2 Samuel 23-24

Chapter 23 of 2 Samuel may be one of my favorite chapters in Scripture. Near the end of his life, David breaks out of the narrative to sing a psalm of deliverance and praise to God.

It is very interesting to me that the writer of this book chose not to relegate this psalm to the Book of Psalms but included it here as part of the narrative. If I am not mistaken, only two others Biblical personas were afforded such lengthy opportunities at the end of their lives, Jacob (Gen 49) and Moses (Deut 32-33). That is truly some elite company! It is clear that the writers of Scripture during the time of David understood David's unique position and relationship with God. They were beginning to understand David's significant impact on their people and their future. Jacob was the father of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Moses was the prophet and deliverer. David was the great king.

David's song is so powerful. There is a reason that he was considered the "man after God's own heart." He truly knew his place before his King. David recognized God's greatness, God's personal presence, God's ability to equip His called. David knew the ways of the Lord.

I want to be able one day to write a psalm such as this. I want to be able to say that I know intimately the God whom I serve. In fact this is what Jesus calls eternal life, "that [one] may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent" (John 17:3).

How much do you know your God? Look through this song of David and note some of the ways which he knew his God. Then pick one and seek God's presence to reveal that characteristic to you today.