David's Reign
2 Samuel 5; Chronicles 11; 12
Today we will begin a short study of King David. We have just completed a short study in the Book of Mark and we know the true and coming King, King Jesus.
Rev 17:14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
And we also know the "raptured" saints, the Bride of Christ, will return with Him.
It is these that are the called, and chosen, and faithful!
The lesson we should learn is that God is at work in all the governments of this world.
Although there are still some men recognized as kings, there are are actually no working governments that are ruled by a monarchy today in our world.
When rulers in the governments are wise they realize that there exists a higher power and if God rules in their lives, their governments will succeed and prosper.
No single human being is in ultimate control of their own lives though most do not agree, though we all do have that freedom of choice.
When we see the human side of the Lord Jesus Christ we can find these words that describe Him.
Isa 11:10 And in that day there shall be "a root of Jesse", which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.
And these:
Rev 5:5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, "the Root of David", hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
And these words of Jesus.
Rev 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. "I am the root and the offspring of David", and the bright and morning star.
With these things said it is easy to see we need to study the life of David.
Until the Lord Jesus returns to this earth the second time, David will still remain the most honored King of Israel.
Another thing we should realize is that the God is always seeking men who will be faithful to the work of The Lord.
No one can know the day or the hour when God passes by, seeking earthly men who will be faithful in godly things.
How was David chosen?
1Sa 13:14 But now thy kingdom shall not continue: "the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart", and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.
It is foolish for Christians to think they have no place in the political structures of our governments as
God is seeking those who will serve Him and then also the people of His creation.
God is always excited when He finds such a person.
Psa 89:20 I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him:
Psa 89:21 With whom my hand shall be established: mine arm also shall strengthen him.
Psa 89:22 The enemy shall not exact upon him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him.
We can see that God is serious when He finds those that will serve in our governments and God will help those that stick to His Word!
Let's begin:
*****2Sa 5:1 Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, "we are thy bone and thy flesh".
Israel's first king, King Saul, had failed to meet God's standards as a ruler of God's people. At the
death of King Saul, Israel was a divided kingdom.
David was made king over the tribe of Judah but a son of Saul, Ish-Bosheth was made king over the other 11 tribes. This division had lasted for 7 years.
We should have a clear understanding. God is guiding this world into a completion of His purpose and it is God who puts all rulers in place to fulfill His purpose.
God has given America guidelines to use to select a president. Of the signers of the Constitution of the United States at least 50 claimed to know the Lord Jesus as their personal Savior.
God had given Israel guidelines for her kings but these guidelines were from the Holy Inspired Word of God that required no man to sign.
Deu 17:15 Thou shalt in any wise set him king over thee, "whom the LORD thy God shall choose": [one from among thy brethren] shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which is not thy brother.
God had not chosen Ish-Bosheth to be king and his government only lasted 7 years. God had chosen
David to be king of Israel. God not only chose David to rule all of Israel but God also chose Jerusalem to be the capitol city of Israel.
2Ch 6:6 But I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there; and have chosen David to be over my people Israel.
God even made a covenant with David and his descendants.
Psa 89:3 I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant,
Psa 89:4 Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah.
When we as Christians use our power of the vote to elect godly people, God will make a way for His purpose to be fulfilled. BUT, when Christians use that vote to try to sustain their own needs by electing people who care not for the things of God, then we will get what we deserve.
This what we see in America today!
God's purpose will never change and we will continue to struggle with the problems of this world!
As Christians, we already have a our provider, why would we trust the government to do the job better than our God!
God may use that government to provide for His people but He may also use some other method!
For 7 years the northern tribes of Israel had been ruled by Ish-Bosheth and they had been harassed by the Philistines while Judah under King David had prospered.
When Ish-Bosheth was assassinated, and Abner, the general of Saul's army had been killed by Joab, those 11 tribes realized that they needed God's man, David, and they went to Hebron seeking something better than they had.
They realized that God had purposed and placed all 12 tribes of Jacob on the land and it would be best to do things God's way.
These people had a blood relationship with each other through Abraham's son, Isaac and then his son Jacob!
As the "born again" children of God, we all have a blood relationship and a blood covenant, because we are washed in the "blood of Jesus Christ", Our Savior and Our King!
These 11 tribes of Israel began to remember some of the things David had done when Saul was their king.
*****2Sa 5:2 Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel.
David was blood kin to all of Israel and not some foreigner.
David had been Saul's greatest general until Saul had left the will of God.
David was a man after God's own heart.
David had been anointed by God's man Samuel.
If these people were to have a king, then it would be foolish not to choose David as King of all of Israel!
God had taken a shepherd and made him a king!
Psa 78:70 He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds:
Psa 78:71 From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.
Psa 78:72 So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.
How does God describe the True Shepherd, The Lord Jesus?
Isa 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
Jesus Christ has a flock of "peculiar" people who He will lead to the throne of God.
