2002-01-01
Good Morning Dear Ones,
I had some second thoughts about whether I would write on 2 SAM 8, the chapter that deals with David’s military victories just before we actually get to the discussion of his relationship with Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth (Saul’s grandson). However, after consulting God in prayer, He leads me to write about it anyway. We should look at the facts of this chapter as proof positive that God, as always, was at work in David’s life (and that of Israel) delivering on His covenant promises. Remember RO 8: 28 and JER 29: 11-13? The story told in 2 SAM 8 is putting them in action! There are also some names in this chapter that I feel compelled to share, because these people made significant contributions in Israel’s history. These military campaigns were going on as the then-deceased Jonathan’s crippled son, Mephibosheth, is growing into manhood.
2 SAM 8: 1, “Some time later King David attacked the Philistines again, defeated them, and ended their control over the land.” Following that he defeated the Moabites, leaving their survivors to become tax-paying subjects of Israel (2). If one looks at a modern map, Moab is in what is now Jordan just east of the Jordan River. David’s next victory was over the Syrian king, Hadadezer son of Rehob, of the state of Zobah. When the Syrians from Damascus came to help Hadadezer, David defeated them too, making them tax-payers to Israel (3-6a). 2 SAM 8: 6b, “The Lord made David victorious everywhere.” These two victories brought chariots, horses, gold, and bronze into Israel as the spoils of war. King Hadadezer had been an enemy of King Toi of Hamath (north of Israel in modern Lebanon) and had fought a number of wars with him. At the news of David’s victory over Hadadezer, King Toi sent his son, Joram, to King David with gifts of gold, silver, and bronze (9-10). What David did with these allows us to know the content of his heart where God is concerned.
2 SAM 8: 11-12, “King David dedicated them for use in worship, along with the silver and gold he took from the nations he had conquered-Edom, Moab, Ammon, Philistia, and Amalek-as well as part of the loot he had taken from Hadadezer.” In addition to greatly expanding Israel’s territory, we see that even with the reception of all this wealth and influence, David didn’t forget God Who was making all of this possible. Because of the divine right given to Israel of the land delineated in GN 15: 18-21, it shouldn’t be lost on us that God’s will was being brought forward in His use of David in keeping His promise which is part of the Abrahamic covenant. We must remember that the land was part of that promise. The Edomites, whose country was just south of Moab to the east of the Jordan River, were the descendants of Esau and had been Israel’s enemies for a very long time. They were responsible for refusing the let the original Jews wandering in the desert cross their territory into the Promised Land [NU 20: 17-21]. That made their route much longer as the Jews had to turn east and come around north of Edom. We can be sure there were left over hard feelings about that.
2 SAM 8: 15-18, “David ruled over all of Israel and made sure that his people were always treated fairly and justly. Joab whose mother was Zeruiah, was the commander of the army, Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was in charge of the records; Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimeleh son of Abiathar were priests; Seraiah was the court secretary; Benaiah son of Jehoiada, was in charge of David’s bodyguards; and Davids son’s were ministers.”
It is with all this background since the original covenant made between David and Saul’s son, Jonathan, that we finally arrive at the part of the story in which Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth, is directly involved. As we carefully examine 2 SAM 9 in tomorrow’s message, we will see just how powerful the faithful execution of one’s covenant promises can benefit the member of a family and how covenant promises transcend generations of the families involved. Our Abba is One Awesome God! He brings us messages in the Scriptures which force us to change our lives from being propelled by human agendas and destructive grudge-holding to conforming to the standards that He sets for them. When this is done, great blessings are forthcoming not only to the individuals directly involved, but also to all believers. Remember the Davidic covenant of 2 SAM 7: 12-13 in which David is promised that his royal line will live on forever? That was the line out of which Jesus Christ, our very own Savior and the King Who would rule in God’s eternal Kingdom would arise. That truth impacts each and every one of us. Had David not demonstrated his faithfulness toward Mephibosheth in the keeping of his covenant with Jonathan, the future of the royal line of David might have been adversely affected. That’s huge! It is why our own keeping of our covenant promises, the little things that may seem so inconsequential right now, has the potential for significant progress in God’s work through us. Where God is concerned, the little things matter.
PRAYER: O Lord, nothing that You have inspired the writers of the Scriptures to include is inconsequential. Because You were with David, he was able to increase Israel’s territory, it’s influence for You over surrounding enemies, its wealth, and its prosperity. David and the people who loved him also loved You. You created David to be a warrior, but a warrior with a heart for You. Instead to taking the material wealth he acquired to create idols and encourage materialism, he took them for use in worshipping You. When Israel vanquished her enemies, David treated them with fairness and justice. He didn’t oppress them or abuse them. What a great difference between the way of terrorists seen in our world today and the way that David approached his fellow man! In his obedience to You, David demonstrated that You could work them him in a way which impacts all of us today. Because he obeyed You, Dear Abba, his royal line was established, the Davidic covenant could go forward, and our Savior could be born. Without Christ, none of us would have had the chance for salvation. Through David’s story, we can see that when we act in accordance with Your will, we will be blessed just as he was. Your love for us is unmatched by any other source. We dedicate ourselves to being Your obedient servants, to trusting You and offering You our loyalty. We adore and worship You. To You belongs our glory and honor. In humility, we offer You our praise and thanks. In Christ’s name, amen.
As mentioned above, tomorrow we will see exactly what happened between David and Mephibosheth. No more waiting and no more teasers, I promise! Bask today and always in the warmth of God’s protection, wise guidance, compassion, patience, and heartfelt love. When we trust and obey Him, He eagerly blesses each of us no matter how unimportant we may think we are. To God, there is not one of His children who doesn’t matter to Him. Peter and I send you our love too.
Grace Be With You Always,
Lynn