“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: ‘The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me; his word was on my tongue. 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, he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth.” 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. But evil men are all to be cast aside like thorns, which are not gathered with the hand. Whoever touches thorns uses a tool of iron or the shaft of a spear; they are burned up where they lie.’”—2 Samuel 23:1–7 (NIV)

We don’t know if journaling was common in King David’s time, but what we do know is that he was a man who wrote deeply—and often, from the heart. His psalms show raw emotion, trust in God, and the wrestling of the human soul. Today, we know writing serves as a benefit to us. Studies show it can ease anxiety, promote emotional healing, and even improve physical health. Maybe David instinctively knew that as he poured out his soul to God in poetry and praise.

In today’s passage, we read what are described as David’s “last words.” They likely weren’t the last words he ever spoke, but they represent his final recorded reflection—a psalm filled with humility, gratitude, and faith.

David doesn’t boast about being Israel’s greatest king. Instead, he begins with a reminder of his roots: “David son of Jesse, . . . the man exalted by the Most High.” He remembers where he came from—not royalty, but shepherding. The youngest son. The overlooked one. The one after God’s own heart. His promotion wasn’t earned; it was a gift from God. David makes it clear that his strength and legacy came only because “the Spirit of the Lord spoke through [him].” Everything good flowed from God’s hand.

David ruled with reverence, but his reign was far from perfect. His sins were public and painful—adultery, murder, family division, and national unrest. If we looked at his life through human eyes alone, we might call his legacy a disaster. And yet, God’s perspective was different.

Despite the brokenness, God called David, “My servant” (Psalm 89:20 NIV) whom He anointed. Isaiah referred to him as “a witness . . . a ruler and commander of the peoples” (Isaiah 55:4 NIV). Why? Because David’s relationship with God wasn’t based on perfection; it was based on covenant grace.

David understood that God’s promises weren’t fragile or conditional. In 2 Samuel 23:5 (ESV), David said, “For does not my house stand so with God? For he has made with me an everlasting covenant.” Even when David was unfaithful, God remained faithful. This covenant was never about David’s ability to flawlessly obey; it was about God’s unshakable commitment to redeem.

And through that covenant, a greater King would come. Jesus, the Son of David, would one day walk this earth not just to rule, but to rescue. Like David, Jesus also spoke last words—but His were unlike any ever spoken: “It is finished” (John 19:30 ESV).

Those three words didn’t reflect on God’s faithfulness—they completed it. Jesus had fulfilled what David could only hope for: the full payment for sin and the establishment of a kingdom that would never end.

Where David’s last words looked ahead to a promised future, Jesus’ last words sealed it. His death and resurrection made a way for all of us to be part of that everlasting covenant—not because we’re worthy, but because He is.

David’s life, with all its flaws and victories, points us to the only perfect King—King Jesus, who reigns not only over nations, but over our hearts.

Pause: How does God see you—through your failures or through the finished work of Jesus?

Practice: If you had to write your last words today, what would they reflect—fear, regret, or trust in God’s grace?

Pray: Father, thank You for being faithful even when I fail You. Help me abide in the true King of my heart, Jesus. Let me rely on His strength when I’m weak and rest in His finished work on the cross. Thank You for the everlasting covenant made through His blood. May I live in response to that love forever. Amen.