1Pe 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, "a peculiar people"; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
1Pe 2:10 Which in time past were not a people, "but are now the people of God": which had not obtained mercy, "but now have obtained mercy".
So David was made king of all Israel.
*****2Sa 5:3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD: and they anointed David king over Israel.
Things will take place just as God has designed!
Eph 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him "who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will":
God had a purpose for all of Israel and not just the one tribe of Judah.
God had made a covenant with all of Israel and not just with the one tribe of Judah.
God had given these words to all of Israel.
Deu 30:2 And shalt return unto the LORD thy God, and shalt obey his voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul;
Deu 30:3 That then the LORD thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath scattered thee.
And later repeated by Solomon.
2Ch 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
David was still a young man at this time but he had gained much wisdom in his early years.
*****2Sa 5:4 David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years.
2Sa 5:5 In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah.
The future was now bright for Israel. As long as they were battling with each other, they had no strength as a nation.
This is the place we find America in today, as it seems that America is a divided nation and moving farther away from God.
The Jebusites were enemies of God but they could not be overcome by Israel until Israel was united under one government.
God's people will never have real power until we are all united in one accord under the power of God!
God only has one Church, not cluster of separate denominations pulling in opposite directions!
There is only one Word of God and there is only one interpretation of that Word!
The Word of God is simple.
1) Man has sinned.
2) That sin has separated us from the Living God.
3) That sin can only be forgiven by faith in and on the Lord Jesus Christ.
It is Satan that has made up all these other rules to cause confusion!
It is only the Living God who can unite any nation!
*****2Sa 5:6 And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither.
2Sa 5:7 Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David.
Abner had establish Mahanaim as the capitol city for the 11 tribes.
David had chosen Hebron as his capitol partially because of the legacy of Caleb.
Neither of these places would be suitable for the united kingdom because God had chosen Jerusalem!
Jerusalem sat on a hill which could be well defended, it was the wise place for a capitol city.
Jerusalem was also on the border of tribe of Benjamin, (Saul's tribe) and Judah, (David's tribe) and had never belonged to any of the tribes, therefore a place to seek peace.
The whole Earth will seek peace in Jerusalem one day soon!
Psa 48:2 Beautiful "for situation", the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, "the city of the great King".
It can be said that God chose Jerusalem many years earlier.
Jerusalem was located on Mount Moriah and Mount Zion. Golgotha is a little hill on Mount Moriah and the exact place God sent Abraham to sacrifice Isaac.
And Mount Zion is known as the city of the Living God.
Heb 12:22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and "unto the city of the living God", the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
Heb 12:23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
Heb 12:24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
But on this day it was known as the "city of David".
And how did David defeat the Jebusites who had withstood Israel since they entered into Canaan Land?
*****2Sa 5:8 And David said on that day, Whosoever getteth up to the gutter, and smiteth the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind, that are hated of David's soul, he shall be chief and captain. Wherefore they said, The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.
These Jebusites had been so arrogant that they boasted that even "the lame and the blind" could defend Jerusalem from King David's army but they were pagans and they did not know God.
Sometimes we just cannot imagine the fine details that God put into His creation.
Isa 40:21 Have ye not known? have ye not heard? hath it not been told you from the beginning? have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth?
Isa 40:22 It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:
Isa 40:23 That bringeth the princes to nothing; he maketh the judges of the earth as vanity.
It is God who sits on the throne of His Creation!
And let's just throw this in, it is God who decides if He wants to warm up this Earth or make it colder.
No amount of legislation can change that. Climate change is in the hands of God!
And it is God that chose Jerusalem!
2Ch 6:6 But I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there; and have chosen David to be over my people Israel.
It is God that provided this gutter when He designed His creation not only for water but for King
David to take control of Jerusalem.
Listen as God scolds Hezekiah.
Isa 22:11 Ye made also a ditch between the two walls for the water of the old pool: "but ye have not looked unto the maker thereof, neither had respect unto him that fashioned it long ago".
God's plan is so precious and so perfect that not one detail is left out!
That gutter was an underground water course fed by the Gihon Spring and it has been discovered and excavated in Israel.
Now we may never know how Joab made this discovery but we do know who created it and this was part of the purpose of it at this time of King David.
Those blind and lame Jebusites who were on the walls of Jerusalem did not observe Joab as he led
David's army into the conquest of Jerusalem.
As Joab took on the Jebusites, David established the new capitol of Israel.
*****2Sa 5:9 So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward.
David moved into the castle of the last king of the Jebusites.
Millo means "filling". This describes to us a stone terrace system built to protect the city of Jerusalem.
That word Millo describes the extensions built to the city of Jerusalem, started by King David and improved on by Solomon and Hezekiah.
This extension of Jerusalem included Mount Moriah, the site of the future Temple.
The walls were extended to include Mount Moriah where the first Temple would be built by Solomon.
