2 Samuel 23 Small Group Study Guide

Group Check-in

  1. What was the best part of your week?
  2. What was the most difficult part of your week?

What Is 2 Samuel 23 About?

2 Samuel 23 opens with “the last words of David.” They’re not his literal final breaths, but his final inspired reflection… a prophetic summary of his life, leadership, and relationship with God. In these verses, David looks back over his journey as Israel’s shepherd-king and looks forward prophetically to the righteous King who would come through his line: Jesus Christ.

The chapter also lists David’s mighty men, who stood with him in battle, risked their lives for him, and embodied loyalty, courage, and sacrifice. Together, this passage celebrates God’s covenant faithfulness, David’s gratitude, and the legacy of those who faithfully served alongside him.

At its core, 2 Samuel 23 reminds us that true greatness isn’t about fame or power, but about faithfulness, obedience, and courage for God’s glory.

Key Verse

“The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me; his word was on my tongue.”—2 Samuel 23:2 (NIV)

S.O.A.P. for the Week

Passage: 2 Samuel 23:1–7

Ice-Breakers

  • Who has been a “mighty man” or “mighty woman” of faith in your life… someone who’s encouraged or fought for your faith when you were weak?
  • If someone wrote about your life like they did for David’s mighty men, what do you hope they’d say?

Group Discussion Questions

  1. In his address, David begins by acknowledging God’s role in his life and leadership. What does it look like for you to give God full credit for your victories and your voice?

  2. In verse 3, David describes the ideal ruler as one who rules in righteousness and fear of God. How does this description point us to Jesus? How can you follow His example?
  1. David’s mighty men each had stories of courage and loyalty. What does their example teach us about perseverance, teamwork, and standing firm for God’s purposes?
  2. Some of David’s men went to extreme lengths just to bring him water (v 13–17). What does this reveal about devotion, and how can we apply that kind of sacrificial love toward Christ and others?
  3. David’s “last words” weren’t self-focused; they were God-centered. If you were to write your “last words,” your legacy statement of faith, what would you want it to say?

Practical Takeaway

Spend time this week writing your own “last words,” a brief paragraph of what you want your legacy in Christ to be if your story ended today. Then pray through it and ask, “What needs to change for this to be true?” Let God reshape your priorities so your words and your walk align.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the example of David and his mighty men. Teach us to live courageously, to serve faithfully, and to finish strong. May our words and actions point to Jesus, our righteous King and deliverer. Strengthen us to stand firm, fight the good fight, and leave a legacy of faithfulness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

About the Author

John Madge

John Madge has been on staff with Calvary for over 4 years, serving as the Digital Systems Manager in the Communications Department. In 2019, he went on his first mission trip with Calvary Chapel to Hungary in order to support local missionaries and churches and share the gospel with locals. John enjoys living an active lifestyle through sports, fitness, and the occasional Zumba class. He has a deep desire for others to know the love of God in Christ Jesus and is a huge mental health advocate. He also hopes to be fluent in Spanish one day.