In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. And the Lord said to you, ‘You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over Israel.’ (2 Samuel 5:2 ESV)
All of the tribes of Israel tell David that they know that the LORD wanted David as the king over Israel. Why, then, did they not all align with David when Saul was trying to kill him? This floors me. What were these people thinking? In modern day times, I think about 1 Cor 1:11-13 where Paul was exhorting the church because of their division. Some followed Paul, some Apollos, some Jesus. We must all follow Christ in our walk. If we “align” ourselves to Paul or Peter or the Pope or John Piper, we have committed the same sin. This would be the same worshiping false idols. All of these people had (and continue to have) things to teach us and words of wisdom. However, we must always validate what we hear based on the Scriptures. The Scriptures are the Word of God. They are infallible and will tell us everything we truly need to know. Above all else, however, we must follow Christ in our daily life.
And David became greater and greater, for the Lord, the God of hosts, was with him. (2 Samuel 5:10 ESV)
David became greater because the LORD was with him. It had nothing to do with his popularity, the army he had amassed, the land he had conquered, etc. The only reason David was becoming greater and greater was because the LORD was with him and allowed it. Just like David, the LORD walks with me and cares for me. My purpose is probably not to regain control of Israel and become the king of Israel but my purpose is to help reach other people in the Austin/Pflugerville/Hutto area. The only thing that will be greater and greater about is the number of people I should have a positive impact on in my life. Nothing about me, personally, will be greater — only the glorification of God.
Once again, David’s character shines through. He realizes (I assume from the LORD) that Rechab and Baanah had murdered Ish-bosheth in his own bed. David knows that the LORD would not be pleased with this sort of activity. He knows that the LORD does not instruct people to murder others in cold blood. The Word does say an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth as far as discipline and punishment for one’s crime, but Ish-bosheth had committed no crime against the LORD that required this sort of punishment. David commanded his men to repay the two sons of Rimmon by killing them. David does not lay a hand on them, however.
Who is wicked and who is righteous? God’s Word is clear — I am not to judge. However, I do have to discern. The LORD will make things clear to me but I also have to strengthen my relationship with the LORD in order to have clear communication with Him. He will help me to know what role I should play in other’s lives. Whether they are good or evil should not matter to me. In fact, all are evil and sinners in the eyes of the LORD. It is only His grace that allows us to be anything but evil.
In 2 Samuel 3:9, Abner states that the LORD may do to him as he pleases if he does not help David accomplish the things the LORD has sworn to him. What is interesting is the fact that Abner knew that the LORD had promised Israel to David yet he was fighting against him. Why, all of the sudden, did he come to this conclusion? Ish-bosheth calling him out for being with one of Saul’s concubines certainly wasn’t the pivotal moment. Was the LORD working in Abner at this time or was Abner working against the LORD the entire time?
Likewise, I am working against the LORD in His plans or am I aligning myself? God gives us commands to share the gospel with others, to love one another, to care for others, to watch over each other. Am I doing these things? Do I tend to worry about myself and my close family/friends only? God’s Word does tell me that I will be held accountable for my family and for the decisions I make in bringing them up in the ways of the LORD; however, I am also instructed to care for others and support others. This is God’s plan. God is not about me living a quiet life with my family and not having fellowship with others or helping others find Christ in their own walk.
After Joab murders Abner, David’s reaction is amazing. He is remorseful for Abner because this man has just been murdered, in cold blood, by Joab. David does not take action against Joab (I assume for political reasons) but he makes it very clear that he had no part of this and he mourned greatly for the loss of Abner. I wonder how Joab had to feel about all of this. Joab seemed to be one of David’s key generals (for lack of a better title). Now, David is mourning the death of the man that killed Joab’s brother. Also, David and the people of Israel are singing a song that calls Joab wicked and a murder. That had to be extremely difficult to Joab.
While I am not murdering anyone, I wonder if I am like Joab insomuch that I have a certain level of power or authority yet I do not use it for the right purposes, but instead for wrong. Does this position I have cause me to sin more against my LORD? If I didn’t manage people but only worked as an individual contributor, would I still have the same witness to others? I think the answer is yes. My witness is weak because I am dark — not because of my position. My position allows me to influence others more frequently. If my actions are not of God’s will and wisdom there is no telling what people will see or believe. I have to make sure I am focused on showing others Christ in my life.
Once again, David demonstrates to us how to live our lives. He prays to the LORD for guidance in all things. He doesn’t go into any cities of Judah until the LORD tells him to go. Even then, he asks the LORD for guidance on the city where he should travel. I have much to learn from this model. Even though I am trying, I still struggle greatly living by the LORD’s wisdom and not my own. Too often, I find myself not praying through a situation but trying to solve it myself.
The battle at Gideon is bizarre to me, outside of historical value. I don’t understand the culture of the time, but why would they “battle” this way? If nothing else, why not have the two kings battle it out individually?
I feel convicted again to remember that my character is key in the story of God’s glory. If others see me as someone who lives separated from Christ, why would my life impact them? If they view me as someone who doesn’t live inspired, what testimony do I have to them? I have to have major life change around my witness to others. I have to remember that I may be the only Jesus a person ever sees. That is a very frightening thought.
Father God, you have a clear plan for me. I know that in my darkness, I seemingly fight that plan all of the time. LORD, I want to live my life for Your glory and for the name of Jesus Christ. I can’t do that on my own. I have to have you change me from the inside. I want my witness to be convicting to others. I want others to wonder why I have changed so that I can share with them the gospel of Jesus Christ, my savior. I thank you for all of your blessings and protection. I know that you love me more than I can fathom so I pray, LORD, that you would change me to be a living witness to other’s of your majesty. I pray this in Your Son’s holy name, Jesus Christ. Amen.
David took very seriously the fact that the LORD had anointed Saul as king over Israel. When this messenger, an Amalekite, told David that he personally had helped Saul to die, David had this man killed. He said that his own lips testified to the fact that he had killed the LORD’s anointed. This strikes me with respect to my treatment of God’s elect. In modern society, we talk about discrimination and treating each other equally. On many levels, I agree. However, it is important to note that the Bible does instruct us to teach Christian’s different than others. We are supposed to love everyone and treat everyone with respect. We are to hold our Christian brother’s to a different standard and expectation. Again, I am reminded of my witness. Why don’t other Christian brothers at work help me to stay true to my confessions of faith? Why don’t I help others?
The song that David chanted also struck me as interesting. While he mentioned Saul, it seems to have an emphasis around Jonathan and David’s love for him. Obviously, Jonathan had helped David but these two had a bonding of spirits (1 Samuel 18:1-4). Is my spirit (or my soul) bound to anyone? My wife and children certainly have a bind to my soul but what about others? Do I know love enough to really reach out and share with others? I am (supposed to be) praying through an accountability partner right now. In fact, I went over to his house today for a 4th of July get-together. I am really struggling on the accountability front. I know I need it and I think I want it, but as soon as I get it, I will probably not like it (follow all of that??). God has given us the story of Jonathan and David as an example of two people that truly loved each other — they would lay their life down for one another. Am I willing to do that for anyone but my family?