*****2Sa 5:10 And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him.
David who was once a lowly shepherd boy had become King of Judah by the age of 30 and King of all Israel at the age of 37.
David now has the responsibility of a nation on his shoulders.
How did King David and Israel prosper at this time?
Psa 101:1 A Psalm of David. I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing.
Psa 101:2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.
Psa 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
Psa 101:4 A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.
Psa 101:5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.
Psa 101:6 Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.
Psa 101:7 He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.
Psa 101:8 I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.
These things were noticed by other nations.
*****2Sa 5:11 And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons: and they built David an house.
Hiram was a pagan king who did not know the Lord God of Israel.
The name Hiram has the meaning "brother of the lofty one" but that name can also mean "a destroyer".
Hiram may have become a great friend of King David and also of Solomon but when we see the evil influence he had on these two men of God, he was more like an enemy.
None the less Hiram brought great commerce to the city of Jerusalem, which is what he was after, and he built David a new palace.
We can immediately see the influence this man had on King David.
*****2Sa 5:12 And David perceived that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel's sake.
Why had God made David King of Israel?
1Ch 11:1 Then all Israel gathered themselves to David unto Hebron, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.
1Ch 11:2 And moreover in time past, even when Saul was king, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD thy God said unto thee, "Thou shalt feed my people Israel", and "thou shalt be ruler over my people Israel".
King David and his government had these commandments of God.
1) David was to feed God's people.
This was more than to just provide food. This was to be as a shepherd and lead God's people into prosperity and safety. Not only this but David was to be like a "Pastor" to the flock of Israel!
God had already commanded any king of Israel to do these things.
Deu 17:18 And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites:
Deu 17:19 And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them:
Deu 17:20 That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.
2) David was to be a ruler over God's people.
David was to stand at the front of God's people and lead them in every way as a "mediator".
David was to lead Israel in civil things!
David was to lead Israel in military things!
And most important of all, David was to lead Israel in godly things!
This is the purpose of every leader.
Now we can compare David as a "Type" of Christ.
a.) David was 30 years old when he began to reign. The Lord Jesus began His ministry at the age of 30.
b) David was anointed as King of Israel. The Lord Jesus was anointed with the oil of gladness above His fellows.
c) David reigned for 40 years. 40 being a perfect number. The Lord Jesus will have a perfect reign. He will reign until He hath put all His enemies under His feet.
d) David was mocked by the Jebusites when he came to rule in Jerusalem. The Lord Jesus was mocked and ridiculed at His false trial and more noticeable on the cross.
e) David advanced more and more. When the Lord Jesus returns every knee will bow to Him.
f) A new house was built for David. The Lord Jesus said He had no where to lay His head so He laid the foundation of His own house and now the Church is the House of God therefore the Body of Christ!
g) The enemies of Israel banded together against David. The world has banded together against the Lord Jesus Christ.
But thank God, if you know the Lord, "You Are On The Winning Side"!!!!!
David was an illustrious king of Israel but the Lord Jesus though recognized as "The Son of David", and "The King Of The Jews", is also "King of Kings and Lord of Lords" to all who believe upon Him!
What influence did Hiram, King of Tyre have on David?
*****2Sa 5:13 And David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron: and there were yet sons and daughters born to David.
King David ignored the commandments of God!
Deu 17:17 Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.
David allowed his lust for women to come between himself and the Living God.
Many children were born of these women, both male and female.
*****2Sa 5:14 And these be the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,
2Sa 5:15 Ibhar also, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia,
2Sa 5:16 And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphalet.
God does thing in order so the first sons written for our knowledge were the sons of Bathsheba. (These were not the first sons born to David).
We notice the name Solomon but we should also pay attention to the one named Nathan. Joseph was a descendant of Solomon but it is this Nathan who has a descendant we know as Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ Our Lord.
Luk 3:31 Which was the son of Melea, which was the son of Menan, which was the son of Mattatha, which was the son of Nathan, which was the son of David,
This is important in the prophecy of the Messiah and a lesson for another time.
At this time the main enemy of Israel, the Philstines, began to test this new king and this new alliance of the tribes of Israel.
*****2Sa 5:17 But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines came up to seek David; and David heard of it, and went down to the hold.
2Sa 5:18 The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.
The Philistines had remained quiet while David and the house of Saul had battled hoping they would weaken each other.
But the Lord God of Israel, was not about to allow this enemy to prosper at this time.
Psa 2:1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
Psa 2:2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
Psa 2:3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
Psa 2:4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
Psa 2:5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
Psa 2:6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
The "hold" was a place where David had used to gather his army in the time of Saul and a place that his army was familiar with.
The Philistines gathered all five of their principalities in a combined strength to put an end to Israel as they still do today, now called the Palestinians!
David realized that he needed to talk to the Lord.
