How would you interpret this scripture in 2 Samuel?

Question

"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.

"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." 2 Samuel 23:3,4

Answer 1

Righteousness Exalts a Nation

AFTER days of rain, what a pleasure it is to wake up and see the sun shining in a cloudless sky! The earth has been refreshed, and now the vegetation can grow luxuriantly. Jehovah God once used such a picture to illustrate the blessings of righteous rule. To King David he said: “When one ruling over mankind is righteous, ruling in the fear of God, then it is as the light of morning, when the sun shines forth, a morning without clouds. From brightness, from rain, there is grass out of the earth.”—2 Samuel 23:3, 4.

God’s words proved true during the righteous rule of David’s son, King Solomon. The Bible reports: “Judah and Israel continued to dwell in security, everyone under his own vine and under his own fig tree, from Dan to Beer-sheba, all the days of Solomon.”—1 Kings 4:25.

Ancient Israel was God’s chosen nation. He gave them his laws and told them that if they obeyed his voice, he would place them “high above all other nations of the earth.” (Deuteronomy 28:1) It was not Israel’s own righteousness but Jehovah’s righteousness that exalted them. The commandments that God gave them were far superior to the laws of the nations around them. As a people, they were just as imperfect as all those nations. Hence, to Jehovah’s superior Law and their strict adherence to it go the credit for their being lifted up above the nations. When they obeyed Jehovah’s laws, they enjoyed his favor and blessing. King Solomon experienced this during his reign. He could say: “Righteousness is what exalts a nation, but,” he warned, “sin is something disgraceful to national groups.”—Proverbs 14:34.

Sadly, through frequent acts of disobedience, the nation of Israel was brought to a low standing. They suffered national disgrace. This eventually led to their permanent rejection in favor of a new spiritual nation.—Matthew 21:43.

Spiritual Israel

At a meeting of the Christian governing body in Jerusalem, James, born a Jew, said under inspiration that God had “turned his attention to the nations to take out of them a people for his name.” (Acts 15:14) The apostle Paul called this new Christian nation “the Israel of God.” (Galatians 6:16) Respecting the purpose of their calling, Peter wrote: “You are ‘a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for special possession, that you should declare abroad the excellencies’ of the one that called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9) As God’s chosen people, they were to shine as illuminators in the world. Jehovah’s righteousness would set them on high.—Philippians 2:15.

The selection of these spiritual Israelites can be compared to diamond mining. When rich diamond-bearing ore is brought to the surface, it may yield only 1 carat (.007 ounce [200 mg]) per 3 tons of earth. A method once used to separate the diamonds involved mixing the ore with water and flowing the mixture over tables of grease. Diamonds are water-repellent, and they stuck to the grease while the unwanted material was washed away. At this stage the diamonds were rough. However, when cut and  polished, they reflected light in all directions.

Like water-repellent diamonds that are no part of the matter around them, Jehovah’s people have been separated from the world. (John 17:16) When first drawn to the light, they may have lacked luster. But Jehovah’s Word and spirit create within them a new personality, and they shine as illuminators in this world. It is because of Jehovah’s righteousness that they are set on high and reflect the glorious light of Kingdom truth in all directions, not because of their own righteousness.

Yet, from the latter part of the first century C.E., apostasy crept into the congregations and affected many. So-called Christians became integrated with the nations of the world and could not be distinguished from the world around them.

Today a faithful remnant of spiritual Israelites have been restored to Jehovah’s favor. They have separated themselves from the world and have cleansed themselves “of every defilement of flesh and spirit.” (2 Corinthians 7:1) Being clean and upright before Jehovah, they uphold his righteousness. This has elevated them to a high position of favor above the nations of the world. Through their zealous preaching of the good news of the Kingdom, a great international crowd has been drawn to Jehovah and has become part of his people.—Revelation 7:9, 10.

The World Can See the Difference

Worldly authorities at times praise the conduct of God’s servants. Some time ago, the chief security officer of the Pretoria Show Grounds, South Africa, commented on the behavior of Jehovah’s Witnesses, from all races, who use those facilities for their annual conventions. Among other things, he wrote: “Everyone was and is courteous, people speaking nicely to one another, the attitude displayed the past few days—it all testifies to the calibre of the members of your society, and that all live together like one happy family.”

Jehovah’s people can contribute to the righteousness of his nation not only at such large gatherings but also in their private lives. For example, the South Africa branch of the Watch Tower Society received a letter from a lady in Johannesburg, saying: “Last week I drove away with my purse on top of my car. It fell off in Jan Smuts Avenue and was picked up together with all its contents by a member of your congregation, Mr. R—, who phoned and returned it to me. . . . I very much appreciate this honesty which has become a rare commodity in present times and commend your congregation for setting down the principles which your members adhere to.”

Yes, by adhering to Jehovah’s righteous principles, his people are made to stand out as different from the world. Because these exhibit Jehovah’s righteousness, honesthearted ones are drawn to the Christian congregation. It is natural to be attracted to something clean and pure. For example, a stranger once came to a meeting of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Zurich, Switzerland, and said that he wanted to become a member of the congregation. He explained that his sister had been disfellowshipped for immorality and added that he wanted to join an organization that “does not tolerate bad conduct.” Even the New Catholic Encyclopedia acknowledges that Jehovah’s Witnesses are known as “one of the best-behaved groups in the world.”

While righteousness uplifts, sin can bring disgrace upon one’s good name, especially if serious wrongdoing becomes known in the community. The Christian congregation at times has to bear the shame heaped upon it when individual members commit gross sin. Understandably, the faithful members of the congregation can defend the good name of the congregation by showing that the wrongdoer has been disciplined in a merciful way, that is, in harmony with Scriptural principles. If someone practices sin and will not repent, he will be excluded from the congregation—disfellowshipped.—1 Corinthians 5:9-13.