Today’s passage: 2 Samuel 5
Helpful thoughts:
- The elders of Israel gave three reasons they were to be united under the rule of King David
- David was their “brother” (Deuteronomy 17:15)
- David had already proven himself to be an able protector of the people.
- God had clearly chosen David as king. They would choose to agree with and follow God’s will.
- The city of Jerusalem had served as a barrier between the northern and southern tribes. David’s completion of God’s command (Judges 1:21) and making Jerusalem the capitol united the kingdom.
- David’s accumulation of wives and concubines may have looked “kingly” in the world’s eyes, but it was disobedience.
- The idols of the Philistines were supposed to guarantee their victory. Instead, Israel’s unity and power grew and the idols of the Philistines were burned (1 Chronicles 14:12).
Questions to consider:
- If everyone else in Israel thought David was their hero, what did David seem to know at this point? (Verse 12) For whom did David become king? Did the kingdom exist to serve him or did he become the servant of the people? What can this teach us about leadership?
- What is ironic about the Jebusites’ taunt of David? Could the blind and lame of the Jebusites defend the city against Israel and their God? What kind of blindness did this taunting reveal about the Jebusite people? Who among the Jebusites proved to be blind? What didn’t they see?
- God promised David, “I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand.” What promises from God’s Word give you joy because of their certainty? What makes God’s promises so certain? What attributes of God make His promises so certain?