Day 141: The Life of David

Today's readings: 2 Samuel 23, 1 Chronicles 28, and Psalm 42.

I. 2 Samuel 23 gives David's last recorded words and a list of his mighty warriors.

The BIY Companion, Vol II, has some good commentary on this:

[W]e hear the stories of David's three mighty men: Josheb-basshebeth, a Tah-chemonite; Eleazar, son of Dodo, son of Ahoi; and Shammah, son of Agee the Hararite. David recognizes that he needed those around him to accomplish what God had called him to do; he knows that he could not have done it on his own. Like David, we should give God praise in every circumstance - and also recognize those around us and praise them for what they have done. (p. 44)

II. 1 Chronicles 28 recounts David's final public charge concerning the building of the Temple. Although he desired to build it himself, God chose his son Solomon instead for that task.

The BIY Companion, Vol II, notes:

[W]e read that David hands the reigns over to Solomon. Though Solomon starts out strong, he will not end strong. Solomon starts out with great wisdom, but he will eventually waste that wisdom and turn his back on the Lord. But the Lord does not turn his back on his people. The same is true for us: when we turn our backs on the Lord, he does not abandon us. (p. 44)

III. Psalm 42 is, as the Ignatius Bible notes (verse numbers removed):

A lament psalm. For reasons unstated, the Psalmist is separated from Jerusalem and unable to worship at the Lord's sanctuary. Memories of participating in Israel's sacred liturgies have brought him to tears and have fueled his desire to return to the holy city. Scholars surmise that Pss 42 and 43 originally formed one psalm... (p. 865)