2 Samuel 5:1-12
Previously, we left Saul recovering from the shock of facing his destiny. Meanwhile, the Philistines were putting David and his men out of their ranks as they prepared for battle. After all, it's hard to trust a guy who is known for winning overwhelming victories for your enemy. Unfortunately, by the time David's crew got back to Ziklag, they found that the Amalekites had raided and destroyed it. They took everything living there captive and burned the place down!
David was upset, but his men were livid; there were rumors of stoning David. He had led them away, leaving their loved ones and belongings vulnerable. So, David consulted God, who told him to pursue the Amalekites and he would recover everything. And that is what David did. He started with 600 men and ended up with 400 by the time they caught up with the raiders. They attacked and killed all but 400, who fled, and took back everything that had been taken from them.
At the same time, the Philistines were engaging the rest of the Israelites in battle. Just as the Lord had said, Saul was killed along with three of his sons - including Jonathan. Saul actually killed himself to avoid being killed by the Philistines (and since his servant was too afraid to do it for him). That, however, is not the story that got back to David. An Amalekite (of all people) brought David the news of Saul's and Jonathan's death, but took credit for putting Saul out of his misery. Little did he know, that little white lie would cost him his life.
David mourned Saul's death, composing a song in his honor. Then, he consulted God about what to do next. God instructed him to go back to Hebron in Judah where he would be anointed king. But, Saul's commander, Abner, proclaimed Saul's son Ishbosheth king in Israel. Like any siblings would do, the two groups fought - in their own, Biblical, to the death way. Eventually, Abner switched sides and joined David, David got Michal back, Joab (one of David's men) killed Abner and David cursed Joab for killing Abner.
David's mourning for Abner won over the rest of Israel and Ishbosheth lost his courage. Two men killed him while he was sleeping and went to David bragging about it. So, David had them killed. Now, despite the twisted and unfortunate way it came about, David was able to take his throne over all of Israel. He was 37 years old. He led his army to Jerusalem to reclaim it, and he reigned from a fortress at Zion. He renamed it the City of David and King Hiram of Tyre had a palace built for him there.
In these passages of Scripture, Saul and David both realized their destiny. For one, it was death and defeat; for the other it was victory and kingdom life. The difference was their relationship with God. Both knew God and had served him early on. Saul, however, became disobedient and defiant, doing what he thought was best rather than what God told him to do. As a result, all he had built up under God's grace was taken from him and given to David - a more faithful servant. David was humble and obedient; always consulting God first, before making any big moves. God rewarded his faithfulness by making him king over all of Israel. It took 37 years and three anointings to get there, but he persevered and received his reward.
How do our life stories compare to these? Are we more like Saul, enjoying all that God gives us, but never feeling satisfied and going our own way? Or, are we like David, taking the good with the bad and remaining faithful to God and, patiently, doing his will? I know I struggle with that in some areas of my life. I get caught up in the comforts of this world and hesitate or resist when God tells me to move.
God, please help me to be more like David when it comes to serving you. Help me to serve you completely and consistently. Give me the faith and courage to move outside of my comfort zone as your will demands it. Help me to be obedient, even beyond the constraints of sacrifice. Remind me to seek your will first in all that I do, so I can know that I am on the right path. Thank you, Lord, for your patience and forgiveness thus far. Please continue to love and bless me as I strive to love and bless you with my whole life. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
David was upset, but his men were livid; there were rumors of stoning David. He had led them away, leaving their loved ones and belongings vulnerable. So, David consulted God, who told him to pursue the Amalekites and he would recover everything. And that is what David did. He started with 600 men and ended up with 400 by the time they caught up with the raiders. They attacked and killed all but 400, who fled, and took back everything that had been taken from them.
At the same time, the Philistines were engaging the rest of the Israelites in battle. Just as the Lord had said, Saul was killed along with three of his sons - including Jonathan. Saul actually killed himself to avoid being killed by the Philistines (and since his servant was too afraid to do it for him). That, however, is not the story that got back to David. An Amalekite (of all people) brought David the news of Saul's and Jonathan's death, but took credit for putting Saul out of his misery. Little did he know, that little white lie would cost him his life.
David mourned Saul's death, composing a song in his honor. Then, he consulted God about what to do next. God instructed him to go back to Hebron in Judah where he would be anointed king. But, Saul's commander, Abner, proclaimed Saul's son Ishbosheth king in Israel. Like any siblings would do, the two groups fought - in their own, Biblical, to the death way. Eventually, Abner switched sides and joined David, David got Michal back, Joab (one of David's men) killed Abner and David cursed Joab for killing Abner.
David's mourning for Abner won over the rest of Israel and Ishbosheth lost his courage. Two men killed him while he was sleeping and went to David bragging about it. So, David had them killed. Now, despite the twisted and unfortunate way it came about, David was able to take his throne over all of Israel. He was 37 years old. He led his army to Jerusalem to reclaim it, and he reigned from a fortress at Zion. He renamed it the City of David and King Hiram of Tyre had a palace built for him there.
In these passages of Scripture, Saul and David both realized their destiny. For one, it was death and defeat; for the other it was victory and kingdom life. The difference was their relationship with God. Both knew God and had served him early on. Saul, however, became disobedient and defiant, doing what he thought was best rather than what God told him to do. As a result, all he had built up under God's grace was taken from him and given to David - a more faithful servant. David was humble and obedient; always consulting God first, before making any big moves. God rewarded his faithfulness by making him king over all of Israel. It took 37 years and three anointings to get there, but he persevered and received his reward.
How do our life stories compare to these? Are we more like Saul, enjoying all that God gives us, but never feeling satisfied and going our own way? Or, are we like David, taking the good with the bad and remaining faithful to God and, patiently, doing his will? I know I struggle with that in some areas of my life. I get caught up in the comforts of this world and hesitate or resist when God tells me to move.
God, please help me to be more like David when it comes to serving you. Help me to serve you completely and consistently. Give me the faith and courage to move outside of my comfort zone as your will demands it. Help me to be obedient, even beyond the constraints of sacrifice. Remind me to seek your will first in all that I do, so I can know that I am on the right path. Thank you, Lord, for your patience and forgiveness thus far. Please continue to love and bless me as I strive to love and bless you with my whole life. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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