David

Samuel anointed David to replace Saul as king, which eventually led to the division of Israel.

TODAY’S READING: 2 SAMUEL 5

So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel. — 2 Samuel 5:3 ESV

Today we meet the man after God’s own heart, King David.

In 2 Samuel 5, David experienced the fulfillment of God’s plan for him to take his rightful place as King of Israel.

Let’s pause and reflect on what a momentous day this was. Fifteen years had passed since Samuel anointed David as the future king (1 Samuel 16:6–13). David spent many of those years running for his life from King Saul, probably wondering if he would ever serve as Israel’s King.

After the tragic death of Saul and Jonathan, it was time for David to take the throne.

There’s something rather remarkable about David that provides further evidence for why God chose David to be the people’s next king. Rather than celebrate Saul’s epic failures and his horrific death, David mourned (2 Samuel 1:11–12). And in that mourning, David composed a beautiful lament to honor both Saul and Jonathan, revealing his most tender, forgiving, beautiful heart.

Read David’s lament in 2 Samuel 1:17–27.

1 What led David to respond this way to Saul’s death; to focus on the good and to love rather than speak words of hatred and bitterness? What distinguished David’s heart from Saul’s? (1 Samuel 13:13–14)

2 Read the following passages and share what it means to have a heart like God: Psalm 51 (written by David after Nathan confronted him about his adultery with Bathsheba), Psalm 34:1–3 (written by David), 2 Samuel 21:1, 2 Kings 23:23–25, 2 Chronicles 16:9, John 14:15, and Acts 13:22.

3 What instruction did God give to Samuel as he chose the king to follow Saul? (1 Samuel 16:7)

Initially, David only ruled over part of Israel, the house of Judah, because the commander of Saul’s army made Saul’s son, Ish-bosheth, king over Israel. His reign lasted seven years. Over those years, David grew stronger as Saul’s son grew weaker and weaker.

In time, and after much strife and battle, the tribes of Israel turned to David and agreed he should be king. At that time, all 12 tribes were united again, as they were under Saul. Samuel tells us David was 30 years old when he took the throne.

4 Who else was 30 years old when He began His ministry? Read Luke 3:23.

5 Read 1 Chronicles 12:23–39 to get a wonderful picture of this monumental day in Israel’s history. Does this remind you of another coronation day and great feast that is yet to come? (Isaiah 25:6–9)

One of my favorite parts of David’s story is how this young shepherd boy, overlooked and rejected by so many, was chosen and appointed by God to be the earthly king who would lead His people.

Rejection is hard, but it doesn’t have to destroy us.

When we place our longings and desires fully in God’s hands, rejection is actually a gift. God uses it to shape us into the women and men He created us to be. David’s journey from shepherd boy to reigning king provides powerful truths and promises we can cling to today and every day.

King David reminds us that God alone provides the security we so desperately long for. He offers it to those who seek refuge in Him:

For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights. — 2 Samuel 22:32–34

This journey through Joshua, Judges, and 1 and 2 Samuel, though hard to read at times, should bring us great encouragement about the character of our God.

Through these stories, we experience God’s unconditional love, unending patience, and abiding faithfulness to watch over and protect His people. Yes, He exacted punishment and issued consequences. But, in the end, God brought His people into their promised inheritance, into a place of safety, security, and rest, and gave them a good king to lead them.

God will do the very same for us today because our God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is still loving, patient, faithful and trustworthy. We can make the journey so much easier when we walk closely with Jesus, aligning our hearts, our longings, and our dreams with His. When we walk in the fullness of His love, mercy and grace.

Take a few minutes to sit with the truths and promises shared in the right column. Let them soak into your heart and mind. Remember they are from the heart of the God who created you, formed and shaped you, and has your name engraved on the palm of His hand.

God is faithful. God is sovereign.

Nothing can thwart His plans.

His plans are always good, even when you cannot see it.

God will never leave you or turn His back on you.

 

Are you walking in a valley or wandering in the wilderness, wondering what God is doing or if He even hears or sees you? Join me in declaring those truths and promises over your circumstances today.

God, thank You that You are sovereign

over the circumstances I am walking through. Thank You for David’s story that shows me nothing can ever thwart Your plans. You are a faithful God. Your plans are always good, even though I cannot always see it. I take comfort in knowing You will not leave me or forsake me. I find my security in You and You alone because You are trustworthy. I commit in this moment to trust You and love You with my whole heart. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Excerpted with permission from 40 Days Through the Bible by Lysa TerKeurst and the Proverbs 31 Ministries Team, copyright Lysa TerKeurst and the Proverbs 31 Ministries Team.

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Your Turn

God sees you. He cares for you. Nothing that happens or doesn't happen can prevent His good plans for you from coming to fruition. Trust in Him! ~ Laurie McClure, Faith.Full