“These are the last words of David: “David, the son of Jesse, speaks— David, the man who was raised up so high, David, the man anointed by the God of Jacob, David, the sweet psalmist of Israel. “The Spirit of the Lord speaks through me; his words are upon my tongue. The God of Israel spoke. The Rock of Israel said to me: ‘The one who rules righteously, who rules in the fear of God, is like the light of morning at sunrise, like a morning without clouds, like the gleaming of the sun on new grass after rain.’ “Is it not my family God has chosen? Yes, he has made an everlasting covenant with me. His agreement is arranged and guaranteed in every detail. He will ensure my safety and success. But the godless are like thorns to be thrown away, for they tear the hand that touches them. One must use iron tools to chop them down; they will be totally consumed by fire.””
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2 Samuel‬ ‭23‬:‭1‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

David’s final official and administrative thoughts are recorded for all of history here in this passage. They are telling. These are simple but profound thoughts. They consist of two important points. First is that David is thankful. In a few lines, he details the ways in which God has been the architect and orchestrator of his journey. He gives God the credit for his kingship and his overall path. Secondly, and perhaps the most important for his office, he adds that the success of his kingship is based on being righteous. But this righteousness is a distinctly qualified one. This righteousness is a result of submission to God. Specifically, it is a result of subjecting yourself, in your kingship, to the idea that God is the highest authority. It is mandating a fear of God. Interestingly, as King, there was no other for David to fear. Indeed, many kings lifted themselves above their followers to be seen as Gods themselves. But David notes that this doesn’t produce righteousness at all. In fact, when David had viewed himself as the highest authority for the land is when he committed the worst sins. To draw these two attributes together, one could argue that a king must be humble to be successful. He must always hold that God is own personal king. To do so, is to return to his own proverbial Eden, and deny the fruit that seems good in his own eyes, thus sparing proverbial Eve, his kingdom, from impending judgement. We must be that for those we are sworn to protect as well.

David’s Gratitude: David expresses gratitude to God for his kingship and overall journey.

Righteousness of Kingship: David believes that righteous kingship stems from submission to God and recognizing God as the highest authority.

Importance of Humility: David suggests that a king must be humble and acknowledge God as their ultimate ruler to avoid sin and lead effectively.