‘Tis well. —dying words of George Washington, Revolutionary War hero and first president of the United States
Second Samuel 22 through 1 Kings 2 contains a collection of various “last words” that reflect David’s entire life and faith. His final words before dying, which appear in 1 Kings 2:1-9, include these instructions to Solomon his son:
- Be strong and be a man. —1 Kings 2:2
- Keep your obligation to the Lord your God. —1 Kings 2:3
- Do not let [Joab’s] gray head descend to Sheol in peace. —1 Kings 2:6
- Show kindness to the sons of Barzillai. —1 Kings 2:7
- Keep an eye on Shimei son of Gera … don’t let him go unpunished. —1 Kings 2:8,9
Second Samuel 22 is a song of thanksgiving that David wrote earlier in his career, but it represents his mature, settled convictions about the Lord that kept him grounded until the very end of his life. Here are a few highlights that would suffice for any believer’s famous last words:
- The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. —2 Samuel 22:2
- With the faithful you prove yourself faithful. —2 Samuel 22:26
- God is my strong refuge; he makes my way perfect. —2 Samuel 22:33
- The Lord lives—blessed be my rock! God, the rock of my salvation, is exalted.
—2 Samuel 22:47 - I will give thanks to you among the nations, Lord; I will sing praises about your name.
—2 Samuel 22:50
What would you want your spiritual epitaph to say? How closely do those words reflect your current attitudes and practices in service to the Lord Jesus Christ?
David Briscoe is a content editor at Lifeway for Explore the Bible resources.