- Home
- Bible
- 2 Samuel
- Chapter 23
- Verse 23
2 Samuel 23:4
Verse
Context
Sermons
Charles Alexander
J.C. Ryle
James BourneSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He shall be as the light of the morning - This verse is very obscure, for it does not appear from it who the person is of whom the prophet speaks. As the Messiah seems to be the whole subject of these last words of David, he is probably the person intended. One of Dr. Kennicott's MSS. Supplies the word יהוה Yehovah; and he therefore translates, As the light of the morning ariseth Jehovah (see below) He shall be the Sun of righteousness, bringing salvation in his rays, and shining - illuminating the children of men, with increasing splendor, as long as the sun and moon endure. As the tender grass - The effects of this shining, and of the rays of his grace, shall be like the shining of the sun upon the young grass or corn, after a plentiful shower of rain.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain--Little patches of grass are seen rapidly springing up in Palestine after rain; and even where the ground has been long parched and bare, within a few days or hours after the enriching showers begin to fall, the face of the earth is so renewed that it is covered over with a pure fresh mantle of green.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds,.... That is, such a ruler that rules in righteousness, and in the fear of God; he is the light and glory of his people, who guides and directs them, makes them cheerful and comfortable; his administrations are pleasant and delightful, and promise a growing and increasing happiness to them, like the morning light and rising sun; and there are no clouds, nor forebodings of dark times, affliction and distress, coming upon them, but all the reverse: and with Christ these metaphors well suit, who is the true light that shines, Joh 1:9; the morning star, Rev 22:16; the dayspring from on high, Luk 1:78; the sun of righteousness, Mal 4:2; and light of the world, Joh 8:2; his going forth or appearance in human nature, at his incarnation, was as the morning, Hos 6:3; the first discovery him to Adam, after sin had brought a night of darkness on the world, was as the dawn of the morning; and this light like that of the morning increased, fresh and clearer discoveries of him being made to the patriarchs afterwards; and though as yet the sun was not up, and it was not a morning without clouds, yet the discoveries then made brought joy with them, as to Abraham and others, and were a sure sign of the sun rising. When Christ appeared in the flesh, the sun of righteousness then arose, and scattered the darkness of the night, both in the Jewish and Gentile world; introduced the light of the Gospel to a greater degree than it was under the legal dispensation, and made the Gospel day; which was not only like the morning light, growing and increasing, but was as a morning without clouds, without the darkness of the ceremonial law, the shadows of which now disappeared; and without the storms and tempests of the moral law, its curses being bore and removed by Christ; and without the frowns of divine wrath, reconciliation and satisfaction being made by him: and this is all applicable particularly to the government of Christ, which is delightful and grateful to his people, serviceable and beneficial to them, under which they enjoy great peace and prosperity; and which will more and more increase, and stilt be more glorious and illustrious, see Psa 72:7. A learned writer (i) has observed, that in an ancient manuscript the word "Jehovah" is inserted and read thus,"and as the light of the morning shall arise Jehovah the sun,''which clearly points to Christ the sun of righteousness; and be it an interpolation, it gives the true sense of the words: a glorious, beautiful, and illustrious person is described in Ovid (k) by the same figure as here: as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain; which springs up the faster, and is more flourishing after a shower of rain, and when upon that the sun breaks out and shines clearly: or "from clear shining from rain" (l); that is, the springing of the tender grass out of the earth is owing partly to the rain which falls in the night, and partly to the sun rising in the morning, and the clear shine of it: this may denote the fruitful and flourishing estate which a good and righteous ruler over men is the happy instrument of bringing his people into; and may be applied both to the incarnation of Christ, when he grew up as a tender plant, or as the tender grass, mean in his original and descent, weak in himself as man; and yet this fruit of the earth was excellent and comely, beautiful and glorious, and the springing of it owing to the favour and good will of God, and his coming was as the latter and former rain to the earth, Hos 6:3; and to the government of Christ, and the benefits of it to his church and people; who flourish under it the light of his grace and favour, and through rains of Gospel doctrines they are blessed with: or "than clear shining, than rain"; Christ is more beneficial to his people, who are comparable to grass for their meanness, and weakness, and number, than the sun and rain are to the grass in the field. (i) Dr. Kennicott's State of the Hebrew Text, Dissert. 1. p. 468. (k) "Talisque apparuitilli", &c. Metamorph. l. 14. Fab. 16. ver. 767. (l) "a splendore, a pluvia germen de terra", Pagninus, Montanus, Vatablus.
