2 Sam 5:1-16 — David Anointed King of Israel
2 Sam 5:17-25 — David Defeats the Philistines
2 Sam 6:1-15 — The Ark brought to Jerusalem, Uzzah Dies
2 Sam 6:16-23 — Michal is Ashamed of David
2 Sam 7 — God’s Covenant with David
Thoughts about serving others
This link includes a list of posts about Serving the Least, the Lost, and the Lonely.
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Let the Word evoke words. May your life encourage lives.
David is anointed king by “all the elders of Israel” (2 Sam 5:3); he and his army conquers Jerusalem “and he became more and more powerful, because the Lord God Almighty was with him” (2 Sam 5:10). Twice David asked the Lord for guidance and twice he defeats the Philistines by doing “as the Lord commanded.”
David and his men were excited about bringing the ark of God to Jerusalem, making lots of noise with percussion instruments, but Uzzah and Ahio guided it on a cart, rather than carrying it with poles as it was designed and per God’s instructions (Ex 37:4-5). The oxen stumbled at the threshing floor and “Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God…because of his irreverent act; therefore God stuck him down” (2 Sam 6:6-7). David was upset about Uzzah’s death and diverted the ark to the house of Obed-Edom for three months. Once he received word that they were being blessed “because of the ark of God” (2 Sam 6:12), David decided it would be ok to move it to Jerusalem. This time the ark of God is carried as David danced “before the Lord with all his might” (2 Sam 6:14).
Michal was not pleased with David’s leaping and dancing. When he returned home she said, “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, going around half-naked in full view of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!” (2 Sam 6:20). David scorns Michal and declares his dance was for the Lord and “I will celebrate before the Lord…I will become even more undignified than this” (2 Sam 6:21-22) (worship song from a few years ago). Because of her actions, Michal had no children…harsh punishment for harsh words.
David is enjoying his palace built for his comfort and decides he must build a proper place for the Lord to dwell. He asks Nathan, the prophet, and Nathan replies, “whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the Lord is with you.” (2 Sam 7:3). However, that night Nathan hears clearly from the Lord: “I will raise up your offspring to succeed you…he is the one who will build a house for my Name” (2 Sam 7:12-13). David’s response is one that attests to his great character, “How great you are, Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you…Do as you promised, so that your name will be great forever” (2 Sam 7:20-26).
In this section I hear the recurring theme that God is sovereign, He is to be trusted and worshiped. His ways are better than my ways. I must humble myself before the Lord almighty and follow his commands. We see consistent success when following God’s plans. God help me to hear clearly what you would have me do this day. Through Christ you have sent your Holy Spirit to indwell in each of us, I don’t need a prophet, I simply need to listen. Speak to me Lord. Speak loud or quiet, stern or gentle, whatever extreme, but please speak to me and make my ears hear what you would have me do each day.