March 16, 2023 - 2 Samuel 4-7

The conflicts with Saul’s family and even with David’s own children. David anointed king over all Israel, and the political capital moved to Jerusalem. The Philistines defeated. The ark of the covenant brought to Jerusalem, which becomes, now, the religious center of the nation in addition to the political center. So many accomplishments did David have! But all of them, though important to the storyline, are but points along the way and pointers to an even greater story. God made a covenant with David and said to him, “When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. . . . And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever” (7:12-16). It matters not where we find ourselves in the story, the promise of a Redeemer and his kingdom is never far from us. We find ourselves pushed forward and forward toward the angel’s announcement to Joseph: “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:20-21).

Hail to the Lord’s Anointed,

great David’s greater Son!

Hail in the time appointed,

his reign on earth begun!

He comes to break oppression,

to set the captive free;

to take away transgression,

and rule in equity. --James Montgomery (1821)