The Kingdom Strongly Established

II Samuel 2:4-7; 5:1-10

GOLDEN TEXT: “They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth forever.”—Psalm 125:1

DAVID was in his 30th year at the time of Saul’s death. During the ten preceding years he had led a varied life. Banished from Saul’s court through envy, hunted by the king as a wild beast, David’s experiences were far from what would have been considered ideal. Classed as a brigand by Saul’s government and looked upon with distrust by the majority of the people who would know little about him except that while once high in the king’s favor, having been the king’s general, he was now in disfavor, it would be difficult for some to consider him otherwise than with suspicion. Some failing to consider that God appointed the rulers of Israel, might think David a usurper seeking personal profit at his master’s expense.

In fact, we find that even in the demoralized condition of things following the death of Saul and his three sons in the disastrous battle on mount Gilboa, the eleven tribes promptly rallied to the support of Saul’s fourth son, Ishbo-sheth, and apparently did not even consider David as a successor to Saul. David and his band of six hundred men had been making their home at Ziklag in the western part of Judah. When he heard of the death of Saul, instead of determining what he should do according to his own judgment, he inquired of the Lord. It seems remarkable that a young man, driven from home, an exile, hunted as a bandit, and cut off from all the refining influences of life, should retain his reverence for the Lord to such a degree. How many Christians with every favorable condition, with Bibles and Bible helps at hand, manifest a much less loyal disposition! How frequently the Lord and His will are forgotten, while self decides and directs.

In David’s course in this emergency we see evidence of his real heart devotion to God, which was so acceptable that he is given that high commendation, “a man after mine [God’s] own heart.” (Acts 13:22; I Sam. 13:14) And so today, it may be considered an evidence of quite thorough submission to the Lord and development in grace to find a Christian earnestly seeking to know the will of the Lord in all the important undertakings of his life. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”—Prov. 3:5,6

David’s first inquiry at this decisive moment in his life was, “Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?” The answer was favorable. The next question was, “To what city?” He was directed to Hebron. David was not without confidence in his own tribe, but his assurance was in divine wisdom and power. He recognized that the Lord was directing him, and that it was only a question of time when the Lord would point out the next step. He recognized it to be his duty to wait on the Lord and not attempt to grasp, to take hastily the things which were his by promise. He had been waiting for more than ten years. He could still afford to wait patiently on the Lord.

How important a lesson for the antitypical David—the Beloved—the Christ. The apostle testifies to this respecting our Lord Jesus, that He thought the Kingdom not a thing to be grasped or usurped. He waited the Father’s time, and meanwhile humbled Himself in harmony with the Father’s will and gave evidence that He delighted to do that will at any cost. This faithful and patient waiting was very pleasing to God in the Heir of all things who was to be highly exalted. Similarly we, His followers and members, are to remember the Prophet David’s words, “Wait, I say, on the Lord.” (Psa. 27:14) Some of us have learned by experience that to attempt to go before the Lord in any matter is dangerous.

David was accepted and anointed by his own tribe, Judah, and reigned over them in Hebron for seven years and six months. (II Sam. 5:5) Quite probably King David expected after his recognition by Judah that the other tribes would quickly rally to his banner also. Nevertheless, we are not informed that he made any move to accomplish this. He continued to wait on the Lord.

In considering this period of civil war and how one section of the Lord’s typical people sought to injure the other, we are reminded of spiritual Israel and the fact that brethren in it sometimes become so estranged and so out of the leading of the Lord’s providence that they also become antagonists to each other. Let us resolve that however others may fight, the weapons of our warfare shall not be carnal and that our battling shall not be against those who are the Lord’s by covenant, but against the great adversary.

Carnal weapons are not merely guns and swords—but more injurious and death-dealing is the tongue when used to slander and wound. God forbid that our tongues, wherewith we praise God, should work injury to any man, particularly to any of the household of faith.

Ultimately King Ishboseth and his general, Abner, were both foully murdered, and we carefully note that David had no complicity in the matter. Their death opened the way for the people of Israel to perceive that God’s favor was with David, that he was indeed the Lord’s choice and he was anointed king of the united nation.

QUESTIONS:

Why was David the rightful king of Israel rather than Saul’s son?

What important characteristic of David was displayed while he was waiting for the Israelites to recognize him as king?

What lessons may Christians learn from David’s example?

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