“Now these are the last words of David. Thus says David the son of Jesse; Thus says the man raised up on high, The anointed of the God of Jacob, And the sweet psalmist of Israel: “The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, And His word was on my tongue.”
II Samuel 23:1-2 NKJV
David was called many things – Jesse’s son, King, and most notably a man after G-d’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). In today’s reading, I discovered a title attributed to him I never knew: the sweet psalmist of Israel. As a woman who loves words, the description touches me. David – the sweet psalmist of Israel.
In the Psalms, David was raw. He lamented and grieved. He praised and thanked. He prophesied and proclaimed. I suppose many of us have read the Psalms and experienced the sweet comfort of David’s words.
As I was meditating on this verse today, I began to think about how words can be “sweet” or bitter. The Hebrew word for “sweet” above is nāʿîm -H5273: pleasant, delightful, sweet, lovely, agreeable, beautiful (physical), singing, sweetly sounding, musical.
The same word is used by the Shulamite to describe the appearance of the beloved (Song of Solomon 1:16), unity among His people (2 Samuel 1:23, Psalms 133:1), praise of G-d (Psalms 135:3, 147:1), wisdom (Proverbs 22:18), and a life of following G-d (Job 36:11, Psalms 16:6).
Perhaps David was called the sweet psalmist because his words pointed people to G-d. David’s writings exalted G-d, unified people, and promoted wisdom. David’s words gave hope and encouragement to those who would follow G-d wholeheartedly.
I’ve shared before that my personal mission in life is to leave people better than I found them – to do something or say something that leaves others inspired and more “lifted up” in their hearts. Words often burn within me, pressing to be released from either my lips or my pen. I long to commit to paper so generations that follow me can read about the mighty exploits of G-d in my lifetime.
I wonder if words burned in David too. I guess I’ll never know. But – I can learn from David. I should only release words that point people to G-d – then and only then, when He is exalted – will my words, like David’s, be nāʿîm. And that’s what I really desire – to leave a dessert for my children, grandchildren, and great grand children – sweet words that make them long for more of Him. May my life and words declare as David’s did, “I will cry to God Most High, Who accomplishes all things on my behalf [for He completes my purpose in His plan].”
Psalms 57:2 AMP
Father – thank You for how You love and care for me. Shape my words. May I write and say only what You direct me to. You are good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 22-23, Psalms 57