2 Samuel 23:3

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 2 Samuel 23:3 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “The God of Israel said, The Rock of Israel spake to me: One that ruleth over men righteously, That ruleth in the fear of God,” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

The God of Israel said, The Rock of Israel spake to me: One that ruleth over men righteously, That ruleth in the fear of God,
2 Samuel 23:3 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Samuel 23

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
3The God of Israel said, The Rock of Israel spake to me: One that ruleth over men righteously, That ruleth in the fear of God,

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“The God of Israel said, etc.] To David, or by him; he who was the covenant God of Israel literally considered, and is the covenant God and Father of the whole spiritual Israel, and who is owned, believed in, and worshipped by them: the Rock of Israel spake to me; the same with the God of Israel in other words, who is the strength and security of Israel; or the second divine Person, the Son and Word of God, is meant, who is often called a rock in Scripture; and is the rock on which the Israel or church of God is built, and in whom it remains safe and firm, the gates of hell not being able to prevail against it; and so here is an instance and proof of a trinity of persons in the Godhead; the…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Rock - He who is the strength, and defence, and protector of his people; which he manifests by directing kings and rulers so to manage their power as may most conduce to their comfort and benefit. Ruleth - Here are the two principal parts of a king's duty, answerable to the two tables of God's law, justice towards men, and piety towards God, both which he is to maintain and promote among his people. 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 23:4”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“God: Gen 33:20; Exo 3:15, Exo 19:5, Exo 19:6, Exo 20:2 the Rock: Sa2 22:2, Sa2 22:32; Deu 32:4, Deu 32:30, Deu 32:31; Psa 42:9 He that ruleth: or, Be thou ruler, etc. Psa 110:2 must be just: Exo 23:6-8; Deu 16:18-20; Psa 82:3, Psa 82:4; Pro 31:9; Isa 11:4, Isa 11:5, Isa 32:1; Jer 23:5; Zac 9:9; Heb 1:8 ruling: Exo 18:21; Ch2 19:7-9; Neh 5:14 2 Kings (2 Samuel) 23:4”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification