David Arranges for Uriah’s Death

Introduction:

Jeremiah 17:9 NLT
⁹ “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things,
and desperately wicked.
Who really knows how bad it is?

2 Samuel 11:14-27 NLT
David Arranges for Uriah’s Death
¹⁴ So the next morning David wrote a letter to Joab and gave it to Uriah to deliver. ¹⁵ The letter instructed Joab, “Station Uriah on the front lines where the battle is fiercest. Then pull back so that he will be killed.” ¹⁶ So Joab assigned Uriah to a spot close to the city wall where he knew the enemy’s strongest men were fighting. ¹⁷ And when the enemy soldiers came out of the city to fight, Uriah the Hittite was killed along with several other Israelite soldiers.
¹⁸ Then Joab sent a battle report to David. ¹⁹ He told his messenger, “Report all the news of the battle to the king. ²⁰ But he might get angry and ask, ‘Why did the troops go so close to the city? Didn’t they know there would be shooting from the walls? ²¹ Wasn’t Abimelech son of Gideon killed at Thebez by a woman who threw a millstone down on him from the wall? Why would you get so close to the wall?’ Then tell him, ‘Uriah the Hittite was killed, too.’”
²² So the messenger went to Jerusalem and gave a complete report to David. ²³ “The enemy came out against us in the open fields,” he said. “And as we chased them back to the city gate, ²⁴ the archers on the wall shot arrows at us. Some of the king’s men were killed, including Uriah the Hittite.”
²⁵ “Well, tell Joab not to be discouraged,” David said. “The sword devours this one today and that one tomorrow! Fight harder next time, and conquer the city!”
²⁶ When Uriah’s wife heard that her husband was dead, she mourned for him. ²⁷ When the period of mourning was over, David sent for her and brought her to the palace, and she became one of his wives. Then she gave birth to a son. But the Lord was displeased with what David had done.

Examine the Scriptures

2 Samuel 11:14-27 NLT

David Arranges for Uriah’s Death

¹⁴ So the next morning David wrote a letter to Joab and gave it to Uriah to deliver.

• David plots Uriah’s death.

Uriah unknowingly carries his own death warrant.

 ¹⁵ The letter instructed Joab, “Station Uriah on the front lines where the battle is fiercest. Then pull back so that he will be killed.” 

• David sends a letter to Joab, the commander of his army, instructing him to place Uriah at the front line of battle where the fighting is fiercest and then withdraw, ensuring Uriah’s death.

Then pull back so that he will be killed.” 

Note: Uriah was one of “David’s mighty warriors” (listed in 1 Chronicles 11 and 2 Samuel 23)

David manipulates others to cover his sin.

This is an act of premeditated murder.

Leviticus 24:17 NLT
¹⁷ “Anyone who takes another person’s life must be put to death. 

¹⁶ So Joab assigned Uriah to a spot close to the city wall where he knew the enemy’s strongest men were fighting. 

• Joab complied with David’s instructions.

Joab’s willingness to carry out David’s orders reflects the ethical dilemmas faced by subordinates in systems of power.

David, as king, abused his authority to serve his personal desires,

Joab may have felt compelled to obey David as his king, believing it was his duty to follow orders. However, the Bible consistently upholds God’s law as the ultimate standard, even above human authority.

This was an act of premeditated murder.

Exodus 20:13 NLT
“You must not murder.

Situations like this highlight the importance of courageously opposing injustice, even when it comes from a superior.

Acts 5:29 NLT
²⁹ But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.

Obeying authority does not excuse participation in wrongdoing. Individuals are accountable for their actions, even when following orders.

James 4:17 NLT
Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.

• Joab’s submission to David’s command does not absolve him of guilt for participating in an immoral act.

Bible characters who disobeyed those in authority:

The Hebrew midwives

Exodus 1:15-17 & 21 NLT
¹⁵ Then Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, gave this order to the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah: ¹⁶ “When you help the Hebrew women as they give birth, watch as they deliver.  If the baby is a boy, kill him; if it is a girl, let her live.”
¹⁷ But because the midwives feared God, they refused to obey the king’s orders. They allowed the boys to live, too.
²¹ And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own.

Rahab  (Note: Rahab is mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus.)

Joshua 2:2-6 NLT
² But someone told the king of Jericho, “Some Israelites have come here tonight to spy out the land.” ³ So the king of Jericho sent orders to Rahab: “Bring out the men who have come into your house, for they have come here to spy out the whole land.”
⁴ Rahab had hidden the two men, but she replied, “Yes, the men were here earlier, but I didn’t know where they were from. ⁵ They left the town at dusk, as the gates were about to close. I don’t know where they went. If you hurry, you can probably catch up with them.” ⁶ (Actually, she had taken them up to the roof and hidden them beneath bundles of flax she had laid out.)

The people – the men of Saul’s army

1 Samuel 14:43-45 NLT
⁴³ “Tell me what you have done,” Saul demanded of Jonathan.
“I tasted a little honey,” Jonathan admitted. “It was only a little bit on the end of my stick. Does that deserve death?”
⁴⁴ “Yes, Jonathan,” Saul said, “you must die! May God strike me and even kill me if you do not die for this.”
⁴⁵ But the people broke in and said to Saul, “Jonathan has won this great victory for Israel. Should he die? Far from it! As surely as the Lord lives, not one hair on his head will be touched, for God helped him do a great deed today.” So the people rescued Jonathan, and he was not put to death.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

Daniel 3:10-12 NLT
¹⁰ You issued a decree requiring all the people to bow down and worship the gold statue when they hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and other musical instruments. ¹¹ That decree also states that those who refuse to obey must be thrown into a blazing furnace. ¹² But there are some Jews—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—whom you have put in charge of the province of Babylon. They pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They refuse to serve your gods and do not worship the gold statue you have set up.” 

Peter and John

Acts 4:18-20 NLT
¹⁸ So they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus.
¹⁹ But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? ²⁰ We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.”

