Structure:
(BKC)
v.1 There is a noticeable progress from the humble son of a Bethlehemite commoner to the poetically gifted king of Israel, a development which David attributed to his having been chosen and anointed by the Lord.
v.2-4 His consciousness of being God’s instrument is clear from the second stanza (vv. 2–4), in which he acknowledged that God had spoken to him (v. 3) and through him (v. 2) to the nation, enabling him to rule righteously in the reverential fear of God
v.5-7 In the third stanza (vv. 5–7) David centered on the Davidic Covenant, by which God chose and blessed him. God had made an everlasting commitment with him and his dynasty (my house), a covenant that guaranteed his ultimate well-being... In contrast, evil men, like so many thorns, will be cast aside to be consumed by the judgment of God... (EBC) Encouraged by the possibilities for righteous leadership implied in the Lord’s words, David speaks positively of his “house”...After rejoicing in the fact that in every detail the Lord’s covenant with him is “arranged” ...and “secured”..., David expresses his assurance that God will bring his “salvation” to fruition...and grant him his “every desire”
(EBC)
A. David speaks in the third person about himself (23:1b–e).
B. David speaks in the first person (23:2–3ab).
C. The Lord speaks (23:3cd–4).
B′. David speaks in the first person (23:5).
A′. David speaks in the third person about evil men (23:6–7).
By nestling the divine description of the ideal king in the middle of the poem, David’s “last words” give God the central—and therefore the final—word.
Ob and In:
1. repeated word=spoke x4 in v.2-3a
2 The LORD’s spirit spoke through me;
his word was on my tongue.
3 The God of Israel spoke,
the protector of Israel spoke to me.
(EBC) David’s use of the phrase “spoke through” represents a clear claim to divine inspiration... David is conscious of the fact that the “word” of the Lord was on his “tongue” ...and that the mighty “Rock of Israel” had spoken to him.
2. repeated phrase=the one who rules x2 in v.3b
v.3b The one who rules fairly among men,
the one who rules in the fear of God
(EBC) Thus he who rules in the fear of God rules “in righteousness”—literally, “as a righteous one” , an epithet that has clear messianic connotations ...The first half compares the rule of the righteous king to the benefits of sunlight, the second half to the fertilizing effects of rain...That a king should be compared to the sun, which was originally created to “govern” the day...As the fructifying influence of rain helps the grass to grow, so also the benevolent rule of a righteous king causes his people to flourish.
Summary and reflection: A humble shepherd was anointed to be the king of Israel, David knew very well that it was done by God. He was also conscious God spoke to him and through him. He presented what a ideal king looks like-righteous and being fear of God. Doing so would bring great benefit to his people (being governed and enjoying the benefits to flourish). His family was standing in the position to do so by the forever covenant by God. Given that the covenant was forever, David was sure that God would take care of his other needs.
Is God the center of my life? Do I attribute to God for my position/ability/gift?
Do I do it in the manner that please God and bring good influence to other people? Do I bring light and rain to others?
If God gave me a greater blessing (salvation) then I shall not be worry that He will not take care of my other smaller needs.
Comments