2 Samuel 5:1-3
(1) Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, "Behold, we are your bone and flesh.
(2) In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. And the LORD said to you, 'You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over Israel.'"
(3) 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.
This comes right after two men killed one of Saul's heirs. They thought they were doing David a favor, but David had them both executed. However, I notice that he still took over Israel. Frankly, I don't think that there was anyone else known to take it over except Mephibosheth, who was unknown and lame as well.
I don't think there is anything particularly profound about this story other than it struck me how David still took over Israel despite the circumstances. He couldn't very well give it back to anyone, so it was his for the taking. Plus, the people wanted him to be the king. What's even more important is that God wanted for him to be the king.
It seems like there is much that could be written about God's sovereignty here. It also seems that there is much to think about regarding how we react when something evil happens. David seems to take the pragmatic approach here. I'm not sure if that is prescriptive or descriptive.
I'd appreciate any comments anyone would like to offer.
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2 comments:
Yes, it is all about God's sovereignty. We have to accept the fact that God works in mysterious ways and everything is under his control and works for his purposes. No doubt he could have peaceably placed David in power. Today when we have bad things happen in our lives we are expected to see God's hand in it for our good (according to Peter and Paul). Suffering builds perserverance, and faith, and character, and makes us who we need to be. So it was for David. He was mighty king. His entire life was fraught with battle and conflict and loss. But in all of this God raised him up. It is what defined David and it firmly established the nation of Israel. God's power is an awesome tool and we have to accept his purposes in how he uses it as did David.
Thanks Rick. I really appreciate your two cents. Today I read about David's sin with Bathsheba. As part of his punishment God promised that there would always be violence surrounding David's family. Interesting how he has so much violence associated with him.
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