*****2Sa 5:19 And David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand.
2Sa 5:20 And David came to Baalperazim, and David smote them there, and said, The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baalperazim.
2Sa 5:21 And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them.
It is probable when we read these words "enquired of the Lord", it means David went to the High Priest.
At this time the High Priest of Israel would have been Abiathar.
In the time of Saul, Doeg, Saul's hit-man was sent after David, and Doeg had executed all the priests and the High Priests and only Abiathar had escaped.
Abiathar was the 10th High Priest from the time of Aaron and he had joined David at the cave of Adullam. Abiathar was later deposed in favor of Zadok by King Solomon, again a lesson for another time.
The High Priests used what are called the "Urim and the Thummim" that was kept in the "Ephod" in these times of enquiry.
David had 2 questions.
1) Shall I go up to the Philistines?
2) Lord, wilt thou deliver the Philistines into my hands?
When the High Priests put on the spiritual clothing, the design of which was given to Moses from the Lord, the High Priest became a "type" of Christ.
By wearing the breast-plate and in the breast-plate the "Urim and the Thummim", meaning "lights and perfections" these High Priest are also a "type" of the true believer, who are all clothed with the robe of Jesus's righteousness.
God tells every believer these things:
Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
Eph 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Just as David did, in every step we take, we must enquire of the Lord!
Just as David realized we must also realize that we have enemies!
Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Now we cannot determine much of anything about the "Urim and the Thummim" but what we do know is that by the uses of these, were the means that were divinely given to the High Priest to impart wisdom and direction to God's people.
What we do not have to guess about is the Urim means "lights" and the Thummim means "perfection" and with the "Light" of Jesus, He will one day soon bring "Perfection" into our lives.
The Bible says:
1Co 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
But only if we ask for His wisdom:
Jas 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Jas 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
Jas 1:7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
Jas 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
How did the Urim and Thummim respond or better yet, how did the Lord respond to David's request?
a) Go.
b) I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand.
David knew that Israel had been established by the Lord!
David knew his throne was established by the Lord!
David knew that from the time he was a young shepherd the Lord had guided his life!
But David also knew that even though he was now a king, we all need the Lord's guidance every moment of our lives!
James had these words:
Jas 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
David who was much less than perfect in his life made the right choice this day.
But the results are always the same, when we follow the Lord Jesus Christ we will always have victory in the end!
You see the Philistines had brought with them there portable, man-made, gods but these false images had not helped them, for that was impossible!
Israel had made this mistake and had tried to use the "Ark of the Covenant" in this same way and even in this day it had not been returned to the Tabernacle.
God is not in images and man-made things!
The Bible says.
Isa 40:22 It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:
Isa 40:23 That bringeth the princes to nothing; he maketh the judges of the earth as vanity.
Isa 40:26 Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.
David and his men burned those false things and there was nothing disrespectful about it!
But our battle with evil will not end until we pass on, or the "Rapture" comes.
David would have to battle the same enemy over again!
*****2Sa 5:22 And the Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.
2Sa 5:23 And when David enquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.
Again we see the enemies of God's people will keep coming.
The Jewish historian Josephus said this time the Philistines came with an army 3 times the size of the last army.
And again David had the good sense to enquire of the Lord.
But the Lord had a different response this time.
It seems that God almost never works these things the same way.
We are always on God's training ground but the Lord will sometimes teach the enemy a valuable lesson that they should also learn.
David was told not to advance straight to the enemy but to circle around and stay in the tree line, unseen by the Philistines and wait on the Lord.
The hardest lesson for us to learn is on "patience".
But sometimes we just need to wait on the Lord!
*****2Sa 5:24 And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines.
2Sa 5:25 And David did so, as the LORD had commanded him; and smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer.
Now we can think what we may but the truth is still in the Word of God!
If we can just wrap our minds around the fact "that it is the Lord who governs the things of this world", it would make our life a whole lot simpler!
We do not know if the sound that came from those trees gave a sound of a large approaching army.
We cannot even guess of what took place.
I know from experience in combat that a low flying attack jet coming in at tree top level will scare the socks off of you if you are not prepared for such things.
What we are to do is to believe that the Lord will go out before us in many battles we have in this life!
When we know the God of all creation, and the Lord of all the heavenly armies on a personal basis, we should have no fear God's enemies.
Every time we win a battle in this life we must accept that it is the Lord who gave us that victory!
So, David did what the Lord had said.
*****2Sa 5:25 And David did so, as the LORD had commanded him; and smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer.
David chased these Philistines back into their own land and to their own door steps without firing a shot.
And, David realized a very important thing.
Psa 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
In America and in the rest of the world, we have forgotten this truth!
Questions?
Let's Pray!
2 Samuel 5; Chronicles 11; 12
Today we will begin a short study of King David. We have just completed a short study in the Book of Mark and we know the true and coming King, King Jesus.
Rev 17:14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
And we also know the "raptured" saints, the Bride of Christ, will return with Him.
