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May 1
The Bible reading for today is in 2 Samuel 5:1-10 and 1 Chronicles 11 and 12.
We notice an overlapping in the record of historical events in our Bible reading from time to time. For instance, our 1 Chronicles reading recently and today’s 2 Samuel reading mirror one another.
They both create a miniature history of David’s rule and reign as King in Israel. Reading both of them side by side will give us more interesting detail of God’s working in that particular 40-year span.
Now Into the text...“Then” all the tribes of Israel came to Hebron of Judah...and the elders anointed David the next King in Israel.”
Before now, there was only one tribe that recognized David as king...and that was Judah. The other tribes recognized Ishbosheth, son of Saul.
Ishbosheth was murdered and “then” the leaders of the other tribes turned to David.
Do you see the self-incrimination in the decisions of the leaders of Israel? Their spiritual discernment, it seems, was next to nothing. Apparently they didn't recognize God at work upon, in, and through the godly young man, David.
Where were they? 22 years before? When the Prophet/Judge Samuel anointed the 15-year-old champion to be king in Israel after Saul? Where were they? Those following five years? when God used David to serve the king and the people so faithfully as a valiant warrior for Israel?
Wherever the leaders were, they weren't “looking” for God’s activity...that’s for sure.
So...they chose Ishbosheth to be their king and not the One that God chose. It’s sad that the tribes only turned to David after their “first” choice was taken away. It’s also sad that Ishbosheth didn't learn discernment from his older brother, Jonathon. If he had, he would have given David his royal robe and sword... just like Jonathon did.
Back to the text...David was 15 when God commissioned Samuel to anoint him, king, in Israel. David was thirty when he began his 40-year reign.
God spent 15 years preparing young David for his ministry as king in Israel. Sound like a long internship? How about Moses’ 40 years in the Midian desert?...How about Joshua’s 40 years in the wilderness of Sinai?
A call to leadership is a call to preparation. James was inspired to write the church to be patient...he said if we give patience her perfect work, we will not lack any good thing. And do you know what David’s first exploit as new king over all of Israel was? It was to “Take back” Jerusalem from the arrogant bullying Jebusites. And make that citadel...that impregnable city on a hill the new capital of the restored nation.
The Jebusites mocked David. They yelled down from the fortress ramparts...” you are so weak, our blind and lame could beat you back.” And God gave David an idea...the army would get inside the tall walls through the water conduit underneath the stronghold of Zion. David’s God...strong and smart...what was His Name...Adonai...Lord Jesus! Praise His name...right along with David.
Have a great day
