2 Samuel 23:3 Meaning and Explanation
“The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God, the Rock of Israel, declares the standard for every ruler: he must govern justly, in the fear of God.
What Does 2 Samuel 23:3 Mean?
David reports the words spoken to him by the God of Israel, here called the Rock, an image of unshakable strength and refuge. The message is a charter for leadership: the one who rules over people must be just, and his justice must be rooted in reverence for God.
No earthly authority is a law unto itself; every ruler answers to a higher King. The fear of God is what keeps power from becoming cruelty. This standard points beyond David and every flawed king to the perfectly righteous Ruler, Christ, who alone governs in flawless justice and reverence toward the Father.
2 Samuel 23:3 in the Original Language
tsur (צוּר), 'Rock' -- a towering crag, a picture of God as steadfast strength and shelter.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Samuel 23:3
What does 2 Samuel 23:3 mean?
God, the Rock of Israel, declares the standard for every ruler: he must govern justly, in the fear of God.