 

¹⁷ And when the enemy soldiers came out of the city to fight, 

Uriah the Hittite was killed along with several other Israelite soldiers.

• Here one sin led to another sin, escalating from adultery to deception and murder.

Uriah was not the only casualty.  David was also responsible for the death of several other Israelite soldiers.

• David’s sin harmed others.

¹⁸ Then Joab sent a battle report to David. ¹⁹ He told his messenger, “Report all the news of the battle to the king. ²⁰ But he might get angry and ask, ‘Why did the troops go so close to the city? Didn’t they know there would be shooting from the walls? 

• Joab knew that fighting close to the enemies’ city wall was a military blunder. 

Joab knew that his actions were wrong. 

²¹ Wasn’t Abimelech son of Gideon killed at Thebez by a woman who threw a millstone down on him from the wall? Why would you get so close to the wall?’

Judges 9:50-56 NLT
⁵⁰ Then Abimelech attacked the town of Thebez and captured it. ⁵¹ But there was a strong tower inside the town, and all the men and women—the entire population—fled to it. They barricaded themselves in and climbed up to the roof of the tower. ⁵² Abimelech followed them to attack the tower. But as he prepared to set fire to the entrance, ⁵³ a woman on the roof dropped a millstone that landed on Abimelech’s head and crushed his skull.
⁵⁴ He quickly said to his young armor bearer, “Draw your sword and kill me! Don’t let it be said that a woman killed Abimelech!” So the young man ran him through with his sword, and he died. ⁵⁵ When Abimelech’s men saw that he was dead, they disbanded and returned to their homes.
⁵⁶ In this way, God punished Abimelech for the evil he had done against his father (Gideon was called Jerub-baal) by murdering his seventy brothers. 

Then tell him, ‘Uriah the Hittite was killed, too.’”

Joab’s messenger was instructed to inform David specifically that Uriah had been killed, communicating to David that his plan had worked.

• David’s plan worked. 

²² So the messenger went to Jerusalem and gave a complete report to David. ²³ “The enemy came out against us in the open fields,” he said. “And as we chased them back to the city gate, ²⁴ the archers on the wall shot arrows at us. Some of the king’s men were killed, including Uriah the Hittite.” 

²⁵ “Well, tell Joab not to be discouraged,” David said. “The sword devours this one today and that one tomorrow! Fight harder next time, and conquer the city!”

Basically, David told Joab not to be discouraged by the death of a few good men.

David was calling sin something other than sin: merely a natural consequence of war.

• David’s callus attitude is chilling.

What should David have done?

1 John 1:9 NLT
⁹ But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 

²⁶ When Uriah’s wife heard that her husband was dead, she mourned for him. 

Bathsheba mourns for Uriah.

There is no indication of David mourning the death of Uriah.

• Bathsheba mourned for Uriah.

²⁷ When the period of mourning was over,

Probably a period of seven days.

Joseph mourned his father’s death for seven days.

Genesis 50:10 NLT
¹⁰ When they arrived at the threshing floor of Atad, near the Jordan River, they held a very great and solemn memorial service, with a seven-day period of mourning for Joseph’s father.

King Saul’s death.

1 Samuel 31:11-13 NLT
¹¹ But when the people of Jabesh-gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, ¹² all their mighty warriors traveled through the night to Beth-shan and took the bodies of Saul and his sons down from the wall. They brought them to Jabesh, where they burned the bodies. ¹³ Then they took their bones and buried them beneath the tamarisk tree at Jabesh, and they fasted for seven days. 

David sent for her and brought her to the palace, and she became one of his wives. Then she gave birth to a son. 

But the Lord was displeased with what David had done.

No sin is hidden from God, and accountability is inevitable.

David had brazenly violated God’s laws.

Exodus 20:13-17 NLT

¹³ “You must not murder.

¹⁴ “You must not commit adultery.

¹⁵ “You must not steal.

¹⁶ “You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.

¹⁷ “You must not covet your neighbor’s house. You must not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.”

• David had abused his royal power, which the Lord had entrusted to him to shepherd the Lord’s people. 

The assignment that God had given to David.

2 Samuel 5:2 NLT
… And the Lord told you, (David) ‘You will be the shepherd of my people Israel. You will be Israel’s leader.’” 

• The Lord was displeased with what David had done. 

A small sample of the guilt David would have to live with. 

Psalm 51:2-4 NLT
² Wash me clean from my guilt.
Purify me from my sin.
³ For I recognize my rebellion;
it haunts me day and night.
⁴ Against you, and you alone, have I sinned;
I have done what is evil in your sight.

David and Bathsheba

Introduction:

This passage serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerability of even people who truly love the Lord and the far-reaching consequences of sin. It calls us to self-examination, repentance, and reliance on God’s grace to avoid similar pitfalls.

2 Samuel 11:1-13 NLT
David and Bathsheba
^11:1 In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites. They destroyed the Ammonite army and laid siege to the city of Rabbah. However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem.
² Late one afternoon, after his midday rest, David got out of bed and was walking on the roof of the palace. As he looked out over the city, he noticed a woman of unusual beauty taking a bath. ³ He sent someone to find out who she was, and he was told, “She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.” ⁴ Then David sent messengers to get her; and when she came to the palace, he slept with her. She had just completed the purification rites after having her menstrual period. Then she returned home. ⁵ Later, when Bathsheba discovered that she was pregnant, she sent David a message, saying, “I’m pregnant.”
⁶ Then David sent word to Joab: “Send me Uriah the Hittite.” So Joab sent him to David. ⁷ When Uriah arrived, David asked him how Joab and the army were getting along and how the war was progressing. ⁸ Then he told Uriah, “Go on home and relax.” David even sent a gift to Uriah after he had left the palace. ⁹ But Uriah didn’t go home. He slept that night at the palace entrance with the king’s palace guard.
¹⁰ When David heard that Uriah had not gone home, he summoned him and asked, “What’s the matter? Why didn’t you go home last night after being away for so long?”
¹¹ Uriah replied, “The Ark and the armies of Israel and Judah are living in tents, and Joab and my master’s men are camping in the open fields. How could I go home to wine and dine and sleep with my wife? I swear that I would never do such a thing.”
¹² “Well, stay here today,” David told him, “and tomorrow you may return to the army.” So Uriah stayed in Jerusalem that day and the next. ¹³ Then David invited him to dinner and got him drunk. But even then he couldn’t get Uriah to go home to his wife. Again he slept at the palace entrance with the king’s palace guard.

