Summary:
David's House and Family
Verses 1-7
Hiram King of Tyre sent messengers to David, along with cedar logs, stonemasons, and carpenters to build him a palace. By this, David knew that God had established him king over Israel, and that, for the sake of Israel, the kingdom would be highly revered.
In Jerusalem, David took more wives and had more children: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, Ibhar, Elishua, Elpelet, Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, Elishama, Beeliada, and Eliphelet. (Isn't it funny how some names carried over into our era. Imagine if, instead of Nathan, someone thought they should make Beeliada popular...)
David Defeats the Philistines
Verses 8-17
The Philistines heard that David was now king, and they searched for him in full force. David found out and went to meet them. The Philistines had raided the Valley of Rephaim. David inquired of God, asking if he should attack the Philistines and if God would hand them over to him. God said He would. So, David and his men went and defeated the Philistines. David said " 'As waters break out, God has broken out against my enemies by my hand.' " (Verse 11b) He called the place Baal Perazim, which means "the lord who breaks out".
The Philistines abandoned their gods and David ordered them burned.
The Philistines again raided the valley and again David inquired of God for instruction. God told him not to go straight up, but to circle around and attack in front of the balsam trees. Once David heard marching at the top of the trees, he was to move out, because the sound would signal that God had gone out in front of him to strike down the Philistines. "So David did as God commanded him..." (Verse 16a) They struck down the Philistines from Gibeon to Gezer. And David's fame spread throughout every land, and the Lord made the nations fear him.
Lori's Thoughts:
God encouraged David about being king by inspiring the King of Tyre to form an alliance with Israel. And David was given a palace. Just a small gift...
Now, I don't understand why it was custom for the men of that time to have several wives. I don't want to share my husband (the one I will have eventually). But, it's not something God commanded. God condemns cheating and unfaithfulness. As for the multiple wives, I'll just have to ask Him about it when we go Home.
Isn't it awesome what teamwork is like with God? God is the coach, David is the captain, and the army are the players. David asked God what move he should play in this game of Israelites vs. Philistines. David made a suggestion, God said "I support it", and the army looked up to David as their leader and went for it. And they won. What was their victory dance? I'd like to think of the idol burning as the gatorade dumping on the coach. Both gestures say, hey, coach, you're the Man and I salute you.
Now, the last few verses I want to pay particular attention to. Trouble came around again. David didn't complain. He wasn't afraid. He remembered how God had delivered them in the past. David asked God for guidance, knowing He'd never steer him wrong. This time, God had a different tactic. David didn't question God and say, my idea worked last time. He trusted God with his whole heart and obeyed God. They succeeded again and became known as the best team in their country (really, the whole world).
Obedience to God is not slavery from fun and living. Obedience to God is freedom from destruction. It is an empowerment to live to the fullest. Yes, trouble will come. But, God is with us to help us conquer and live.
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