2 Samuel 5:1-10 - Israel Anoints David

2 Samuel 5:1-10

So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them before the Lord at Hebron; they they anointed David king over Israel. (verse 3)

Message: Israel Anoints 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: Ish-bosheth was killed in 2 Samuel 4 by two commanders of Saul's army almost for sport as the men that did it thought David would want that. But David saw this as capital punishment and those men were sentenced to death. With Ish-bosheth now passed, and the people acknowledge David now as their King remembering that the Lord said to him, "You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be a ruler over Israel." And so "King David made a covenant with them...they anointed David king over Israel." 

"David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned 40 years" splitting that reign between Judah for 7 years and in Jerusalem for 33 years over Israel and Judah. 

David takes residence in the stronghold of Zion. "David became greater and greater, for the Lord God of hosts was with him." 

The Lord had first anointed David as king back in I Samuel 16, several years prior. With the death of Saul, David lived in Hebron, anointed as King over Judah. However, Ish-bosheth was given Israel by Abner. Abner has now died, as well as Ish-bosheth and so the people rally behind and around David and declare him as King. The Lord previously anointed him, but now the people are involved in also declaring him as king. The Lord anoints and the people approve. 

David and his men now are to inhabit Jerusalem and make it the central place of power for his kingship. The Jebusites are there in Jerusalem and in fulfillment of a prophecy back in Genesis, David and his men seize the Jebusites and take the reign of Jerusalem.

Summary: David is anointed king over Israel, and eventually moves into Jerusalem, the strong hold for his reign as king for 40 years.

Promise: God’s timing is not our timing but we can continue to pray and trust that his promises will come to pass.

Prayer: Lord God, you are the king overall, but you place leaders in this world. At times some of those leaders don’t end up serving you or making decisions your ways, but they are still there for your glory. I pray that there would be Godly leaders throughout our lands. Help us as your people to remain confident in you, trusting in your mighty hand and your providence. Challenge me to be a leader, at work, at home, with my kids, and even as you call me to at church. Thank you for the friendships you have given me and the encouragement my friends provide me. Keep us focused on glorifying you always.

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