Probably the last words as the mouthpiece of God (2 Samuel 23:1 ), and as the "sweet psalmist of Israel". David was one who was used to give inspired Scripture - his claim is emphatic.

2 Samuel 23:2 "The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, And His word was on my tongue."

The mouth uttering the words was human, but the words were those of the Spirit of the Lord.

2 Peter 1:21 "for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit."

(2 Timothy 3:16 ). The Word of God, the Scriptures, is God-breathed. David gave testimony to the divine inspiration of his writings. Prophetic Messianic description is contained in 2 Samuel 23:3-4. Assurance of the fulfilment of covenant promise, filled David's heart. David stated sure judgment of God coming upon the sons of rebellion (2 Samuel 23:6-7 ).

Before us is a catalogue of the chief heroes who distinguished themselves at any time in the life of David. Some 37 of his bravest warriors - their achievements, brought glory to God. David's quality of leadership and character inspired these men to great and mighty deeds. The effectiveness of David as a good leader was related to his awareness of the Lord's leading. We can only expect others to follow us inasmuch as we follow Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:1 "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ."

A man endued with supernatural strength. We can, in the Spirit, be mighty in pulling down strongholds.

A man filled with confidence in the Lord. His hand became welded to his sword, in a personal victory when standing alone. Our testimony can be,

2 Timothy 4:17 "... the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; ..."

Stood his ground defending a lentil field. Slew all the foraging Philistines. Our stand for the Word, speaking boldly in the Lord, He will grant signs and wonders to be done by our hands (Acts 14:3 ).

Went through enemy lines to satisfy David's longing for water from the well of Bethlehem. David poured it out as a drink offering to the Lord because of the sacrifice it represented. Such sacrifice could only be rendered to God, in David's opinion. Their devotion to David reminds us of that of Priscilla and Aquila for Paul (Romans 16:3-4 ). Just how they risked their lives for him, Paul does not say.

Earned a place among his brethren as a hero - with his spear slew three hundred, by divine enablement. Significantly Joab is not mentioned as one of the heroes - his murderous act excludes him.

He could not be deterred by lion-like men nor snowy winter conditions.

2 Timothy 2:3 "You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."

So we must persevere in standing for the faith.

Then others of David's elite men are named - thirty seven in all (2 Samuel 23:24-39 ). The number of special warriors was kept up to thirty - but there were always replacements available. The Lord always has His special people for every special task.

The sin of numbering the people was that it expressed dependence upon the arm of flesh instead of the Lord of Hosts. This proud reliance was challenged by Joab. David quickly repented and called upon the Lord (2 Samuel 24:10 ). The prophet came and told David that he was offered the choice of three things to end the plague (2 Samuel 24:12-13). David said, "Let me fall into the hand of the Lord," which resulted in the plague that carried off 70 000 persons.

Consequences for the people are great when their leader sins. David would have preferred himself and his house to be smitten rather than the sheep (2 Samuel 24:17 ). How careful leaders should be. The prophet Gad comes with the message of sacrifice (2 Samuel 24:18 ). David was not willing to offer to God that which cost him nothing (2 Samuel 24:24 ). The place requested was a hill in the region of Moriah, where Abraham offered Isaac (Genesis 22:2 ). It was here that later the temple was built by Solomon (2 Chronicles 3:1 ). There is power in the blood of Jesus to cleanse and remove the consequences when leadership repent (1 John 1:9 ).

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. How did David describe divine inspiration of his writings? (2 Samuel 23:1-2 ).
2. Who is David describing prophetically in 2 Samuel 23:3-4?
3. What covenant is David sure God will keep in spite of the condition of his house? (2 Samuel 23:5 ). Can you see beyond the failings of your house, to the faithfulness of God?
4. What warning did he give to the rebellious? (2 Samuel 23:6-7 )
5. Do you believe that people mighty in God attract after their own kind? (2 Samuel 23:8-39 ).
6. Can you testify of those you know who have brought glory to God?
7. What was David's sin in numbering the people? (2 Samuel 24:1-4 ).
8. Would you have made the same choice David made? (2 Samuel 24:12-14 ).
9. How famous did Araunah's threshing floor become? (2 Samuel 24:18-19 ).
10. Are you wanting to offer to God that which cost you nothing? (2 Samuel 24:24 ).