David's journey to the throne
David’s Journey to the Throne
2 Sam 5
Last week we looked at the passage where Saul and Jonathan had died and how David reacted to hearing the news of the death of his greatest human enemy. Just to bring you up to speed on the life of David, I want to tell you some key points that occur. This is what David has been waiting for, right? Saul is dead and now it is time for me to assume the throne. Not so fast David. Look at the opening verses of chapter 2. David asks the Lord, and he is directed to Hebron. Hebron is a southern city in Judah, and Judah is in the southern part of Israel.
Psalms 75:6-7 For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.
In verse 8, we have a remnant from the reign of Saul, and his name is Abner. I wouldn’t be exaggerating if I said that Abner didn’t care much for David. Abner anoints Ish-bosheth to be the king over all of Israel. Abner was just putting up a figure head so he could maintain some power in the kingdom. So we have this sort of split kingdom before the real split kingdom came into existence. There was tension and war for several years (chapter 3:1). Over the process of time, Abner and Ish-bosheth have a falling out. Abner decides to throw his support behind David as king. We read in verse 25 that Joab did not trust Abner. Joab is one of those guys who you want to have on your side. Abner is dead, and that lies between the David and the throne was Ish-bosheth. Two of Saul’s captains went and killed him and brought his head to David. They were looking to get in good with David, but David was not Saul, and he had the two executed. Now we come to chapter 5, and David is installed as the rightful king over all of Israel. I have finally arrived at the pinnacle of God’s will for my life, now I can rest easy. Not according to my Bible. Even when we are in the center of God’s will, there will still be challenges, trials, storms, and heartbreaks. David’s journey from the day he was anointed as a young man until the day he assumed the throne is a picture of the life of a believer. Not that we are going to assume a throne in this life, but understand when all is said and done, we will reign with the Lord, and we are a royal priesthood. There needs to be evidence of a continual spiritual progression in order for us to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
One of the first things on his agenda was for David to establish the city where he would reign as king over Judah. What about Hebron? Hebron was too far to the south, and in reality would have disconnected the king from much of Israel. Well, what about Gibeah where Saul reigned? Gibeah was a city of the Benjamites, Saul’s tribe, so it made sense for Saul to reign from there. We do not know all the inner workings that went on between David and the Lord concerning the selection of Jerusalem, but we know from the complete Bible account that it was ordained of God. We know that one day King Jesus will come through the eastern gate of that city and assume His rightful place of authority. Just like I had said, there was a problem awaiting David at Jerusalem. Verse 6. The Jebusites were in control of Jerusalem. The city was well fortified with walls and there were these water canals called gutters throughout the area. The Jebusites were suppose to have been driven out long ago, back in the days of Joshua.
Joshua 15:63 As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day. Later on in the Book of Judges there was another attempt to drive them out.
Judges 1:21 And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem unto this day.
We do not know what David said to the Jebusites when he approached them, but I think something on the order of this city belongs to Israel according to the covenant of Jehovah, we’re to have to ask you to vacate the premises. The Jebusites did not feel threatened after all others have tried and failed, what makes David so sure? They even went so far as to say, our blind and lame can defend the city of Jerusalem. David develops an incentive program: we can through the gutters and take this city. Which ever of you leads the attack and defeats the Jebusites will be the chief and captain. This was all the motivation Joab needed. Did David hate the lame and the blind? This is not easy to understand, but this is what David hated whatever stood between him and God’s will. How else can you explain the love he showed toward Mephibosheth? David is now in Jerusalem. And the Bible says that he grew great and the Lord of hosts was with him. Here is an essential key to understanding the idea of David being a man after God’s own heart. How could he mess up, fall into gross sin, and continue to bounce back? He was under no illusion that this authority had anything to do with him, but had everything to do with the blessings of God.
Finally on the throne, in the city of Jeruslaem, I think I am just going to sit back and enjoy this time of peace. Woe to them who are at ease in Zion.
1. But when the Philistines. Once I get through this trial, it is going to be all downhill from here. They did not shy away from David even though he had defeated them more them one time in the past. They decided to go after David again. Do not lose sight of this truth; the philistines are not only the enemy of God’s people, they are driven by THE ENEMY, the Devil. So here we have David, right where God wants him, and the adversary gets fired up and goes on the attack. If you have been in this very long at all, you know that when you are on the mountain, someone is looking to throw into the valley. I want you to notice David’s response. Why me God? No whining, no hand wringing. No, Lord I was so enjoying my quiet time and now these Philistines are disturbing my peace. He simply enquired of the Lord…Should I go up? And will you deliver them into my hand? God’s answer was yes on both counts. David is progressing in his reign and he was beset with another trying circumstance. He realized it wasn’t about him, his peace, his rest, his time. It was about god, and what God wanted him to do.
2. David found time in all of this to give God praise. He witnessed the power and purpose of God in the defeat of the philistines. That is a great lesson for us to learn in our spiritual progress. We have some trouble come our way. What would be like if we asked God about it, and let Him handle it? Do you think we might come out victoriously? Do you believe that his grace is sufficient or do you just like to say it?
3. He made time to give the God the glory. The enemy ran of and left their little Dagons behind. He will not share his glory with another. Anything hanging around your life that you know needs to be destroyed? Burn it so you can’t go back to it. Well you are super separated, and I will never come to that extreme position. I am sure you arrived at that decision by much reading, praying, and fasting. If you already have your mind made up, I am doubtful that you will hear a clear answer from God.
4. Verse 22. The philistines come up again. Are you getting the picture yet? We are in for the long haul. The Devil may attack you, and you run to the strong tower of God. Don’t be fooled, He will be back.
David asked God about it again. Thou shalt not go up. Same enemy, same location, same reason. Notice that David was not guilty of the sin of presumption. Well it worked last time, so I’ll just do it the same way. Did it ever dawn on you that the enemy might be trying a new strategy?
This time I want you to go around them and wait by the mulberry trees. When you HEAR the sound then you can make your move. And the Lord shall go before you to smite the enemy. Different conflict, but the same results.
No matter the nature of our conflict, the answer is always this: Ask and trust God.
Psalms 25:22 O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.
Simply trusting every day,
Trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Refrain
Trusting as the moments fly,
Trusting as the days go by;
Trusting Him whate’er befall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.