It is these that are the called, and chosen, and faithful!
The lesson we should learn is that God is at work in all the governments of this world.
Although there are still some men recognized as kings, there are are actually no working governments that are ruled by a monarchy today in our world.
When rulers in the governments are wise they realize that there exists a higher power and if God rules in their lives, their governments will succeed and prosper.
No single human being is in ultimate control of their own lives though most do not agree, though we all do have that freedom of choice.
When we see the human side of the Lord Jesus Christ we can find these words that describe Him.
Isa 11:10 And in that day there shall be "a root of Jesse", which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.
And these:
Rev 5:5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, "the Root of David", hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
And these words of Jesus.
Rev 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. "I am the root and the offspring of David", and the bright and morning star.
With these things said it is easy to see we need to study the life of David.
Until the Lord Jesus returns to this earth the second time, David will still remain the most honored King of Israel.
Another thing we should realize is that the God is always seeking men who will be faithful to the work of The Lord.
No one can know the day or the hour when God passes by, seeking earthly men who will be faithful in godly things.
How was David chosen?
1Sa 13:14 But now thy kingdom shall not continue: "the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart", and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.
It is foolish for Christians to think they have no place in the political structures of our governments as
God is seeking those who will serve Him and then also the people of His creation.
God is always excited when He finds such a person.
Psa 89:20 I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him:
Psa 89:21 With whom my hand shall be established: mine arm also shall strengthen him.
Psa 89:22 The enemy shall not exact upon him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him.
We can see that God is serious when He finds those that will serve in our governments and God will help those that stick to His Word!
Let's begin:
*****2Sa 5:1 Then came all the tribes of Israel to David unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, "we are thy bone and thy flesh".
Israel's first king, King Saul, had failed to meet God's standards as a ruler of God's people. At the
death of King Saul, Israel was a divided kingdom.
David was made king over the tribe of Judah but a son of Saul, Ish-Bosheth was made king over the other 11 tribes. This division had lasted for 7 years.
We should have a clear understanding. God is guiding this world into a completion of His purpose and it is God who puts all rulers in place to fulfill His purpose.
God has given America guidelines to use to select a president. Of the signers of the Constitution of the United States at least 50 claimed to know the Lord Jesus as their personal Savior.
God had given Israel guidelines for her kings but these guidelines were from the Holy Inspired Word of God that required no man to sign.
Deu 17:15 Thou shalt in any wise set him king over thee, "whom the LORD thy God shall choose": [one from among thy brethren] shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which is not thy brother.
God had not chosen Ish-Bosheth to be king and his government only lasted 7 years. God had chosen
David to be king of Israel. God not only chose David to rule all of Israel but God also chose Jerusalem to be the capitol city of Israel.
2Ch 6:6 But I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there; and have chosen David to be over my people Israel.
God even made a covenant with David and his descendants.
Psa 89:3 I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant,
Psa 89:4 Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. Selah.
When we as Christians use our power of the vote to elect godly people, God will make a way for His purpose to be fulfilled. BUT, when Christians use that vote to try to sustain their own needs by electing people who care not for the things of God, then we will get what we deserve.
This what we see in America today!
God's purpose will never change and we will continue to struggle with the problems of this world!
As Christians, we already have a our provider, why would we trust the government to do the job better than our God!
God may use that government to provide for His people but He may also use some other method!
For 7 years the northern tribes of Israel had been ruled by Ish-Bosheth and they had been harassed by the Philistines while Judah under King David had prospered.
When Ish-Bosheth was assassinated, and Abner, the general of Saul's army had been killed by Joab, those 11 tribes realized that they needed God's man, David, and they went to Hebron seeking something better than they had.
They realized that God had purposed and placed all 12 tribes of Jacob on the land and it would be best to do things God's way.
These people had a blood relationship with each other through Abraham's son, Isaac and then his son Jacob!
As the "born again" children of God, we all have a blood relationship and a blood covenant, because we are washed in the "blood of Jesus Christ", Our Savior and Our King!
These 11 tribes of Israel began to remember some of the things David had done when Saul was their king.
*****2Sa 5:2 Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel.
David was blood kin to all of Israel and not some foreigner.
David had been Saul's greatest general until Saul had left the will of God.
David was a man after God's own heart.
David had been anointed by God's man Samuel.
If these people were to have a king, then it would be foolish not to choose David as King of all of Israel!
God had taken a shepherd and made him a king!
Psa 78:70 He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds:
Psa 78:71 From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance.
Psa 78:72 So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.
How does God describe the True Shepherd, The Lord Jesus?
Isa 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
Jesus Christ has a flock of "peculiar" people who He will lead to the throne of God.
1Pe 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, "a peculiar people"; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
1Pe 2:10 Which in time past were not a people, "but are now the people of God": which had not obtained mercy, "but now have obtained mercy".