Examine the Scriptures

2 Samuel 11:1-13 NLT

David and Bathsheba 

^11:1 In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war,

At this point in time, David had been living in Jerusalem for about 10 years.

It was a common practice for kings to go out to war after the early grain harvest in April and May.

This was after the rainy season. Dry roads and fields made it easier for armies to travel and conduct military campaigns.

Leading his troops into battle was one of the major roles of an ancient Near Eastern ruler.

David, as king, was expected to lead his army during wartime, yet he remains in Jerusalem. It appears that he was neglecting his duty.  This inaction sets the stage for his moral failure.

• It was a common practice in the ancient Near East for kings to go out to war after the grain harvest in April and May. 

David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites.

In the previous chapter the Israelites went to war with the Ammonites.  The Ammonites hired mercenaries from the Syrians (Arameans).  The Israelites were facing a two front battle, having to fight both the Ammonite and the Aramean armies. The Israelites achieved a decisive victory over the Syrian (Aramean) army.  When the Ammonites saw the Arameans running, they ran from Abishai and retreated into the city. After the battle was over, Joab returned to Jerusalem. (2 Samuel 10:14 NLT)  Joab did not attempt to capture the city of Rabbah at this time. 

They destroyed the Ammonite army and laid siege to the city of Rabbah.

However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem.

Israel went to war, but their king stayed home.  Something is wrong with this.

Normally Israel’s kings accompanied their armies into battle.

• David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites, but he stayed behind in Jerusalem. 

² Late one afternoon, after his midday rest, David got out of bed and was walking on the roof of the palace.

• The roof was the place people often went to relax, especially in the mornings and evenings.

Daniel 4:28-30 NLT
²⁸ “But all these things did happen to King Nebuchadnezzar. ²⁹ Twelve months later he was taking a walk on the flat roof of the royal palace in Babylon. ³⁰ As he looked out across the city, he said, ‘Look at this great city of Babylon! By my own mighty power, I have built this beautiful city as my royal residence to display my majestic splendor.’

Acts 10:9 NLT
Peter Visits Cornelius
⁹ The next day as Cornelius’s messengers were nearing the town, Peter went up on the flat roof to pray. It was about noon,

Jeremiah 19:12-13 NLT
¹² This is what I will do to this place and its people, says the Lord. I will cause this city to become defiled like Topheth. ¹³ Yes, all the houses in Jerusalem, including the palace of Judah’s kings, will become like Topheth—all the houses where you burned incense on the rooftops to your star gods, and where liquid offerings were poured out to your idols.’”

1 Samuel 9:25 NLT
²⁵ When they came down from the place of worship and returned to town, Samuel took Saul up to the roof of the house and prepared a bed for him there.

Joshua 2:4-6 NLT
⁴ Rahab had hidden the two men …6 (Actually, she had taken them up to the roof and hidden them beneath bundles of flax she had laid out.) 

As he looked out over the city, he noticed a woman of unusual beauty taking a bath. 

“In ancient times, Israelite houses had an enclosed courtyard.

Bathsheba was actually in her own house.”

As David looked out over the city, he was able to see the inside of a neighboring courtyard.

Initially David’s behavior was innocent. However David’s leisure activity leads to temptation.

“Our greatest battles don’t usually come when we’re working hard; they come when we have some leisure, when we’ve got time on our hands, when we’re bored.” (Constable Bible Commentary)

James 1:14-15 NLT
¹⁴ Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. ¹⁵ These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. 

• David’s wandering eyes lead to sinful desire. 

• David’s sinful desires led to sinful actions. 

³ He sent someone to find out who she was, 

David acted. 

And he was told, “She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.”

Elian (2 Samuel 23:34) One of the thirty – David’s mightiest warriors.

Uriah the Hittite was one of David’s top warriors. (2 Samuel 23:39) One of the thirty – David’s mightiest warriors.

Both of these men were a part of David’s inner circle.  They were both men who David should have highly respected. 

• Eliam and Uriah are both included in the list of David’s mighty warriors. 

 ⁴ Then David sent messengers to get her;

• David’s temptation followed an age-old pattern: he saw, he desired, and he took.

• David could not help seeing, but now David needed to run!

1 Corinthians 6:18 NLT
¹⁸ Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body.

Exodus 20:13-17 NLT
¹⁷ “You must not covet your neighbor’s house. You must not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.” 

and when she came to the palace, he slept with her.

Exodus 20:13-17 NLT
¹⁴ “You must not commit adultery. 

Bathsheba likely had little ability to refuse the king. 

• David slept with Bathsheba. 

She had just completed the purification rites after having her menstrual period.

The significance of this in the context is to make it clear that she was not already pregnant by her own husband when David took her.

Then she returned home. ⁵ Later, when Bathsheba discovered that she was pregnant, she sent David a message, saying, “I’m pregnant.”

Clearly, David is the father of the child who was conceived.

• Choices have consequences.

Leviticus 20:10 NLT
¹⁰ “If a man commits adultery with his neighbor’s wife, both the man and the woman who have committed adultery must be put to death.

Deuteronomy 22:22 NLT
²² “If a man is discovered committing adultery, both he and the woman must die. In this way, you will purge Israel of such evil.

David attempts to cover up his sin. 

⁶ Then David sent word to Joab: “Send me Uriah the Hittite.” So Joab sent him to David. ⁷ When Uriah arrived, David asked him how Joab and the army were getting along and how the war was progressing. 

• David attempts to cover up his sins.

Under the pretense of seeking information about the course of the war, David brings Uriah back to Jerusalem.

