Today’s Reading : 2 Samuel 2, Psalm 34
During our journey through the books of Samuel, we have encounter many versions of Saul and David, and this is the time that we are able to see David become king of Judah and soon Israel. The one amazing trait that I see constantly throughout the text is David’s passion and undying reverence and relationship with God and David’s heart.
2 Samuel 2: 1-7
After this David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?” And the Lord said to him, “Go up.” David said, “To which shall I go up?” And he said, “To Hebron.” 2 So David went up there, and his two wives also, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail the widow of Nabal of Carmel. 3 And David brought up his men who were with him, everyone with his household, and they lived in the towns of Hebron. 4 And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah.
When they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul,” 5 David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead and said to them, “May you be blessed by the Lord, because you showed this loyalty to Saul your lord and buried him. 6 Now may the Lord show steadfast love and faithfulness to you. And I will do good to you because you have done this thing. 7 Now therefore let your hands be strong, and be valiant, for Saul your lord is dead, and the house of Judah has anointed me king over them.”
In these verses, David is inquiring and listening to the direction of God. He active listens to God and then clarifies the orders to make sure that he is doing the exact mission and directions that are presented to him. There have been many times that I have wondered what way to travel or which road to take. Because I relied on my own understandings I have experienced some very interesting adventures and been saved from myself through grace. How different would my adventures have been if I was aligned properly with God and had the discernment to ask these easy questions? David has lived and understood the richness and fullness of what God has in store for him.
Also in this passage, we see that David is genuinely compassionate for Saul, God’s anointed one. He has had several opportunities to take the throne and have his revenge on Saul, but he always refers to “What is God’s plan for His Anointed?” David has been given Saul’s life so many times in 1 Samuel, it is hard to keep a tally. But he always inquires God about how to deal with Saul. He revenges the lies that were spoken about Saul’s death and blesses those that buried Saul: his king, mentor, and father-in-law. This is a testament of his internal character, David loved God and loved his neighbor and his enemy. This is the Ahava, an unconditional love that cannot be explained. It is the love that God has for us. Once we have tasted the goodness of God, it is impossible to not want to give it to others. May we be blessed to seek God as David has and listen to his direction.