2 Samuel 23:1-7
“He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds.”
King James Version
David's last words describing the ideal just ruler who is like the morning sun, a messianic portrait.
Fulfillment References
Revelation 22:16 Malachi 4:2 Luke 1:78
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalDavid's last words look beyond himself to a coming Ruler 'just, ruling in the fear of God... as the light of the morning when the sun riseth.' This is the Lord Jesus, the bright and morning star (Rev. 22:16), the Sun of righteousness (Mal. 4:2), the dayspring from on high (Luke 1:78). The everlasting covenant David rests on is secured in Christ — God's righteous King and the light of the world.
JewishDavid's final oracle on the ideal righteous ruler and God's everlasting covenant with his house; the just king as life-giving light and rain.
CatholicThe just Ruler is Christ, the morning light; the Davidic covenant fulfilled in Him.
ProtestantA messianic oracle — the righteous King like the dawn is Jesus (Rev. 22:16; Mal. 4:2), the everlasting covenant secured in Him.
Academic'The last words of David,' a poetic oracle on righteous kingship and the Davidic covenant; its light-and-rain imagery idealizes the just ruler.
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Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, PhD · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.