David

A common goal

“Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity” (Psalm 133:1). The best example I can think of for brethren dwelling together in unity is the United States. Although some people may think the men who designed our government were brilliant, I believe they had divine inspiration and may have even used Psalm 133:1 as a guide for our country.

Initially, the United States was intended to be a Christian nation. Our pledge of allegiance stated that we were to be one nation under God. The interesting thing about our country is that it is unique in the world. No other country has been able to replicate the way we govern ourselves as independent states with a common federal system linking them together.

The nation of Israel under David’s leadership became a type of United States in that each of the clans or tribes of Israel lived in their own territories and acted independently of each other, but under David’s reign they united and followed him with one heart (1 Chronicles 12:38).

One of the characteristics of unity that is sometimes overlooked or taken for granted is the absence of conflict. The United States’ Civil War was a bloody battle that threatened to split our country in two. Since that time, there have been no such wars within our borders. It is definitely good and pleasant to live in peace, but very difficult to maintain it when there are varying opinions about what is acceptable.

There is more to unity than living within the same borders or the absence of conflict. I believe there is an element of unity that has to do with shared or common goals. You might call it the tie that binds because it is this element that keeps things together and makes it possible for conflicts to be resolved. The common goal of the tribes of Israel was the removal of foreigners from the Promised Land. Only some areas were secure and free from warfare. David gave the people hope that if they fought together as they had when they first entered the Promised Land, they could overcome all their enemies and live in peace.

David was a valiant warrior and his mighty men were the best of the best at defeating strong enemies. His leadership was the key to success when it came to bringing together men of diverse backgrounds. David had a way of finding the common denominator and was able to communicate his vision in a way that enabled complete unity among the tribes. David’s reign lasted a short 40 years. Although he accomplished many important things during that time, the unification of the tribes was probably the most miraculous.

God’s host

“For at that time day by day there came to David to help him, until it was a great host like the host of God” (1 Chronicles 12:22). The word translated host, machâneh (makh – an – eh´) means an encampment (4264). Machaneh is derived from the Hebrew word chânâh (khaw – naw´) which means specifically to pitch a tent (2583). What 1 Chronicles 12:22 is saying is that David’s host and God’s host were covering the same territory.

God’s host consists of superhuman beings including God and his angels (430). We cannot see God’s host, but they are surrounding us to protect us and assist us in warfare. The significance of David’s host and God’s host covering the same territory was that physical and spiritual warfare could be conducted simultaneously. David was tearing down physical and spiritual strong holds at the same time.

It says in 1 Chronicles 12:38,  “All these men of war that could keep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel; and all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make David king.” A perfect heart is one that has been completely transformed. David’s camp was filled with peace and the men were living in harmony with one another. One way to describe the situation would be heaven on earth, everything was perfect in David’s army.

The supernatural experience of peace that is sometimes felt by believers is a result of God’s presence. As we live our daily lives, we are not always aware of God’s presence, but the evidence that he is among is the peace we feel in our hearts. I believe there was a correlation between the number of men in David’s camp and the number of angels that were surrounding them. Whether it was a one to one correlation or higher, the number of supernatural beings was great enough that all conflict and strife was eliminated. Everyone’s attention was focused on the battle and the defeat of God’s enemies.

The capture of Jerusalem

If there was one event in David’s life that stood out as his greatest moment, it was probably the conquest of Jerusalem. It’s likely that victory over the Jebusites, the people of Jerusalem, was considered impossible because of the strategic location of the city on a rise that was surrounded on three sides by deep valleys.

Jerusalem was the ultimate strong hold or fortress. It had been occupied for approximately 2000 years, since the time of Abraham, and at least two previous attempts to overtake it had failed. After conquering it, David renamed it the city of David (2 Samuel 5:7).

The capture of Jerusalem was probably important to David because he felt God was using him to establish a permanent kingdom on earth. David believed there would be a Messiah and may have known that Jerusalem would be the capitol from which he would rule and reign over his kingdom. Possession of Jerusalem was therefore and integral part of God’s redemptive program for Israel.

It says in 2 Samuel 5:6, “And David went on and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him.” The term LORD God of hosts is used several times by David in his prayers for deliverance from his enemies. Although it is possible the hosts David was referring to were troops under his command, it s likely David was asking for help with spiritual warfare.

There are some battles that take involve both physical and spiritual warfare. Jerusalem was a key city in the Promised Land, but it is also described as a heavenly city. In Revelation 3:12, it says, “I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God.”

When Jacob was fleeing from his brother Esau, it says in Genesis 28:11 that he came to a certain place. “And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it” (Genesis 28:12). The place Jacob came to might have been a portal between the physical and spiritual worlds that enabled him to see what is normally outside of human perception.

One of the unique characteristics of king David was his awareness of the spiritual realm that existed around him. He often spoke to the LORD as if he was standing right next to him. When it says that the LORD God of hosts was with him, I believe it is saying that the LORD God of hosts, super human beings including God and his angels (430), were David’s constant companions.

