23:1 last words. That is, his last poem. See 1 Kin. 2:1–10 for David’s final instructions to Solomon.

oracle. Or “utterance.” The Hebrew word is often, though not exclusively, associated with prophecy (e.g., 1 Sam. 2:30; 2 Kin. 9:26), an association not inappropriate for David (v. 2 and note; Acts 2:30).

the sweet psalmist of Israel. Another translation of the Hebrew is ‘‘the beloved of Israel’s Protector.”