⁸ Then he told Uriah, “Go on home and relax.” David even sent a gift to Uriah after he had left the palace. 

David wanted Uriah to spend time with his wife so that Uriah (and everyone else) would think he was the father of the child that had been conceived. 

⁹ But Uriah didn’t go home. He slept that night at the palace entrance with the king’s palace guard.
¹⁰ When David heard that Uriah had not gone home, he summoned him and asked, “What’s the matter? Why didn’t you go home last night after being away for so long?”
¹¹ Uriah replied, “The Ark and the armies of Israel and Judah are living in tents, and Joab and my master’s men are camping in the open fields. How could I go home to wine and dine and sleep with my wife?

• The Israelites considered the war camp a holy place because God was present to fight for his people. Thus soldiers avoided anything that caused impurity.

Leviticus 15:18 NLT
¹⁸ After a man and a woman have sexual intercourse, they must each bathe in water, and they will remain unclean until the next evening.

1 Samuel 21:4-5 NLT
⁴ “We don’t have any regular bread,” the priest replied. “But there is the holy bread, which you can have if your young men have not slept with any women recently.”
⁵ “Don’t worry,” David replied. “I never allow my men to be with women when we are on a campaign. And since they stay clean even on ordinary trips, how much more on this one!” 

I swear that I would never do such a thing.”

• Uriah’s loyalty to the army contrasts sharply with David’s betrayal.

Where is David?  David is not with his warriors on the battlefield.

Uriah’s loyalty to the army contrasts sharply with David’s betrayal. 

¹² “Well, stay here today,” David told him, “and tomorrow you may return to the army.” So Uriah stayed in Jerusalem that day and the next. ¹³ Then David invited him to dinner and got him drunk.

• David’s actions grow more desperate as he attempts to manipulate Uriah into compromising his principles. 

But even then he couldn’t get Uriah to go home to his wife. Again he slept at the palace entrance with the king’s palace guard.

• Instead of repenting and trying to settle the matter openly, David tries to cover up his adultery.

This episode serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerability of even the most righteous individuals and the far-reaching consequences of sin. It calls readers to self-examination, repentance, and reliance on God’s grace to avoid similar pitfalls.

Note:

Exodus 20:13-17 NLT
¹³ “You must not murder.

¹⁴ “You must not commit adultery.

¹⁵ “You must not steal.

¹⁶ “You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.

¹⁷ “You must not covet your neighbor’s house. You must not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.”

Introduction:

Who are the Israelites fighting when King David had his affair with Bathsheba?

(The Ammonites at Rabbah, the chief city of the Ammonites.)

What was the theme of 2 Samuel chapter 8?

David defeating Israel’s enemies.  At the end of David’s reign, Israel was securely at rest in the Promised Land.

The battle in Chapter 10 may be the same battle that was described in 2 Samuel 8.

Hadadezer appears in chapter 10 as David’s active and capable foe (10:16) yet in chapter 8 David had defeated him (8:3) and plundered his city (8:7, 12).

2 Samuel 8:3-4 NLT
³ David also destroyed the forces of Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, when Hadadezer marched out to strengthen his control along the Euphrates River. ⁴ David captured 1,000 chariots, 7,000 charioteers, and 20,000 foot soldiers. He crippled all the chariot horses except enough for 100 chariots.

Chapter 10 gives us the historical context for chapter 11 unpacking the events of chapter 8.

Note:
You will need to reach your own conclusions with some of the unanswered questions in this lesson.

2 Samuel 10:1-19 NLT

David Defeats the Ammonites

^10:1 Some time after this, King Nahash of the Ammonites died, and his son Hanun became king. ² David said, “I am going to show loyalty to Hanun just as his father, Nahash, was always loyal to me.” So David sent ambassadors to express sympathy to Hanun about his father’s death.
But when David’s ambassadors arrived in the land of Ammon, ³ the Ammonite commanders said to Hanun, their master, “Do you really think these men are coming here to honor your father? No! David has sent them to spy out the city so they can come in and conquer it!” ⁴ So Hanun seized David’s ambassadors and shaved off half of each man’s beard, cut off their robes at the buttocks, and sent them back to David in shame.
⁵ When David heard what had happened, he sent messengers to tell the men, “Stay at Jericho until your beards grow out, and then come back.” For they felt deep shame because of their appearance.
⁶ When the people of Ammon realized how seriously they had angered David, they sent and hired 20,000 Aramean foot soldiers from the lands of Beth-rehob and Zobah, 1,000 from the king of Maacah, and 12,000 from the land of Tob. ⁷ When David heard about this, he sent Joab and all his warriors to fight them. ⁸ The Ammonite troops came out and drew up their battle lines at the entrance of the city gate, while the Arameans from Zobah and Rehob and the men from Tob and Maacah positioned themselves to fight in the open fields.
⁹ When Joab saw that he would have to fight on both the front and the rear, he chose some of Israel’s elite troops and placed them under his personal command to fight the Arameans in the fields. ¹⁰ He left the rest of the army under the command of his brother Abishai, who was to attack the Ammonites. ¹¹ “If the Arameans are too strong for me, then come over and help me,” Joab told his brother. “And if the Ammonites are too strong for you, I will come and help you. ¹² Be courageous! Let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. May the Lord’s will be done.”
¹³ When Joab and his troops attacked, the Arameans began to run away. ¹⁴ And when the Ammonites saw the Arameans running, they ran from Abishai and retreated into the city. After the battle was over, Joab returned to Jerusalem.
¹⁵ The Arameans now realized that they were no match for Israel. So when they regrouped, ¹⁶ they were joined by additional Aramean troops summoned by Hadadezer from the other side of the Euphrates River. These troops arrived at Helam under the command of Shobach, the commander of Hadadezer’s forces.
¹⁷ When David heard what was happening, he mobilized all Israel, crossed the Jordan River, and led the army to Helam. The Arameans positioned themselves in battle formation and fought against David. ¹⁸ But again the Arameans fled from the Israelites. This time David’s forces killed 700 charioteers and 40,000 foot soldiers, including Shobach, the commander of their army. ¹⁹ When all the kings allied with Hadadezer saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they surrendered to Israel and became their subjects. After that, the Arameans were afraid to help the Ammonites.

