Then David did so, just as the Lord commanded him, and struck down the Philistines from Geba as far as Gezer. (verse 25)
Message: The Lord Establishes David
Time: Second Samuel is set in the land of Israel during the reign of David and follows the course of his forty years as king of Israel (1011–971 BC). It chronicles the establishment of the Davidic dynasty and the expansion of Israel under God’s chosen leader.
What the Lord is Saying: In the first part of this chapter, David is anointed king over Israel, and eventually moves into Jerusalem, the major place of strong hold for his reign as King for 40 years.
This section begins with Hiram king of Tyre, obviously someone who loved and feared God and he sends to David material and help to build David a house. With this and so much more, "David realized that the Lord had established him king over Israel." God does so much in our lives continually, providing for us and granting us gifts that of things that we need and can use. With these gifts, we see his work in our lives. And we can be thankful to God then and realize that God is indeed at work in our lives.
Then it says "David took more concubines and wives." Not sure if this is the right thing for him to do. Deuteronomy 17:17 says, "Neither shall he multiply wives for himself." God's intent is not for us to have multiple wives but David perhaps went along with the kings of this day. Yet, despite all that he had, he continued to covet others. I have this tendency to acquire things thinking they will make things better and often it makes things worse. I must be careful about my own self-gratification and then thinking that this is the way it should always be and that I need more and more always.
In verse 17, "The Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel." Verses 11-16 had been a sort of general statement of David but now in verse 17 the narrative moves back to detailing events in their order and here it begins with the Philistines. These Philistines continue to be a problem in the area. As David heard of this he went down to his safe place to get his army ready. As the Philistines come, David consults the Lord, "Shall I go up against the Philistines?" David asks God if he should go and God confirms he will go before Him.
I ask for God's will in my life to know how God will go before me and provide for me in those future days. It is not always the right time because I think that it is. God is not their chiefly to fulfill my desires. I am to seek Him in all things.
Thus, David went to Baal-perazim and defeated the Philistines. The Philistines idols become a spoil for David and his men. They brought their idols with them to battle. Next up is the valley of Rephaim and it is here that David is told by the Lord to "circle around them." And David just as the Lord had directed him.
Summary: David is established as King over Israel. He takes many wives though and many children, so not of it is good. He looks to God first before going to battle, for His direction.
Promise: The Lord will be faithful to us even though we are often unfaithful.
Prayer: God, you are the faithful one. You ways are always right and true. Forgive me often for devising what I think is right and then asking you often to bless it. But even as I wander and do things that are not honoring to You, You continue to bless me and watch over me and guide my steps. Lord, you are great and mighty and we praise you for your goodness and love. Thank you for establishing men like David and placing them before us to lead us. There are many like him even in my world. You care for me and help me. You are guiding and directing me each day. I want to keep looking to You.
No comments:
Post a Comment