He walks with you

Speaking of the LORD in Psalm 103, David said, “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12). The word translated transgression, pasha‘ (peh´ – shah) means a revolt, a willful rebellion from a prescribed or agreed upon path (6588). The word removed, nâchaq (naw – khak´) means to widen and is used in reference to distance (7368).

When David said east, he was referring to the point on the eastern horizon where the sunrises and the west, the point where the sun sets. So basically, he was saying that the distance that God removes our transgressions or widens the path for us when we rebel against him is the distance between the two farthest points in our line of sight. In other words, God gives us complete latitude, there is no way we can get off the pathway he has prescribed for us.

Although David emphasized God’s authority when he said in Psalm 103, “The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all” (Psalm 103:19), he attributed God’s mercy with the power to overcome our willful rebellion (Psalm 103:11).

God does not force us down a narrow pathway. He gives us innumerable options to get where he wants us to go. Our free choice determines the how, God’s sovereignty determines the where and/or what we will do in our lives. If it is true that all paths lead to heaven, then why choose Jesus Christ? Because when you choose Jesus, he walks with you on the pathway and carries you when the road gets too tough.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

A turn of events

Everything God does is intentional and produces the expected result. He does not react or get surprised by what happens. As our lives unfold before us, it may seem as if God is constantly course correcting because of our mistakes, but that is not the case. What we perceive as a turn of events is really God exercising his control, showing us that he is able to accomplish a desired outcome with or without our help.

So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to inquire of it; and inquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse. (1 Chronicles 10:13-14)

Begin with the end in mind

Before David became king, he and the prophet Samuel collaborated on the design of the temple that would one day be built in Jerusalem. The temple is often referred to as Solomon’s Temple. Solomon was the son of David that succeeded him as king and was responsible for building the temple. It was a magnificent structure that is thought by some Bible scholars to resemble the throne room of God in Heaven.

Along with the plans for building the structure, David established certain offices to enable the temple to function effectively. One of the offices David established was the porter or gatekeeper. It says in 1 Chronicles 9:22, “All these which were chosen to be porters in the gates were two hundred and twelve. These were reckoned by their genealogy in their villages, whom David and Samuel the seer did ordain in their set offices.”

I believe the reason David established that critical offices would be reckoned to certain families and ordained as a permanent office was to ensure that the temple and its service could be reestablished if the temple was destroyed. Solomon’s Temple was destroyed when king Nebuchadnezzar invaded Israel and deported its inhabitants to Babylon.

The porters were sentries that guarded the gate against attack and therefore, would be the first to be killed if the city were invaded. The men that were assigned to the office of porter cast lots to determine which gate they were assigned to (1 Chronicles 26:13). Some gates were more or less desirable due to the likelihood that an attack would be targeted for that location.

To ordain someone into a set office means that you establish a fixed position for him (530). The word translated set, ’emûnâh (em – oo – naw´) is related to the word ’amân (aw – man´) which means to believe or be faithful (539). Aman is the word used in Genesis 15:6 where it says that Abraham “believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” The link between the two words is permanence. Abraham had a belief that endured in spite of his circumstances and the porter had a position that had to be maintained in spite of any imminent threats or the destruction of the city.

There were four chief porters who “were over the chambers and treasuries of the house of God” (1 Chronicles 9:26). These men were most likely killed when Nebuchadnezzar invaded Israel because it says in 2 Chronicles 36:7 that “Nebuchadnezzar also carried of the vessels of the house of the LORD to Babylon, and put them in his temple at Babylon.” If the chief porters lost their lives in line of duty, then they had the assurance that “the LORD repays the one who demonstrates that he does what God demands” (530).

The Israelites’ captivity was predicted long before the temple was built (Deuteronomy 28:41) and it was known that the people would return also (Deuteronomy 30:3), so David’s plans were made with that in mind. Given that he assigned men to positions that would likely result in death, David had to rely on Samuel for guidance in how to assure that the office of porter would not be left vacant.

In the arrangement for porters, it is noted that one man, Shemaiah had sons that were mighty men of valour. They were able men for strength for the service and they outnumbered the other porters’ families by more than 3 to 1 (1 Chronicles 26:8). It is not clear whether Shemaiah’s descendants were in the population that returned to Jerusalem after the exile. It is possible they were all killed by Nebuchadnezzar’s army and therefore, gave their lives so that others might survive and one day repopulate the city.

This is stupid

If you have ever forgotten to do something you said you would, you can appreciate how difficult it would be to remember a promise for more than 400 years and then fulfill it exactly as you said you would. Imagine if it were not just one promise, but a dozen promises or even a hundred promises, now extend that over not just hundreds of years, but thousands and you can see why God is so awesome and the work he does in our lives so amazing.

David became king of Israel approximately 400 years after they entered the Promised Land. The initial conquests and occupation of the land laid the foundation for what David did 400 years later. It is not only amazing that the Israelites were able to uproot the Canaanites and Philistines, but miraculous that the twelve tribes of Israel became a united kingdom under David’s rule.

Regarding his selection as king, it says in Psalm 78, “He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfold” (Psalm 78:70). God is able to do anything, therefore, his choices are unlimited. When he chooses to do something it is because the thing he chooses to do is the best option for what he wants to accomplish. David is referred to as God’s servant. A servant is someone that is subject to the will and command of his master (5650). God chose David because he knew he would serve him willingly and love him with his whole heart.