 Examine the Scriptures

2 Samuel 10:1-19 NLT

See 1 Chronicles 19:1-19

David Defeats the Ammonites 

^10:1 Some time after this,

King Nahash of the Ammonites died, and his son Hanun became king. ² David said, “I am going to show loyalty to Hanun just as his father, Nahash, was always loyal to me.” So David sent ambassadors to express sympathy to Hanun about his father’s death.

David wanted to keep the Ammonites as peaceful neighbors.

King Nahash an enemy of Saul had always been loyal to David.

• At this point in time, King David wanted to keep peace with his neighbors, the Ammonites. 

But when David’s ambassadors arrived in the land of Ammon, ³ the Ammonite commanders said to Hanun, their master, “Do you really think these men are coming here to honor your father?

• The Ammonite leaders question David’s motives.

Their questions may have been legitimate.

No! David has sent them to spy out the city so they can come in and conquer it!” 

Rabbah was the chief city of the Ammonites.

• The Ammonites may have been thinking about what had happened to their neighbors, the Moabites. (2 Samuel 8:2)

2 Samuel 8:2 NLT
² David also conquered the land of Moab. He made the people lie down on the ground in a row, and he measured them off in groups with a length of rope. He measured off two groups to be executed for every one group to be spared. The Moabites who were spared became David’s subjects and paid him tribute money. 

⁴ So Hanun seized David’s ambassadors and shaved off half of each man’s beard, cut off their robes at the buttocks, and sent them back to David in shame.

In this instance, David’s kindness was neither appreciated nor reciprocated.

This act of humiliation angered David (see verse 6).

This action was a disgraceful, dishonorable, shameful, insulting, contemptable behavior.

This was a shameful practice inflicted on prisoners of war.

Isaiah 20:4 NLT
⁴ For the king of Assyria will take away the Egyptians and Ethiopians as prisoners. He will make them walk naked and barefoot, both young and old, their buttocks bared, to the shame of Egypt.

• When the Ammonites humiliated David’s soldiers, it was the beginning of Israel’s war with the Ammonites.

This insult to David was, in effect, a declaration of war. 

⁵ When David heard what had happened, he sent messengers to tell the men, “Stay at Jericho until your beards grow out, and then come back.” For they felt deep shame because of their appearance.

Jericho was the first place west of the Jordan River that would have been reached by David’s servants as they returned from Rabbah.

The city of Jericho had not yet been formally reconstructed, but it was located near a large spring of water and it was a good place of seclusion for the men to stay. 

⁶ When the people of Ammon realized how seriously they had angered David, they sent and hired 20,000 Aramean foot soldiers from the lands of Beth-rehob and Zobah, 1,000 from the king of Maacah, and 12,000 from the land of Tob. 

• Realizing they have offended David, the Ammonites hire mercenaries from the Syrians of Zobah, Rehob, and other regions.

Refer to a Bible map.

Hiring armies was a common practice of the day.

The term “Syrian” is often used interchangeably with Arameans in English translations of the Bible. 

⁷ When David heard about this, he sent Joab and all his warriors to fight them. ⁸ The Ammonite troops came out and drew up their battle lines at the entrance of the city gate,

Rabbah

while the Arameans from Zobah and Rehob and the men from Tob and Maacah positioned themselves to fight in the open fields.

The Israelites were facing a two-front battle.

The Ammonites in the city.

The Syrian mercenaries in the fields around the city.

• The Israelites were facing a two-front battle. 

⁹ When Joab saw that he would have to fight on both the front and the rear, he chose some of Israel’s elite troops and placed them under his personal command to fight the Arameans in the fields. 

• Joab finds himself between the Ammonite and the Aramean armies.

¹⁰ He left the rest of the army under the command of his brother Abishai, who was to attack the Ammonites. ¹¹ “If the Arameans are too strong for me, then come over and help me,” Joab told his brother. “And if the Ammonites are too strong for you, I will come and help you. ¹² Be courageous! Let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. May the Lord’s will be done.”

• Joab motivates his troops to be courageous and trust in the LORD for the outcome.

Fight bravely and trust in the Lord.

Battles have two parts. Our part and God’s part.

¹³ When Joab and his troops attacked, the Arameans began to run away. ¹⁴ And when the Ammonites saw the Arameans running, they ran from Abishai and retreated into the city. After the battle was over, Joab returned to Jerusalem.

• Joab did not attempt to capture the city of Rabbah at this time. (See 11:1 – next lesson.) 

¹⁵ The Arameans now realized that they were no match for Israel. So when they regrouped, ¹⁶ they were joined by additional Aramean troops summoned by Hadadezer from the other side of the Euphrates River. These troops arrived at Helam under the command of Shobach, the commander of Hadadezer’s forces.

The exact location of Helam is uncertain, but it is believed to have been in the region east of the Jordan River, possibly in the area of Gilead or near the borderlands between Israel and Aram (modern-day Syria). (Chat GPT)

Seven miles north of Tob???

• The Arameans, realizing that they were no match for Israel, regrouped, joining up with additional Aramean troops summoned by Hadadezer. 

¹⁷ When David heard what was happening, he mobilized all Israel, crossed the Jordan River, and led the army to Helam. The Arameans positioned themselves in battle formation and fought against David. ¹⁸ But again the Arameans fled from the Israelites. This time David’s forces killed 700 charioteers

(1 Chronicles 19:18 says 7,000 charioteers.  This could be the same battle discussed in chapter 8.)

and 40,000 foot soldiers, including Shobach, the commander of their army. 

• The Israelites achieve a decisive victory, killing 700 (or 7,000) charioteers and 40,000 foot soldiers, including Shobach, the commander of their army. 