So David was made king of all Israel.
*****2Sa 5:3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron; and king David made a league with them in Hebron before the LORD: and they anointed David king over Israel.
Things will take place just as God has designed!
Eph 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him "who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will":
God had a purpose for all of Israel and not just the one tribe of Judah.
God had made a covenant with all of Israel and not just with the one tribe of Judah.
God had given these words to all of Israel.
Deu 30:2 And shalt return unto the LORD thy God, and shalt obey his voice according to all that I command thee this day, thou and thy children, with all thine heart, and with all thy soul;
Deu 30:3 That then the LORD thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will return and gather thee from all the nations, whither the LORD thy God hath scattered thee.
And later repeated by Solomon.
2Ch 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
David was still a young man at this time but he had gained much wisdom in his early years.
*****2Sa 5:4 David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years.
2Sa 5:5 In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months: and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah.
The future was now bright for Israel. As long as they were battling with each other, they had no strength as a nation.
This is the place we find America in today, as it seems that America is a divided nation and moving farther away from God.
The Jebusites were enemies of God but they could not be overcome by Israel until Israel was united under one government.
God's people will never have real power until we are all united in one accord under the power of God!
God only has one Church, not cluster of separate denominations pulling in opposite directions!
There is only one Word of God and there is only one interpretation of that Word!
The Word of God is simple.
1) Man has sinned.
2) That sin has separated us from the Living God.
3) That sin can only be forgiven by faith in and on the Lord Jesus Christ.
It is Satan that has made up all these other rules to cause confusion!
It is only the Living God who can unite any nation!
*****2Sa 5:6 And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither.
2Sa 5:7 Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David.
Abner had establish Mahanaim as the capitol city for the 11 tribes.
David had chosen Hebron as his capitol partially because of the legacy of Caleb.
Neither of these places would be suitable for the united kingdom because God had chosen Jerusalem!
Jerusalem sat on a hill which could be well defended, it was the wise place for a capitol city.
Jerusalem was also on the border of tribe of Benjamin, (Saul's tribe) and Judah, (David's tribe) and had never belonged to any of the tribes, therefore a place to seek peace.
The whole Earth will seek peace in Jerusalem one day soon!
Psa 48:2 Beautiful "for situation", the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, "the city of the great King".
It can be said that God chose Jerusalem many years earlier.
Jerusalem was located on Mount Moriah and Mount Zion. Golgotha is a little hill on Mount Moriah and the exact place God sent Abraham to sacrifice Isaac.
And Mount Zion is known as the city of the Living God.
Heb 12:22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and "unto the city of the living God", the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
Heb 12:23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
Heb 12:24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
But on this day it was known as the "city of David".
And how did David defeat the Jebusites who had withstood Israel since they entered into Canaan Land?
*****2Sa 5:8 And David said on that day, Whosoever getteth up to the gutter, and smiteth the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind, that are hated of David's soul, he shall be chief and captain. Wherefore they said, The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.
These Jebusites had been so arrogant that they boasted that even "the lame and the blind" could defend Jerusalem from King David's army but they were pagans and they did not know God.
Sometimes we just cannot imagine the fine details that God put into His creation.
Isa 40:21 Have ye not known? have ye not heard? hath it not been told you from the beginning? have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth?
Isa 40:22 It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:
Isa 40:23 That bringeth the princes to nothing; he maketh the judges of the earth as vanity.
It is God who sits on the throne of His Creation!
And let's just throw this in, it is God who decides if He wants to warm up this Earth or make it colder.
No amount of legislation can change that. Climate change is in the hands of God!
And it is God that chose Jerusalem!
2Ch 6:6 But I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there; and have chosen David to be over my people Israel.
It is God that provided this gutter when He designed His creation not only for water but for King
David to take control of Jerusalem.
Listen as God scolds Hezekiah.
Isa 22:11 Ye made also a ditch between the two walls for the water of the old pool: "but ye have not looked unto the maker thereof, neither had respect unto him that fashioned it long ago".
God's plan is so precious and so perfect that not one detail is left out!
That gutter was an underground water course fed by the Gihon Spring and it has been discovered and excavated in Israel.
Now we may never know how Joab made this discovery but we do know who created it and this was part of the purpose of it at this time of King David.
Those blind and lame Jebusites who were on the walls of Jerusalem did not observe Joab as he led
David's army into the conquest of Jerusalem.
As Joab took on the Jebusites, David established the new capitol of Israel.
*****2Sa 5:9 So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward.
David moved into the castle of the last king of the Jebusites.
Millo means "filling". This describes to us a stone terrace system built to protect the city of Jerusalem.
That word Millo describes the extensions built to the city of Jerusalem, started by King David and improved on by Solomon and Hezekiah.
This extension of Jerusalem included Mount Moriah, the site of the future Temple.
The walls were extended to include Mount Moriah where the first Temple would be built by Solomon.
