Reading: II Samuel 6-9
And David gat him a name when he returned from smiting of the Syrians in the valley of salt, being eighteen thousand men. And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put he garrisons, and all they of Edom became David’s servants. And the Lord preserved David whithersoever he went. And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment and justice unto all his people.(II Sam. 8:13-15).
Chapter 8 of the Book of II Samuel offers us our first in-depth look at the extent of David’s power and military might. Unlike the surrounding chapters, which provide insight into David’s character and utter devotion to God, this chapter focuses on chronicling the military victories of Israel under the command of God’s true anointed king.
In the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates: The Kenites, and the Kenizzites, and the Kadmonites, And the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaims, And the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Girgashites, and the Jebusites (Gen. 15:18-21). God called David to be king over all of Israel, and David took that calling with the utmost seriousness. When he first ascended to the throne, much of the land which God had claimed was still under foreign control. Bit by bit, battle by battle, David worked to restore to Israel that which by right belonged to God. The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land is mine; for ye are strangers and sojourners with me (Lev. 25:23).
Now therefore so shalt thou say unto My servant David, Thus saith the Lord of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over My people, over Israel: And I was with thee whithersoever thou wentest, and have cut off all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made thee a great name, like unto the name of the great men that are in the earth. Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime (II Sam. 7:8-10). It is important for us to remember when reading this chapter that David did not enter into these battles seeking personal gain or recognition. He was in no way attempting to glorify either himself or the nation of Israel; his entire focus was on following the directives of God. Because of this heartfelt obedience, the Lord preserved David whithersoever he went.
David’s victories are recorded here to draw our attention to the faithfulness of God. They are here to remind us that with God, nothing is impossible, no matter how difficult or unlikely it may seem from a human standpoint. Finally, they are listed here to give us the courage to seek our own victories in Christ. David stood before the world, unashamed and with absolutely no doubt in his heart, and claimed the promises of God. God’s power then flowed through him for all the world to see. And David reigned over all Israel; and David executed judgment and justice unto all his people (8:15).
For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God(I John 5:4-5)?
Thought for Today: Biblical heroes are not those who accomplish great deeds; they are those who most clearly reflect the glory of God.
Christ Revealed: By the Ark of the Covenant, which they . . . set . . . in the midst of the Tabernacle (II Sam. 6:17). The Ark contained the Ten Commandments, given to Moses (Deut. 10:1-5). Christ is the Living Word (John 1:1) and dwells within those of us who are the Temple of God (I Cor. 3:16) – Christ in you, the hope of glory (Col. 1:27).
Word Studies: 6:7 error = fault committed through negligence; 6:14 linen ephod = priestly, linen garment; 6:19 dealt = distributed; 6:21 play = celebrate, show my joy; 7:8 sheepcote = pastureland; 7:9 cut off = destroyed, eliminated.
Pray For:Bible Pathway Printer: Pollock Printing, Nashville, TN • Government Officials: Rep. Jim Costa (CA), Sen. Robert P. Casey, Jr. (PA) • Country: Korea, North (24,720,407) Eastern Asia • Major Language: Korean • Government sponsored religious groups exist to provide illusion of religious freedom. Traditionally Buddhist & Confucianist some Christian and syncretic Chondogyo • Prayer Suggestion: Pray in faith, without doubting (James 1:6).
Optional Reading:Acts 14