¹⁹ When all the kings allied with Hadadezer saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they surrendered to Israel and became their subjects. 

After that, the Arameans were afraid to help the Ammonites.

• The Arameans (Syrians) made peace with Israel and are no longer willing to help the Ammonites.

The Syrians occupying territories in the northern section of David’s kingdom were no longer a threat to Israel at this point in time. (Refer to a map of David’s kingdom.)

 

 

David’s Kindness to Mephibosheth

Introduction:

Another glimpse into David’s character.

This passage highlights King David’s loyalty, kindness, and faithfulness, especially in honoring his covenant with Jonathan by showing compassion to Mephibosheth.

2 Samuel 9:1-13 NLT
David’s Kindness to Mephibosheth
^9:1 One day David asked, “Is anyone in Saul’s family still alive—anyone to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” ² He summoned a man named Ziba, who had been one of Saul’s servants. “Are you Ziba?” the king asked.
“Yes sir, I am,” Ziba replied.
³ The king then asked him, “Is anyone still alive from Saul’s family? If so, I want to show God’s kindness to them.”
Ziba replied, “Yes, one of Jonathan’s sons is still alive. He is crippled in both feet.”
⁴ “Where is he?” the king asked.
“In Lo-debar,” Ziba told him, “at the home of Makir son of Ammiel.”
⁵ So David sent for him and brought him from Makir’s home. ⁶ His name was Mephibosheth; he was Jonathan’s son and Saul’s grandson. When he came to David, he bowed low to the ground in deep respect. David said, “Greetings, Mephibosheth.”
Mephibosheth replied, “I am your servant.”
⁷ “Don’t be afraid!” David said. “I intend to show kindness to you because of my promise to your father, Jonathan. I will give you all the property that once belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will eat here with me at the king’s table!”
⁸ Mephibosheth bowed respectfully and exclaimed, “Who is your servant, that you should show such kindness to a dead dog like me?”
⁹ Then the king summoned Saul’s servant Ziba and said, “I have given your master’s grandson everything that belonged to Saul and his family. ¹⁰ You and your sons and servants are to farm the land for him to produce food for your master’s household. But Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, will eat here at my table.” (Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.)
¹¹ Ziba replied, “Yes, my lord the king; I am your servant, and I will do all that you have commanded.” And from that time on, Mephibosheth ate regularly at David’s table, like one of the king’s own sons.
¹² Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica. From then on, all the members of Ziba’s household were Mephibosheth’s servants. ¹³ And Mephibosheth, who was crippled in both feet, lived in Jerusalem and ate regularly at the king’s table.

 Examine the Scriptures

2 Samuel 9:1-13 NLT

David’s Kindness to Mephibosheth 

^9:1 One day

The events of this chapter take place a number of years after David’s capture of Jerusalem.

Mephibosheth was five years old at the time of his father’s death.

2 Samuel 4:4 NLT
⁴ (Saul’s son Jonathan had a son named Mephibosheth, who was crippled as a child. He was five years old when the report came from Jezreel that Saul and Jonathan had been killed in battle. When the child’s nurse heard the news, she picked him up and fled. But as she hurried away, she dropped him, and he became crippled.)

Mephibosheth was now a father of a young son.

Verse 12
¹² Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica. 

Some commentators suggest Mephibosheth was about 20 to 25 years of age. 

David asked, “Is anyone in Saul’s family still alive—anyone to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?”

• This passage is an illustration of David’s kindness toward Saul’s family.

Kindness, as used here, reflects a love that is enduring, committed, and rooted in a moral obligation, going beyond what is expected or required.

Compassion and generosity.

“Kindness” used here speaks of one who is faithfulness and one who keeps his promises (covenants).

It describes the devotion and loyalty between David and Jonathan.

Scripture tells us to be kind to others.

Ephesians 4:32 NLT
³² … be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Colossians 3:12 NLT
¹² Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

1 Corinthians 13:4 NLT
⁴ Love is patient and kind. 

• Scripture tells us to be kind to others.

Review: (remember)

David’s promise to Jonathan.

1 Samuel 20
¹⁴ And may you treat me (Jonathan) with the faithful love of the Lord as long as I live. But if I die, ¹⁵ treat my family with this faithful love, even when the Lord destroys all your enemies from the face of the earth.” 

¹⁶ So Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, saying, “May the Lord destroy all your enemies!” ¹⁷ And Jonathan made David reaffirm his vow of friendship again, for Jonathan loved David as he loved himself. 

⁴² At last Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn loyalty to each other in the Lord’s name. The Lord is the witness of a bond between us and our children forever.” Then David left, and Jonathan returned to the town.

David’s promise to Saul

1 Samuel 24:21-22 NLT
²⁰ And now I (Saul) realize that you are surely going to be king, and that the kingdom of Israel will flourish under your rule.
²¹ Now swear to me by the Lord that when that happens you will not kill my family and destroy my line of descendants!”
²² So David promised this to Saul with an oath. Then Saul went home, but David and his men went back to their stronghold.

• David had not forgotten the promises he had made to Jonathan and Saul. 

 ² He (David) summoned a man named Ziba, who had been one of Saul’s servants. “Are you Ziba?” the king asked.

2 Samuel 19:17 NLT
¹⁷ … including Ziba, the chief servant of the house of Saul … 

“Yes sir, I am,” Ziba replied.

³ The king then asked him, “Is anyone still alive from Saul’s family? If so, I want to show God’s kindness to them.”

• David told Ziba that he wanted to show God’s kindness to anyone still alive from Saul’s family.

Ziba replied, “Yes, one of Jonathan’s sons is still alive. He is crippled in both feet.”

Ziba tells David about Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son, who is crippled in both feet.
(see comments under verse 1)

Note: Mephibosheth is a surviving descendant of a former king.  As a surviving son, he would have been an heir to the throne.  Many times, in the history of the Old Testament, in coming kings would kill off all those who might have a claim to the throne. Ziba, a servant of Saul, now revealed the hiding place of Mephibosheth, and David could have easily killed him.

