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David’s last song: 2 Samuel 23.1–17 (Day 270)

Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.

Pray

Pray

Lord, open my ears to hear what you have to say to me; open my heart to love your word, and open my mind to understand your truth.

Reflect

Daily reflection: 2 Samuel 23

At this stage of 2 Samuel David's life is drawing towards its close, though there's still more drama to come. This chapter pays tribute to his mighty warriors; it reads like our own stories of chivalry from the Middle Ages, where brave knights did heroic deeds against impossible odds. It begins, though, with an epitaph (verse 1): God made David great, God chose him, and he made beautiful songs. And it gives us David's last 'words' (verses 2–7) – perhaps his last 'song', as it's not yet the end of his story. He reaffirms his relationship with God (verse 2), his attempts to fulfil God's purpose for his life (verses 3–4), his hope for the future (verse 5) and his rejection of evil (verses 6–7).

It's not a bad way to end, and with all his faults, we recognise that David was telling the truth. He had sinned greatly, but he had repented deeply.

When we reach the end of our lives, what will our 'last words' be? It isn't given to all of us to achieve great things. But we have all been chosen by God to live our unique and precious lives well and faithfully, singing our own 'beautiful songs'. When we read David's last words, perhaps it inspires us to start looking back at how we've lived so far, and what we can do to make up for lost time and lost opportunities. Death, for believers, is a stepping-stone to something new. We prepare for it by how we live now.

Pray

Pray

God, help me to live knowing that every day is a gift from you. Help me to use my time well, and serve you faithfully.


This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor

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