David's "Last Words"

2 Samuel 23
         The first verse says that these are David's last words.  What does that mean?  It might mean that this is some sort of formal statement of David's, a sort of pre-recorded, official statement--similar to someone who might write his/her own obituary.  It might actually be David's last words, even though he will speak again in this book and the next.  (I think it bears remembering that ancient authors didn't feel the same wooden obligation to exact chronology as modern ones often do.)  I tend to think it's more of the first one, sort of David's valediction over his career.  I say that because of the way that he asserts, 'Is not my house right with God" (v. 5)?  That seems to be like saying, "Well, God kept His promises.  I reigned for a long time and, even though there were some doubtful moments, He saw it through."
          After the Bathsheba incident, Absalom's revolt, Sheba's revolt, and all the trouble it brought, the mature David honors God's choice of him and even 'brags' a little about his own success.  That sort of valediction is only possible in hindsight.  There are those moments when the Lord allows the road of our life to rise a little that we might get a glimpse of where we have been.  It's in those moments that faith is able to trace out a line and say, "Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come; His grace has brought me safe thus far, His grace will lead me home!"