This, and two future passages, 2 Samuel 16:3-4 and 2 Samuel 19:24-29, makes us wonder about Ziba’s true motives and integrity. 

⁴ “Where is he?” the king asked.
“In Lo-debar,” Ziba told him, “

Lo-debar is located close to Mahanaim, the capital city of Mephibosheth’s late uncle, Ishbosheth.

This is located in the central part of Saul’s kingdom.

at the home of Makir son of Ammiel.”

Not much is known about Makir.

Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s crippled son was living in the home of Makir (Machir).

Makir later supported David during Absalom’s revolt.  (2 Samuel 17:27-29) 

⁵ So David sent for him and brought him from Makir’s home. ⁶ His name was Mephibosheth (or Merib-baal); he was Jonathan’s son and Saul’s grandson. When he came to David, he bowed low to the ground in deep respect. David said, “Greetings, Mephibosheth.”
Mephibosheth replied, “I am your servant.” 

• King David brings Mephibosheth to his palace. 

⁷ “Don’t be afraid!” David said.

As an heir to Saul’s throne, Mephibosheth would have known that his life could be in danger.

• David reassures Mephibosheth, telling him not to fear. 

“I intend to show kindness to you because of my promise to your father, Jonathan. I will give you all the property that once belonged to your grandfather Saul,

• David promises to restore all of Saul’s land to Mephibosheth and declares that he will always have a place at the king’s table. 

and you will eat here with me at the king’s table!”

This was a high honor.

David desired to honor Mephibosheth by bring him into the royal palace.

• In the ancient Near East, eating with someone expressed commitment to protect that person. 

⁸ Mephibosheth bowed respectfully and exclaimed, “Who is your servant, that you should show such kindness to a dead dog like me?” 

Dead dog is an expression of deep self-abasement.
Worthless
Contemptible and useless.
Not worth much attention.

• Mephibosheth humbly responds, questioning why David would show kindness to someone like him. 

⁹ Then the king summoned Saul’s servant Ziba and said, “I have given your master’s grandson everything that belonged to Saul and his family. 

It is likely that Ziba had continued to manage Saul’s property after Saul’s death with the profits going to King David.

Everything that had belonged to Saul at the time of his death now belonged to Mephibosheth.

¹⁰ You and your sons and servants are to farm the land for him to produce food for your master’s household. 

Ziba would continue to manage the property that had belonged to Saul, but now the profits would go to Mephibosheth’s family.

David instructs Ziba, Saul’s former servant, to care for Mephibosheth’s land, along with Ziba’s sons and servants. 

But Mephibosheth, your master’s grandson, will eat here at my table.”

• Ziba is assigned to manage the land and produce food for Mephibosheth’s household, while Mephibosheth himself will dine regularly at David’s table. 

(Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.)

An indication of power and influence. 

¹¹ Ziba replied, “Yes, my lord the king; I am your servant, and I will do all that you have commanded.”

And from that time on, Mephibosheth ate regularly at David’s table, like one of the king’s own sons.

Mephibosheth eats at David’s table like one of David’s own sons, demonstrating the depth of David’s loyalty and kindness.

Mephibosheth, who is lame in both feet, lives in Jerusalem and enjoys the provisions and protection of David’s kindness.

¹² Mephibosheth had a young son named Mica.

Dates unknown 

From then on, all the members of Ziba’s household were Mephibosheth’s servants. 

¹³ And Mephibosheth, who was crippled in both feet, lived in Jerusalem and ate regularly at the king’s table.

This passage highlights King David’s loyalty, kindness, and faithfulness, especially in honoring his covenant with Jonathan by showing compassion to Mephibosheth.

Introduction: 

David’s role focused on unifying Israel and expanding its territory further. When David became king, Israel already occupied much of the Promised Land, though there were still threats from neighboring nations like the Philistines. David’s military campaigns and conquests helped secure and expand Israel’s borders, establishing it as a more unified and powerful kingdom. He also established Jerusalem as the political and spiritual capital.

David’s role was to consolidate and unify Israel under a central monarchy.

• David’s desire to build a temple was commendable, but his gift and mission were to fight the Lord’s battles until Israel was securely at rest in the Promised Land.

The events in chapter 8 took place before chapter 7.

2 Samuel 8:1-18 NLT

David’s Military Victories

^8:1 After this, David defeated and subdued the Philistines by conquering Gath, their largest town. ² David also conquered the land of Moab. He made the people lie down on the ground in a row, and he measured them off in groups with a length of rope. He measured off two groups to be executed for every one group to be spared. The Moabites who were spared became David’s subjects and paid him tribute money.
³ David also destroyed the forces of Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, when Hadadezer marched out to strengthen his control along the Euphrates River. ⁴ David captured 1,000 chariots, 7,000 charioteers, and 20,000 foot soldiers. He crippled all the chariot horses except enough for 100 chariots.
⁵ When Arameans from Damascus arrived to help King Hadadezer, David killed 22,000 of them. ⁶ Then he placed several army garrisons in Damascus, the Aramean capital, and the Arameans became David’s subjects and paid him tribute money. So the Lord made David victorious wherever he went.
⁷ David brought the gold shields of Hadadezer’s officers to Jerusalem, ⁸ along with a large amount of bronze from Hadadezer’s towns of Tebah and Berothai.
⁹ When King Toi of Hamath heard that David had destroyed the entire army of Hadadezer, ¹⁰ he sent his son Joram to congratulate King David for his successful campaign. Hadadezer and Toi had been enemies and were often at war. Joram presented David with many gifts of silver, gold, and bronze.
¹¹ King David dedicated all these gifts to the Lord, as he did with the silver and gold from the other nations he had defeated— ¹² from Edom, Moab, Ammon, Philistia, and Amalek—and from Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah.
¹³ So David became even more famous when he returned from destroying 18,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. ¹⁴ He placed army garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites became David’s subjects. In fact, the Lord made David victorious wherever he went.
¹⁵ So David reigned over all Israel and did what was just and right for all his people. ¹⁶ Joab son of Zeruiah was commander of the army. Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the royal historian. ¹⁷ Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were the priests. Seraiah was the court secretary. ¹⁸ Benaiah son of Jehoiada was captain of the king’s bodyguard. And David’s sons served as priestly leaders.