2 Samuel 23:4
David’s Last Song
3The God of Israel spoke; the Rock of Israel said to me, ‘He who rules the people with justice, who rules in the fear of God, 4is like the light of the morning at sunrise of a cloudless dawn, the glistening after the rain on the sprouting grass of the earth.’
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Last Words of David
By Charles Alexander1.2K39:18DavidGEN 8:222SA 23:4PSA 89:34MAT 6:33JHN 4:35GAL 6:7JAS 5:7In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the last words of David as recorded in the book of Samuel. He connects these words to the Harvest Festival, emphasizing the importance of renewal and growth in the souls of men. The preacher highlights the divine plan and covenant that God has made with humanity, ensuring that every season will yield a bountiful harvest. The significance of a person's last words is also discussed, as they hold weight and importance even in ordinary statements.
The Appearance of Christ in Human Nature - Part 1
By John Gill0Salvation and RedemptionThe Light of ChristGEN 3:152SA 23:4ISA 27:4MAL 4:2MAT 1:23LUK 1:78JHN 8:12ACT 8:8COL 1:23REV 22:16John Gill preaches about the appearance of Christ in human nature, comparing it to the light of the morning when the sun rises, emphasizing that His coming dispels darkness and brings joy and hope to humanity. He explains that Christ's arrival was foretold and serves as a beacon of salvation, illuminating the path for lost sinners and fulfilling prophecies that reveal His nature and mission. Gill highlights that this light is not only for the Jewish people but also for the Gentiles, signifying the universal reach of Christ's gospel. The sermon underscores the righteousness of Christ's rule and the peace that comes with His presence, marking the end of the stormy dispensation of the law. Ultimately, Gill points to the transformative power of Christ as the Sun of righteousness, bringing healing and light to all who believe.
The Morning Without Clouds
By J.C. Ryle0CovenantHope in Trials2SA 23:4J.C. Ryle reflects on David's poignant acknowledgment of his family's imperfections and the trials he faced, emphasizing that despite these struggles, God has established an everlasting covenant that assures salvation and hope. Ryle highlights the importance of recognizing that home trials serve to sanctify believers, drawing them closer to God and preparing them for a future free from sorrow. He encourages Christians to trust in God's covenant, which is ordered and sure, and to find comfort in the promise of a future kingdom where righteousness reigns. The sermon concludes with a call to action, urging believers to do good to others as a remedy for their own troubles.
Letter 188.
By James Bourne02SA 23:4PSA 23:4PSA 72:6ZEC 14:3MAL 4:2James Bourne reflects on the inevitability of afflictions in life, sharing personal struggles with fear, bodily afflictions, and the constant battle against Satan's deceptions. Despite the challenges, Bourne finds solace in the everlasting covenant with God and the assurance of salvation through Christ. He draws strength from the imagery of the Sun of righteousness bringing healing and the tender grass springing after rain, symbolizing the graces of the Spirit. Bourne also witnesses the peaceful passing of a friend, highlighting the true fruits of a ministry appointed by God and the importance of seeking a testimony approved by Him.
The Appearance of Christ in Human Nature - Part 2
By John Gill0Spiritual EnlightenmentThe Nature of Christ2SA 23:4PSA 103:1PSA 118:27PSA 119:130ISA 30:26ISA 53:2ZEC 14:7JHN 20:20GAL 2:201JN 4:10John Gill emphasizes the significance of Christ's appearance in human nature, likening it to the light of the morning and the tender grass that springs forth after rain. He explains that Christ's revelation dispels the darkness of sin and ignorance, bringing joy and clarity to believers. Gill further illustrates how Christ's righteous rule is akin to the refreshing light of dawn, promising hope and spiritual growth for His followers. He concludes by encouraging believers to appreciate the light and grace they receive from Christ, who is both their Savior and Ruler. The sermon ultimately calls for gratitude and a commitment to live as children of the light.
