2 Samuel 23

David, the Anointed (type of Christ)

Messiah — the Anointed One; David — beloved

Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said, 2 Samuel 23:1–2

David, the son of Jesse, is called the man raised up on high and the anointed, which is what Messiah means. He speaks as a prophet by the Spirit, and his last words look ahead to the greater Anointed One who would come from his line, Jesus Christ.

• interpreted by Acts 2:29-31 — Peter says David was a prophet who foresaw that Christ would come from his line and rise from the dead.
• the same title in Psalm 89:20 — The LORD says, I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him.
• alluded to by Isaiah 11:1 — The rod out of the stem of Jesse, the Messiah from David's family.

Rock of Israel

Rock — the sure, unmoving foundation and protector

The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. 2 Samuel 23:3

The Rock of Israel is a title of Jehovah, the premortal Jesus Christ, who spoke to David. Paul and Helaman both teach that this Rock is Christ, the foundation we build on.

How we know: a footnote points to Him

• interpreted by 1 Corinthians 10:4 — Paul says of Israel's Rock: that Rock was Christ.
• the same title in Helaman 5:12 — Build upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God.
• the same title in Deuteronomy 32:4 — He is the Rock, his work is perfect.

The Just Ruler, Light of the Morning

The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. 2 Samuel 23:3–4

The Rock describes the perfect king: completely just, and rising on his people like sunrise on a cloudless morning. No king of Israel fully lived up to this; it points to Jesus Christ, the righteous King and the Sun of Righteousness who brings light after darkness.

How we know: a footnote points to Him

• alluded to by Malachi 4:2 — The Sun of righteousness shall arise with healing in his wings.
• alluded to by Jeremiah 23:5 — A righteous Branch of David, a King who shall execute judgment and justice.
• fulfilled by Luke 1:78-79 — Zacharias praises the dayspring from on high that gives light to them that sit in darkness.

Son of David (the everlasting covenant)

Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow. 2 Samuel 23:5

David knows his own family is not perfect, but God promised him an everlasting covenant: a throne that would last forever. David calls this all his salvation, and it is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Son of David, whose kingdom has no end.

• alludes to 2 Samuel 7:16 — The covenant: thy house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever.
• alluded to by Isaiah 55:3 — An everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.
• fulfilled by Acts 13:34 — Paul applies the sure mercies of David to Christ's resurrection.
• fulfilled by Luke 1:32-33 — Gabriel: the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David, and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Jehovah, giver of victory

Jehovah — the covenant God of Israel, the premortal Christ

He arose, and smote the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the sword: and the LORD wrought a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to spoil. 2 Samuel 23:10–12

The mighty men fought, but the text gives the victory to the LORD, Jehovah, who is the premortal Jesus Christ. He is the true deliverer behind Israel's rescues.

How we know: Jehovah is the premortal Christ (Abraham 1:16; D&C 110:3–4)

Water of Bethlehem poured out to the LORD

And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate! 2 Samuel 23:15–17

David longs for water from Bethlehem, then pours it out as an offering because men risked their lives to get it. It is a soft echo of Christ, born in Bethlehem, who offers living water that cost His own blood.