool of iron or the shaft of a spear;

they are burned up where they lie.” (2 Samuel 23)

Thoughts: People in many cultures value the very last words of someone.  David's last words were valued because he was close to God and God lifted him up from a shepherd's pen to the throne. 
     David is encouraging his descendants to rule in the fear of the Lord and righteousness.  What does this mean?  It means to pay attention to the Ten Commandments and to try to discern God's will in making decisions.  To fear God means to respect God, and care about what He wants.  

Prayer: Help me to see the need to look to you and listen to you, Lord.