As the Light of the Morning When the Sun Riseth,
By F.B. Meyer0God's LoveTrials and Growth2SA 23:4PSA 30:5ISA 60:1F.B. Meyer illustrates God's dealings with humanity through the metaphor of morning light and the growth of grass after rain, emphasizing that both youth and age experience God's sunlight. He explains that clouds in life, representing troubles and challenges, are essential for appreciating God's comfort and love, which dawns gently upon our hearts. Meyer highlights that just as rain is necessary for growth, so too are the trials we face, leading to moments of joy and clarity. He encourages believers to recognize that after every storm, there is a promise of clear shining and renewal. Ultimately, he reassures that through God's love, we transition from darkness to light.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He shall be as the light of the morning - This verse is very obscure, for it does not appear from it who the person is of whom the prophet speaks. As the Messiah seems to be the whole subject of these last words of David, he is probably the person intended. One of Dr. Kennicott's MSS. Supplies the word יהוה Yehovah; and he therefore translates, As the light of the morning ariseth Jehovah (see below) He shall be the Sun of righteousness, bringing salvation in his rays, and shining - illuminating the children of men, with increasing splendor, as long as the sun and moon endure. As the tender grass - The effects of this shining, and of the rays of his grace, shall be like the shining of the sun upon the young grass or corn, after a plentiful shower of rain.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain--Little patches of grass are seen rapidly springing up in Palestine after rain; and even where the ground has been long parched and bare, within a few days or hours after the enriching showers begin to fall, the face of the earth is so renewed that it is covered over with a pure fresh mantle of green.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds,.... That is, such a ruler that rules in righteousness, and in the fear of God; he is the light and glory of his people, who guides and directs them, makes them cheerful and comfortable; his administrations are pleasant and delightful, and promise a growing and increasing happiness to them, like the morning light and rising sun; and there are no clouds, nor forebodings of dark times, affliction and distress, coming upon them, but all the reverse: and with Christ these metaphors well suit, who is the true light that shines, Joh 1:9; the morning star, Rev 22:16; the dayspring from on high, Luk 1:78; the sun of righteousness, Mal 4:2; and light of the world, Joh 8:2; his going forth or appearance in human nature, at his incarnation, was as the morning, Hos 6:3; the first discovery him to Adam, after sin had brought a night of darkness on the world, was as the dawn of the morning; and this light like that of the morning increased, fresh and clearer discoveries of him being made to the patriarchs afterwards; and though as yet the sun was not up, and it was not a morning without clouds, yet the discoveries then made brought joy with them, as to Abraham and others, and were a sure sign of the sun rising. When Christ appeared in the flesh, the sun of righteousness then arose, and scattered the darkness of the night, both in the Jewish and Gentile world; introduced the light of the Gospel to a greater degree than it was under the legal dispensation, and made the Gospel day; which was not only like the morning light, growing and increasing, but was as a morning without clouds, without the darkness of the ceremonial law, the shadows of which now disappeared; and without the storms and tempests of the moral law, its curses being bore and removed by Christ; and without the frowns of divine wrath, reconciliation and satisfaction being made by him: and this is all applicable particularly to the government of Christ, which is delightful and grateful to his people, serviceable and beneficial to them, under which they enjoy great peace and prosperity; and which will more and more increase, and stilt be more glorious and illustrious, see Psa 72:7. A learned writer (i) has observed, that in an ancient manuscript the word "Jehovah" is inserted and read thus,"and as the light of the morning shall arise Jehovah the sun,''which clearly points to Christ the sun of righteousness; and be it an interpolation, it gives the true sense of the words: a glorious, beautiful, and illustrious person is described in Ovid (k) by the same figure as here: as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain; which springs up the faster, and is more flourishing after a shower of rain, and when upon that the sun breaks out and shines clearly: or "from clear shining from rain" (l); that is, the springing of the tender grass out of the earth is owing partly to the rain which falls in the night, and partly to the sun rising in the morning, and the clear shine of it: this may denote the fruitful and flourishing estate which a good and righteous ruler over men is the happy instrument of bringing his people into; and may be applied both to the incarnation of Christ, when he grew up as a tender plant, or as the tender grass, mean in his original and descent, weak in himself as man; and yet this fruit of the earth was excellent and comely, beautiful and glorious, and the springing of it owing to the favour and good will of God, and his coming was as the latter and former rain to the earth, Hos 6:3; and to the government of Christ, and the benefits of it to his church and people; who flourish under it the light of his grace and favour, and through rains of Gospel doctrines they are blessed with: or "than clear shining, than rain"; Christ is more beneficial to his people, who are comparable to grass for their meanness, and weakness, and number, than the sun and rain are to the grass in the field. (i) Dr. Kennicott's State of the Hebrew Text, Dissert. 1. p. 468. (k) "Talisque apparuitilli", &c. Metamorph. l. 14. Fab. 16. ver. 767. (l) "a splendore, a pluvia germen de terra", Pagninus, Montanus, Vatablus.