David
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 7:8-17
All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “We are your own flesh and blood. In the past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns. And the Lord said to you, ‘You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler.’”
When all the elders of Israel had come to King David at Hebron, the king made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel.
David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years. In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah thirty-three years.
“Now then, tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord Almighty says: I took you from the pasture, from tending the flock, and appointed you ruler over my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men on earth. And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel. I will also give you rest from all your enemies.
“‘The Lord declares to you that the Lord himself will establish a house for you: When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him with a rod wielded by men, with floggings inflicted by human hands. But my love will never be taken away from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.’”
Nathan reported to David all the words of this entire revelation.
Although David was anointed king as a boy, he didn’t become king until he was thirty years old. During that time of waiting David had many experiences, positive and negative, that prepared him to become a wise and faithful king. Although David was certainly not perfect, his reign is held up as a model for the kings that followed him. David is described as a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14) and the Psalms are proof that David turned to God in many circumstances whether in praise, anger, fear or sorrow.
It’s this faith that causes God to renew the Abrahamic promise with David. Just as God promised to give Abraham a great name and nation, God promises David a name and nation that will endure forever. And at the heart of that nation is God himself, establishing the people, correcting wrongdoing, and pouring out never-ending love. This work of God is picked up by Jesus in the New Testament. Jesus reminds people of their true identity as children of God, corrects through words and actions, heals and feeds people and bears witness to the depths of God’s love. As you consider God’s promise to David and its fulfillment in Christ, what comes to mind for you? What aspects of this promise do you need to experience in your life today?
Prayer:
Thank God for the example of David who shared his heart with God no matter what he was facing. Share your heart with God - your feelings, thoughts, experiences and questions. Don’t be afraid to be honest, say what’s on your mind, and ask for what you need.