New International Version he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth.’ New Living Translation is like the light of morning at sunrise, like a morning without clouds, like the gleaming of the sun on new grass after rain.’ English Standard Version he dawns on them like the morning light, like the sun shining forth on a cloudless morning, like rain that makes grass to sprout from the earth. Berean Standard Bible is like the light of the morning at sunrise of a cloudless dawn, the glistening after the rain on the sprouting grass of the earth.’ Berean Literal Bible and as the light of the morning he rises, a morning sun, without clouds, by clear shining after the rain, the tender grass of the earth.’ King James Bible And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain. New King James Version And he shall be like the light of the morning when the sun rises, A morning without clouds, Like the tender grass springing out of the earth, By clear shining after rain.’ New American Standard Bible Is like the light of the morning when the sun rises, A morning without clouds, When the fresh grass springs out of the earth From sunshine after rain.’ NASB 1995 Is as the light of the morning when the sun rises, A morning without clouds, When the tender grass springs out of the earth, Through sunshine after rain.’ NASB 1977 Is as the light of the morning when the sun rises, A morning without clouds, When the tender grass springs out of the earth, Through sunshine after rain.’ Legacy Standard Bible Is as the light of the morning when the sun rises, A morning without clouds, From brightness of the sun after rain.’ With the tender grass springing from the earth, Amplified Bible Is like the morning light when the sun rises, A morning without clouds, When the fresh grass springs out of the earth Through sunshine after rain.’ Berean Annotated Bible is like the light of the morning at sunrise of a cloudless dawn, the glistening after the rain on the sprouting grass of the earth. Christian Standard Bible is like the morning light when the sun rises on a cloudless morning, the glisten of rain on sprouting grass.” Holman Christian Standard Bible is like the morning light when the sun rises on a cloudless morning, the glisten of rain on sprouting grass.” American Standard Version He shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, A morning without clouds, When the tender grass springeth out of the earth, Through clear shining after rain. Contemporary English Version is like the sunrise on a cloudless day, or like rain that sparkles on the grass." English Revised Version He shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, a morning without clouds; when the tender grass springeth out of the earth, through clear shining after rain. GOD'S WORD® Translation He is like the morning light as the sun rises, like a morning without clouds, like the brightness after a rainstorm. The rain makes the grass grow from the earth.' Good News Translation is like the sun shining on a cloudless dawn, the sun that makes the grass sparkle after rain." International Standard Version He is like dawn's first light, like bright sun blazing on a cloudless morning, glistening on grassland that flourishes after a rain shower. NET Bible is like the light of morning when the sun comes up, a morning in which there are no clouds. He is like the brightness after rain that produces grass from the earth. New Heart English Bible shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun rises, a morning without clouds, when the tender grass springs out of the earth, through clear shining after rain.' Webster's Bible Translation And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bibleis like the light of the morning at sunrise of a cloudless dawn, the glistening after the rain on the sprouting grass of the earth.’ World English Bible shall be as the light of the morning when the sun rises, a morning without clouds, when the tender grass springs out of the earth, through clear shining after rain.’ Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd he rises as the light of morning, "" A morning sun [with] no clouds! By the shining, by the rain, "" Tender grass of the earth! Berean Literal Bible and as the light of the morning he rises, a morning sun, without clouds, by clear shining after the rain, the tender grass of the earth.’ Young's Literal Translation And as the light of morning he riseth, A morning sun -- no clouds! By the shining, by the rain, Tender grass of the earth! Smith's Literal Translation And as the light of the morning the sun will rise: the morning not dense; from the shining of the rain bringing forth herbage from the earth. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAs the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, shineth in the morning without clouds, and as the grass springeth out of the earth by rain. Catholic Public Domain Version like the first light of the morning as the sun is rising, when a morning without clouds glows red, and like plants springing forth from the earth after a rainfall. New American Bible Is like the light at sunrise on a cloudless morning, making the land’s vegetation glisten after rain.” New Revised Standard Version is like the light of morning, like the sun rising on a cloudless morning, gleaming from the rain on the grassy land. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHe is like the light of the morning when the sun rises, even a morning without clouds, before dawn, a morning free from rain which makes the grass to spring up. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Like the light of the morning whenever the sun rises, a morning without clouds, from twilight before dawn and from the rain that makes the land sprout OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, A morning without clouds; When through clear shining after rain, The tender grass springeth out of the earth.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And in the morning light of God, let the sun arise in the morning, from the light of which the Lord passed on, and as it were from the rain of the tender grass upon the earth. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context David's Last Song…3The God of Israel spoke; the Rock of Israel said to me, ‘He who rules the people with justice, who rules in the fear of God, 4is like the light of the morning at sunrise of a cloudless dawn, the glistening after the rain on the sprouting grass of the earth.’ 5Is not my house right with God? For He has established with me an everlasting covenant, ordered and secured in every part. Will He not bring about my full salvation and my every desire?… Cross References like the light of the morning at sunrise Isaiah 58:8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will come quickly. Your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. Proverbs 4:18 The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday. Malachi 4:2 “But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings, and you will go out and leap like calves from the stall. of a cloudless dawn, Job 37:21 Now no one can gaze at the sun when it is bright in the skies after the wind has swept them clean. Songs 6:10 Who is this who shines like the dawn, as fair as the moon, as bright as the sun, as majestic as the stars in procession? 2 Peter 1:19 We also have the word of the prophets as confirmed beyond doubt. And you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. the glistening after the rain Psalm 72:6 May he be like rain that falls on freshly cut grass, like spring showers that water the earth. Deuteronomy 32:2 Let my teaching fall like rain and my speech settle like dew, like gentle rain on new grass, like showers on tender plants. Hosea 6:3 So let us know—let us press on to know the LORD. As surely as the sun rises, He will appear; He will come to us like the rain, like the spring showers that water the earth. on the sprouting grass of the earth.’ Isaiah 55:10-11 For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return without watering the earth, making it bud and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat, / so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it. Isaiah 61:11 For as the earth brings forth its growth, and as a garden enables seed to spring up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. Psalm 147:8 who covers the sky with clouds, who prepares rain for the earth, who makes grass to grow on the hills. Isaiah 60:1-3 Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. / For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you. / Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Psalm 89:36-37 his offspring shall endure forever, and his throne before Me like the sun, / like the moon, established forever, a faithful witness in the sky.” Selah Isaiah 9:2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned. Matthew 4:16 the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.” Treasury of Scripture And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun rises, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain. as the light Judges 5:31 So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: but let them that love him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years. Psalm 89:36 His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me. Psalm 110:3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth. mourning Hosea 6:3 Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth. tender Deuteronomy 32:2 My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass: Psalm 72:6 He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth. Isaiah 4:2 In that day shall the branch of the LORD be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel. Jump to Previous Brightness Clear Clouds Dawns Earth Forth Grass Light Making Morning Rain Rises Riseth Rising Shining Springeth Springing Springs Sun Sunrise Sunshine Tender YoungJump to Next Brightness Clear Clouds Dawns Earth Forth Grass Light Making Morning Rain Rises Riseth Rising Shining Springeth Springing Springs Sun Sunrise Sunshine Tender Young2 Samuel 23 1. David, in his last words, professes his faith in God's promises6. The different state of the wicked 8. A catalogue of David's mighty men is like the light of the morning at sunrise Righteous rule brings the clarity, security, and hope that dawn brings after a night of darkness. David describes the blessing of a king who governs in the fear of God, reflecting the goodness of God’s own reign. Isa 58:8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn… of a cloudless dawn, The image portrays an unhindered day, free from the threat of storm or gloom. Under godly leadership, justice and peace are not obscured by corruption or oppression. Job 37:21 Now no one can gaze at the sun when it is bright… the glistening after the rain Rain refreshed the land and enabled crops to grow in Israel’s dry climate. Its brightness afterward pictures God’s favor bringing restoration and renewed strength to His people. Psa 72:6 May he be like rain that falls on freshly cut grass,… on the sprouting grass of the earth.’ Fresh grass following rain depicts life, fruitfulness, and prosperity. David’s words anticipate the lasting reign of the promised King from his line, whose righteous rule will bring enduring blessing. Isa 55:10-11 For just as rain and snow fall from heaven… Persons / Places / Events 1. DavidThe speaker of this verse, King David, is reflecting on the qualities of a righteous ruler. This verse is part of his last words, a poetic reflection on leadership and God's covenant with him. 2. Righteous Ruler The verse metaphorically describes the ideal king or leader, one who rules justly and in the fear of God. 3. Morning Light Symbolizes clarity, hope, and renewal, representing the positive impact of a righteous leader. 4. Sunrise on a Cloudless Morning A metaphor for purity and the promise of a new day, indicating the peace and prosperity brought by just leadership. 5. Brightness After Rain Represents refreshment and growth, symbolizing the blessings and flourishing that follow righteous governance. Teaching Points The Impact of Righteous LeadershipJust and God-fearing leaders bring clarity, hope, and prosperity to their people, much like the refreshing light of a new day. Symbolism of Light and Growth The imagery of light and growth in this verse encourages believers to seek and support leadership that aligns with God's righteousness. Personal Reflection on Leadership Consider how you can embody the qualities of a righteous leader in your own spheres of influence, bringing light and growth to those around you. God's Covenant and Promises Reflect on God's faithfulness to His promises, as seen in His covenant with David, and how this assurance can guide us in our daily lives. Spiritual Renewal and Refreshment Just as rain brings new life to the earth, seek spiritual renewal through God's Word and presence, allowing His righteousness to flourish in your life. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Samuel 23:4?2. How does 2 Samuel 23:4 illustrate the qualities of a righteous leader? 3. What does "like the light of morning" symbolize in a believer's life? 4. How can we apply "cloudless morning" to our daily spiritual walk? 5. Connect 2 Samuel 23:4 with Jesus' teachings on light in Matthew 5:14-16. 6. How can we reflect God's light in our communities as described in this verse? 7. How does 2 Samuel 23:4 illustrate the ideal qualities of a righteous leader? 8. What historical context surrounds the writing of 2 Samuel 23:4? 9. How does 2 Samuel 23:4 reflect God's covenant with David? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Samuel 23? (4) A morning without clouds.--This description of the blessings of the ideally perfect government is closely connected with the Divine promise made through Nathan (2 Samuel 7). David recognises that the ruler of God's people must be just, and here, as in Psalms 72, the highest blessings are depicted as flowing from such a government. David knew far too much of the evil of his own heart and of the troubles in his household to suppose that his ideal could be perfectly realised in any other of his descendants than in Him who should "crush the serpent's head "and win the victory over the powers of evil. The sense of the verse will be made clearer by the following translation: "And as the light of the morning when the sun ariseth, a morning without clouds; as by means of sunlight and by means of rain the tender grass grows from the earth:--is not my house so with God?"2 Samuel 23:4 paints a fourfold portrait of the righteous ruler: He dispels darkness like sunrise, reigns with unclouded faithfulness, refreshes with life-giving rain, and nurtures abundant growth. David’s ideal cannot find complete expression in any merely human monarch; it blossoms fully in Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, ever-consistent Sovereign, Fountain of living water, and Lord who causes His people to flourish. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew is like the lightוּכְא֥וֹר (ū·ḵə·’ō·wr) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-k | Noun - common singular construct Strong's 216: Illumination, luminary of the morning בֹּ֖קֶר (bō·qer) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1242: Dawn, morning at sunrise שָׁ֑מֶשׁ (šā·meš) Noun - common singular Strong's 8121: The sun, the east, a ray, a notched battlement of a cloudless לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no dawn, בֹּ֚קֶר (bō·qer) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1242: Dawn, morning the glistening מִנֹּ֥גַהּ (min·nō·ḡah) Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5051: Brilliancy after the rain מִמָּטָ֖ר (mim·mā·ṭār) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4306: Rain on the sprouting grass דֶּ֥שֶׁא (de·še) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1877: A sprout, grass of the earth.’ מֵאָֽרֶץ׃ (mê·’ā·reṣ) Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 776: Earth, land Additonal Resources 2 Samuel 23:4 Blue Letter Bible2 Samuel 23:4 Bible Gateway 2 Samuel 23:4 Bible.com 2 Samuel 23:4 NIV |
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