*****2Sa 5:10 And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him.
David who was once a lowly shepherd boy had become King of Judah by the age of 30 and King of all Israel at the age of 37.
David now has the responsibility of a nation on his shoulders.
How did King David and Israel prosper at this time?
Psa 101:1 A Psalm of David. I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing.
Psa 101:2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.
Psa 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
Psa 101:4 A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.
Psa 101:5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.
Psa 101:6 Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.
Psa 101:7 He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.
Psa 101:8 I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.
These things were noticed by other nations.
*****2Sa 5:11 And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons: and they built David an house.
Hiram was a pagan king who did not know the Lord God of Israel.
The name Hiram has the meaning "brother of the lofty one" but that name can also mean "a destroyer".
Hiram may have become a great friend of King David and also of Solomon but when we see the evil influence he had on these two men of God, he was more like an enemy.
None the less Hiram brought great commerce to the city of Jerusalem, which is what he was after, and he built David a new palace.
We can immediately see the influence this man had on King David.
*****2Sa 5:12 And David perceived that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel's sake.
Why had God made David King of Israel?
1Ch 11:1 Then all Israel gathered themselves to David unto Hebron, saying, Behold, we are thy bone and thy flesh.
1Ch 11:2 And moreover in time past, even when Saul was king, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD thy God said unto thee, "Thou shalt feed my people Israel", and "thou shalt be ruler over my people Israel".
King David and his government had these commandments of God.
1) David was to feed God's people.
This was more than to just provide food. This was to be as a shepherd and lead God's people into prosperity and safety. Not only this but David was to be like a "Pastor" to the flock of Israel!
God had already commanded any king of Israel to do these things.
Deu 17:18 And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write him a copy of this law in a book out of that which is before the priests the Levites:
Deu 17:19 And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them:
Deu 17:20 That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel.
2) David was to be a ruler over God's people.
David was to stand at the front of God's people and lead them in every way as a "mediator".
David was to lead Israel in civil things!
David was to lead Israel in military things!
And most important of all, David was to lead Israel in godly things!
This is the purpose of every leader.
Now we can compare David as a "Type" of Christ.
a.) David was 30 years old when he began to reign. The Lord Jesus began His ministry at the age of 30.
b) David was anointed as King of Israel. The Lord Jesus was anointed with the oil of gladness above His fellows.
c) David reigned for 40 years. 40 being a perfect number. The Lord Jesus will have a perfect reign. He will reign until He hath put all His enemies under His feet.
d) David was mocked by the Jebusites when he came to rule in Jerusalem. The Lord Jesus was mocked and ridiculed at His false trial and more noticeable on the cross.
e) David advanced more and more. When the Lord Jesus returns every knee will bow to Him.
f) A new house was built for David. The Lord Jesus said He had no where to lay His head so He laid the foundation of His own house and now the Church is the House of God therefore the Body of Christ!
g) The enemies of Israel banded together against David. The world has banded together against the Lord Jesus Christ.
But thank God, if you know the Lord, "You Are On The Winning Side"!!!!!
David was an illustrious king of Israel but the Lord Jesus though recognized as "The Son of David", and "The King Of The Jews", is also "King of Kings and Lord of Lords" to all who believe upon Him!
What influence did Hiram, King of Tyre have on David?
*****2Sa 5:13 And David took him more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron: and there were yet sons and daughters born to David.
King David ignored the commandments of God!
Deu 17:17 Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.
David allowed his lust for women to come between himself and the Living God.
Many children were born of these women, both male and female.
*****2Sa 5:14 And these be the names of those that were born unto him in Jerusalem; Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomon,
2Sa 5:15 Ibhar also, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia,
2Sa 5:16 And Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphalet.
God does thing in order so the first sons written for our knowledge were the sons of Bathsheba. (These were not the first sons born to David).
We notice the name Solomon but we should also pay attention to the one named Nathan. Joseph was a descendant of Solomon but it is this Nathan who has a descendant we know as Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ Our Lord.
Luk 3:31 Which was the son of Melea, which was the son of Menan, which was the son of Mattatha, which was the son of Nathan, which was the son of David,
This is important in the prophecy of the Messiah and a lesson for another time.
At this time the main enemy of Israel, the Philstines, began to test this new king and this new alliance of the tribes of Israel.
*****2Sa 5:17 But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines came up to seek David; and David heard of it, and went down to the hold.
2Sa 5:18 The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.
The Philistines had remained quiet while David and the house of Saul had battled hoping they would weaken each other.
But the Lord God of Israel, was not about to allow this enemy to prosper at this time.
Psa 2:1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
Psa 2:2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
Psa 2:3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
Psa 2:4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.
Psa 2:5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
Psa 2:6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
The "hold" was a place where David had used to gather his army in the time of Saul and a place that his army was familiar with.
The Philistines gathered all five of their principalities in a combined strength to put an end to Israel as they still do today, now called the Palestinians!
