March 19, 2024

David was anointed king three times. First by God through Samuel, then by Judah, where he reigned for seven years, and now, by the rest of Israel, where he reigned for thirty-three years. In total, David was king for forty years. After being anointed king over all of Israel, he moved his base to Jerusalem, but he had to overcome the Jebusites, who thought their idols would protect them from David and his men, but they were mistaken; he ran them out. The king of Tyre built David a house, sending cedar trees, carpenters, and masons. David, not having enough wives, got him some more in Jerusalem. 🙄 Maybe he wanted to ensure he always had some allies; that didn’t work out so well for him, as we find later in scripture. The Philistines came to fight Israel again. What is with these people? Why can’t they live a quiet life without bothering others? David enquired of God to find out if he should go against them, “and the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand.” They didn’t learn their lesson and sent more men, but God handled it this time. 

David didn’t do anything without talking to God first. He knew his place and realized that God was in charge and relied on Him for his every move, except maybe for all those wives. It would do us well to do as David, consult God and leave the outcome in his hands. Stay constant in prayer, and talk to God all day; it doesn’t have to be formal, just respectful. He’s waiting to hear from you.

And David perceived that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel's sake. 2 Samuel 5:12