Monday 26 May 2025
One who rules over people justly, ruling in the fear of God, is like the light of morning, like the sun rising on a cloudless morning, gleaming from the rain on the grassy land. (vs 3-4)
Background
This passage starts with the phrase "Now these are the last words of David". Last words communicate what the speaker wishes to leave with others, which might be words of thanks, forgiveness or love.
David starts by stating who he was and what God had done for him. David, the youngest son of Jesse, had been anointed as King when he was just a shepherd boy looking after his father’s flocks. Jesse presented his seven older sons to the priest Samuel but God told Samuel that none of these had been chosen, “for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (for the full story read 1 Samuel 16).
The phrase ‘the Strong One of Israel’ (v. 1) is referring to God, with the emphasis on God's power, sovereignty and unique relationship with the nation of Israel. The similar phrase ‘the Mighty One of Israel’ can be found in the first chapter of Isaiah (Isaiah 1:24).
However, many other translations of the Bible have translated the description of David not as ‘the favourite of the Strong One of Israel’ (v. 1b) but as ‘the sweet psalmist of Israel’ – as in the King James version of the Bible – shifting the focus of the phrase.
David’s last words here are in the style of a prophet, with the spirit of the Lord speaking through him (v. 2). David foretells one who will be the ideal king who rules justly (v. 3). These last words contain words of hope for the future. The image of this one as a bright new day, with the light of the sun on a clear morning shining on a land that has received rain overnight (v. 4) is full of hope for new beginnings within the everlasting covenant (v. 5).
To Ponder:
- What last words might you want to leave with others?
- What do you think is the significance of the light and the rain in David’s image of the one who rules justly? How do you visualise the one who rules justly?
Prayer
Lord we pray for all who hold positions of power over others that they act justly and seek the good of all people. May we treat all people with respect and love and know the blessing of God’s light in our lives. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Gill Sharp
Gill Sharp is a minister residing in The Peak Circuit. She works part-time as a chaplain at the Methodist Homes (MHA) care home in the Hope Valley.