David realized that he needed to talk to the Lord.
*****2Sa 5:19 And David enquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand.
2Sa 5:20 And David came to Baalperazim, and David smote them there, and said, The LORD hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baalperazim.
2Sa 5:21 And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them.
It is probable when we read these words "enquired of the Lord", it means David went to the High Priest.
At this time the High Priest of Israel would have been Abiathar.
In the time of Saul, Doeg, Saul's hit-man was sent after David, and Doeg had executed all the priests and the High Priests and only Abiathar had escaped.
Abiathar was the 10th High Priest from the time of Aaron and he had joined David at the cave of Adullam. Abiathar was later deposed in favor of Zadok by King Solomon, again a lesson for another time.
The High Priests used what are called the "Urim and the Thummim" that was kept in the "Ephod" in these times of enquiry.
David had 2 questions.
1) Shall I go up to the Philistines?
2) Lord, wilt thou deliver the Philistines into my hands?
When the High Priests put on the spiritual clothing, the design of which was given to Moses from the Lord, the High Priest became a "type" of Christ.
By wearing the breast-plate and in the breast-plate the "Urim and the Thummim", meaning "lights and perfections" these High Priest are also a "type" of the true believer, who are all clothed with the robe of Jesus's righteousness.
God tells every believer these things:
Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Eph 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
Eph 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Eph 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Eph 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Just as David did, in every step we take, we must enquire of the Lord!
Just as David realized we must also realize that we have enemies!
Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Now we cannot determine much of anything about the "Urim and the Thummim" but what we do know is that by the uses of these, were the means that were divinely given to the High Priest to impart wisdom and direction to God's people.
What we do not have to guess about is the Urim means "lights" and the Thummim means "perfection" and with the "Light" of Jesus, He will one day soon bring "Perfection" into our lives.
The Bible says:
1Co 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
But only if we ask for His wisdom:
Jas 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Jas 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
Jas 1:7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.
Jas 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
How did the Urim and Thummim respond or better yet, how did the Lord respond to David's request?
a) Go.
b) I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand.
David knew that Israel had been established by the Lord!
David knew his throne was established by the Lord!
David knew that from the time he was a young shepherd the Lord had guided his life!
But David also knew that even though he was now a king, we all need the Lord's guidance every moment of our lives!
James had these words:
Jas 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
David who was much less than perfect in his life made the right choice this day.
But the results are always the same, when we follow the Lord Jesus Christ we will always have victory in the end!
You see the Philistines had brought with them there portable, man-made, gods but these false images had not helped them, for that was impossible!
Israel had made this mistake and had tried to use the "Ark of the Covenant" in this same way and even in this day it had not been returned to the Tabernacle.
God is not in images and man-made things!
The Bible says.
Isa 40:22 It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in:
Isa 40:23 That bringeth the princes to nothing; he maketh the judges of the earth as vanity.
Isa 40:26 Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.
David and his men burned those false things and there was nothing disrespectful about it!
But our battle with evil will not end until we pass on, or the "Rapture" comes.
David would have to battle the same enemy over again!
*****2Sa 5:22 And the Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.
2Sa 5:23 And when David enquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.
Again we see the enemies of God's people will keep coming.
The Jewish historian Josephus said this time the Philistines came with an army 3 times the size of the last army.
And again David had the good sense to enquire of the Lord.
But the Lord had a different response this time.
It seems that God almost never works these things the same way.
We are always on God's training ground but the Lord will sometimes teach the enemy a valuable lesson that they should also learn.
David was told not to advance straight to the enemy but to circle around and stay in the tree line, unseen by the Philistines and wait on the Lord.
The hardest lesson for us to learn is on "patience".
But sometimes we just need to wait on the Lord!
*****2Sa 5:24 And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the LORD go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines.
2Sa 5:25 And David did so, as the LORD had commanded him; and smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer.
Now we can think what we may but the truth is still in the Word of God!
If we can just wrap our minds around the fact "that it is the Lord who governs the things of this world", it would make our life a whole lot simpler!
We do not know if the sound that came from those trees gave a sound of a large approaching army.
We cannot even guess of what took place.
I know from experience in combat that a low flying attack jet coming in at tree top level will scare the socks off of you if you are not prepared for such things.
What we are to do is to believe that the Lord will go out before us in many battles we have in this life!
When we know the God of all creation, and the Lord of all the heavenly armies on a personal basis, we should have no fear God's enemies.
Every time we win a battle in this life we must accept that it is the Lord who gave us that victory!
So, David did what the Lord had said.
*****2Sa 5:25 And David did so, as the LORD had commanded him; and smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer.
David chased these Philistines back into their own land and to their own door steps without firing a shot.
And, David realized a very important thing.
Psa 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.
In America and in the rest of the world, we have forgotten this truth!
Questions?
Let's Pray!
