Gold Nugget 366 - Last Words
We feel that there is a value in these last words of David, not simply by what an examination of their strict sense may yield, but because they are his last words. All last words are weighty in comparison with others; for they close the record, or end the intercourse, or give, as in dying words, the matured expression of one’s long experience.
The last words of Jacob, of Moses, of Paul, and above all of Christ, are very rich in instruction by virtue of being last. The last words of children, parents, friends who sleep in Jesus, are most precious; they are treasured forever. There are special reasons for attaching weight to them.
They are reflective, and touched by the influence of the eternal world. Men are earnest, sincere, uttering only what a review of the past and a prospect of the future will warrant.
The mind is usually calm. The passions of life are gone, the strife of tongues is no more heard, the spirit is open to the still, small voice.
Worldly influences are in abeyance. The pomps and fashions of this world are reduced to their proper position. There is scope for things eternal to get their legitimate hold on the thoughts, and so to form aright the conceptions of duty. …
The affections are most pure and tender. The heart goes out freely toward the Saviour and toward men. Silver and gold and the perishable things of active life are now as dross, and words flow forth steeped in love and tender concern for others, and delight in God’s great salvation. Dying saints preach powerful sermons. Their memory is blessed. The words are rich in all that is good and helpful.
The Pulpit Commentary, II Samuel p. 574, II Samuel 23:1-7, (C. Chapman)
Gold Nugget 366
Last Words