The work that God did through David began when Jacob wrestled with God and demanded his blessing. In Psalm 78, it says of God, “For he established a testimony in Jacob…That they might set their hope in God” (Psalm 78:5, 7). The word translated hope, kecel (keh – sel´) means stupidity (3689). Sometimes it might seem like stupidity to put your confidence in God. What God does in an individual life often times does not make sense.

The reason why a lot of what God does seems stupid to us is because God does the impossible. If we could do it ourselves, we wouldn’t need God. If it made sense, then everyone would  be doing it. David wasn’t concerned about doing stupid stuff. He fought Goliath with a slingshot and a few stones. He became Saul’s son-in-law even though he was a peasant. David pretended to be crazy when he was confronted by Achish the king of Gath. Some people may have thought David was a fool…until he became king of Israel.

Unbroken

“And the time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months” (2 Samuel 2:11). The seven and a half years that David reigned in Hebron were filled with conflict. A power struggle between David and Saul’s son Ish-bosheth was fueled by Abner’s refusal to give up his position as captain of Saul’s army. Over time, the conflict took a toll on David and at the low point of his effort to take control of the entire nation, David wrote Psalm 77.

David said, “In the day of my trouble I sought the LORD; my sore ran in the night and ceased not: My soul refused to be comforted. I remembered God, and was troubled. I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah” (Psalm 77:2-3). David was no doubt describing a sleepless night in which he tossed and turned and could not rest. His descriptive words make it clear that he was at a breaking point, unable to reconcile his situation with his vision of becoming king.

Psalm 77 captures a turning point in David’s struggle. After asking the questions, Hath God forgotten to be gracious? and Hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies?, David forces himself to focus on God’s previous track record of delivering his people. David said, “I will remember the works of the LORD: Surely I will remember the wonders of old. I will meditate also of  all thy work, and talk of thy doings” (Psalm 77:11-12).

The things David likely remembered were the plagues God brought on Egypt in order to deliver his people and his parting of the Red Sea when the Israelites were being chased by Pharaoh and his army. God used miracles to draw attention to his deliverance of his people so that his name would become famous throughout the world. David asked the rhetorical question, “Who is so great a God as our God?” as a reminder that nothing was impossible with God.

David’s breaking point became a turning point because he did not forget God’s promise. God’s promises are not like the promises we make. God’s word cannot be broken. Whenever God speaks, it is as if a promise is being made and divine power is released in order accomplish what has been spoken. The creation of the world is the best example of the power in God’s words. “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light” (Genesis 1:3).

What’s the use?

A sign that you have hit the bottom is that you start feeling sorry for yourself. The difference between a believer and non-believer is when a non-believer hits the bottom, he gives up. When a believer hits the bottom, he looks up. David said, “So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee” (Psalm 73:22) when he realized that he had been feeling sorry for himself.

It is not unusual to feel sorry for yourself when everything seems to be going against you. David said in his discouragement, “Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning” (Psalm 73:13-14).

David had seen the wicked prospering and evil men literally getting away with murder. It did not seem fair that David was constantly in trouble and plagued with adversity. David said, “When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end” (Psalm 73:16-17).

What David understood was that the wicked were separated from God. They could only do evil because they had not godly influence in their lives and their only opposition was a conscience that had been numbed to the existence of God. Even though their lives seemed easy, David knew that they were suffering from their sinful behavior and would one day be judged for the wrongs they had committed.

The reason why believers do not give up when they hit the bottom is because God is there waiting for them to look up. When David realized it was foolish for him to feel sorry for himself, he began to focus on the future and what he had to look forward to rather than his present circumstances. What gave him hope was that he would never be alone and would eventually triumph over his greatest enemy, death.

Nevertheless I am continually with thee: Thou has holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. (Psalm 73: 23-24)

A large Family

I was typical in the time David lived for a man to have a large family. Children were considered to be a blessing from God and in particular, sons were a sign of God’s favor. Although it was intended that a man have only one wife, it was customary for men to have multiple wives based on their ability to financially support them. Therefore, the number of wives a man had was an indication of his wealth.

David had at least seven wives and 20+ children. During the first seven years of his reign as king, while he was living in Hebron, he had six wives. After he became king of all Israel and was living in Jerusalem, he married his seventh wife Bath-Shua (1 Chronicles 3:5). It appears that the children born by Bath-Shua became David’s primary family and eventually, one of her sons, Solomon succeeded David as king of Israel.

Solomon, who was probably the richest man to ever live, had 700 wives and 300 concubines. Even though Solomon was capable of supporting all of his wives, it is questionable whether or not he actually loved any of them. As king of Israel, he only needed one heir and could not have spent any considerable amount of time with his children given that there were probably hundreds if not thousands of them.

David’s intention of establishing God’s kingdom on Earth led him to the battlefield where he was extremely successful and obedient in following God’s commands, but his home life was a different story. Somehow, David missed the point when it came to setting a good example in his home. There is only one way to explain his failure as a father. The love he had for God did not translate into loving other people.