March 6, 2022 - 2 Samuel 2-4

David anointed as king but there’s trouble everywhere it seems. Civil war erupted between the northern tribes (Ish-bosheth) and Judah (David). The outcome was in David’s favor: “And the battle was very fierce that day. And Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David” (2:17). And “David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul became weaker and weaker” (3:1). God was establishing the Davidic dynasty, and no historical persons or forces would frustrate that purpose. Even Abner, in his confrontation with Ish-bosheth, recognized what was going on: “God do so to Abner and more also, if I do not accomplish for David what the Lord has sworn to him, to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah” (3:9,10).

David would be a good king, showing a loyal and compassionate and forgiving heart. He would never lift his hand against Saul, though Saul often tried to kill him, and David even mourned his dying. Abner had fought against David, but David was quick to accept him, and when Joab killed Abner, David lamented his passing. David graciously provided for Mephibosheth, Saul’s crippled son (ch. 4). David had the sort of heart a good ruler must have. How had the Lord put it to Saul? “The Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and has appointed him commander of his people” (1 Sam 13:14). Oh, for leaders, national and religious, like that! Yet, our ultimate hope is in our God in whom we rest.

We go in faith, our own great weakness feeling,

and needing more each day thy grace to know:

yet from our hearts a song of triumph pealing,

“We rest on thee, and in thy name we go;”

yet from our hearts a song of triumph pealing,

“We rest on thee, and in thy name we go.” -- Edith G. Cherry (1895)