A RIGHTEOUS RULER

Nov 7, 2025 (Fri)

2 Samuel 23:1-7

The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: ‘When one rules over people in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, (3)

chapter 23

1. These are the last words of David: "The inspired utterance of David son of Jesse, the utterance of the man exalted by the Most High, the man anointed by the God of Jacob, the hero of Israel’s songs:

2. "The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; his word was on my tongue.

3. The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: ’When one rules over people in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God,

4. he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth.’

5. "If my house were not right with God, surely he would not have made with me an everlasting covenant, arranged and secured in every part; surely he would not bring to fruition my salvation and grant me my every desire.

6. But evil men are all to be cast aside like thorns, which are not gathered with the hand.

7. Whoever touches thorns uses a tool of iron or the shaft of a spear; they are burned up where they lie."

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

1. At the end of his life, David summed up all he had done. He did not despair over his failures. He did not gloat over his enemies. Rather, he was filled with the Holy Spirit and professed that God above is with a righteous ruler who fears God. Such a leader is like a ray of sunlight who gives hope and promise to his people. Also, David testified that God was his Rock, and all his household and everything he did was blessed. What a wonderful testimony to have at the end of one’s life!

2. We learn here that when we are called to lead, we must fear God and not people. When we seek a right relationship with him through repenting our sins and seeking his ways, then God upholds us and blesses us. We have no regrets, nor do we struggle with vanity or conceit. We can inspire and strengthen those under us with God’s help. We can build a firm foundation for our household and community (5). Are you relying on God the Rock to lead those under you?

3. David compared a wicked ruler to a painful thorn that should be discarded in a heap to be burned. May God give our nation’s leaders a fear of God. May God save us from ungodly rulers.

Prayer: Father, thank you for righteous rulers. Help us to be godly leaders who depend on God as our Rock and live purely before you.

One Word: Grant us righteous rulers