Examine the Scriptures

2 Samuel 8:1-18 NLT

David’s Military Victories

These events took place before chapter 7.

^8:1 After this, David defeated and subdued the Philistines by conquering Gath, their largest town.

Note: Scripture says subdued, not destroyed.

Some translations refer to Metheg-ammah, not Gath. (Meth eg am mah)
Metheg-ammah is a name that means “the bridle”.
Metheg-ammah is believed to refer to Gath, the chief town of the Philistines.
Gath was one of the five royal cities of the Philistines.

1 Chronicles 18:1 NLT
David’s Military Victories
^18:1 After this, David defeated and subdued the Philistines by conquering Gath and its surrounding towns.

Translations of 1 Chronicles 18:1 do not use the name Metheg-ammah.  They only use Gath (54 times), or in two cases Gat, and one case Geth.

The Philistines had been enemies of the Israelites for 125 years.

The Philistines were never completely destroyed by the Israelites. Their ultimate downfall came with the expansion of powerful empires such as the Assyrian Empire and later the Babylonian Empire.

• Subduing the Philistines was part of God’s promise to David (… I will give you rest from all your enemies…).

2 Samuel 7:11 NLT
¹¹ … And I will give you rest from all your enemies…

This was beginning to happen. 

 ² David also conquered the land of Moab. He made the people lie down on the ground in a row, and he measured them off in groups with a length of rope. He measured off two groups to be executed for every one group to be spared. The Moabites who were spared became David’s subjects and paid him tribute money.

This event is somewhat baffling.

What do we know about the Moabites?

The Moabites were closely related to the Israelites, as they were descendants of Moab, the son of Lot, who was Abraham’s nephew (Genesis 19:30-38). This made them distant relatives of the Israelites.

Ruth was a Moabite woman.

David’s parents lived in Moab with the king during the time David was running from Saul.

1 Samuel 22:3-4 NLT
³ Later David went to Mizpeh in Moab, where he asked the king, “Please allow my father and mother to live here with you until I know what God is going to do for me.” ⁴ So David’s parents stayed in Moab with the king during the entire time David was living in his stronghold.

• The relationship between the Moabites and the Israelites was complex and often marked by conflict. While they shared a common ancestry, the Moabites were frequently in opposition to the Israelites.

• The Moabites who were spared became David’s subjects and paid him tribute money.

³ David also destroyed the forces of Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah,

An Aramaean King
An Aramean kingdom located to the north of Israel. (see map)
An area that is now modern-day Syria.

• The kingdom of Zobah was known for its wealth and strong military capabilities.

Its king, Hadadezer, commanded a formidable army that included chariots and cavalry, indicative of a powerful and well-organized state.

when Hadadezer marched out to strengthen his control along the Euphrates River. ⁴ David captured 1,000 chariots, 7,000 charioteers, and 20,000 foot soldiers. (also in 1 Chronicles 18)

Some translations say 1,700 cavalry (horseman) and 20,000 foot soldiers.

See verse 6:
⁶ Then he placed several army garrisons in Damascus, the Aramean capital, and the Arameans became David’s subjects and paid him tribute money. 

He crippled all the chariot horses except enough for 100 chariots.

Disabled them from military action.

Note: one commentator said the hamstrung horses may have been used as farm or pack horses. 

Note: Deuteronomy 17:16 NLT
¹⁶ “The king must not build up a large stable of horses for himself or send his people to Egypt to buy horses, for the Lord has told you, ‘You must never return to Egypt.’ 

Joshua 11:6 NLT
⁶ Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them. By this time tomorrow I will hand all of them over to Israel as dead men. Then you must cripple their horses and burn their chariots.” 

This was part of a broader strategy to prevent the Israelites from becoming dependent on horses and chariots, which were associated with military power and the practices of other nations.

Psalm 20:7 NLT
⁷ Some nations boast of their chariots and horses,
but we boast in the name of the Lord our God. 

Isaiah 31:1 NLT
What sorrow awaits those who look to Egypt for help,
trusting their horses, chariots, and charioteers
and depending on the strength of human armies
instead of looking to the Lord,
the Holy One of Israel. 

• God’s chosen people were expected to trust in the Lord for their military successes, and not become dependent on horses and chariots. 

⁵ When Arameans from Damascus arrived to help King Hadadezer, David killed 22,000 of them. ⁶ Then he placed several army garrisons in Damascus, the Aramean capital, and the Arameans became David’s subjects and paid him tribute money. 

Damascus was not part of Zobah; it was a separate and independent Aramean kingdom.

• Hadadezer’s defeat was significant because it brought wealth and tribute to David’s kingdom and marked the expansion of Israel’s power in the region. 

So the Lord made David victorious wherever he went. (Repeated in verse 14)

• God’s blessings, not David’s skill, is the reason for David’s victories.

Psalm 18:1-2 NLT
¹ I love you, Lord;
you are my strength.
² The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior;
my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the power that saves me,
and my place of safety.

David knew that his strength came from the Lord. 

⁷ David brought the gold shields of Hadadezer’s officers to Jerusalem, ⁸ along with a large amount of bronze from Hadadezer’s towns of Tebah and Berothai.

Read:
1 Chronicles 18:8 NLT

⁷ David brought the gold shields of Hadadezer’s officers to Jerusalem, ⁸ along with a large amount of bronze from Hadadezer’s towns of Tebah and Cun. Later Solomon melted the bronze and molded it into the great bronze basin called the Sea, the pillars, and the various bronze articles used at the Temple. 

⁹ When King Toi of Hamath heard that David had destroyed the entire army of Hadadezer, ¹⁰ he sent his son Joram to congratulate King David for his successful campaign. Hadadezer and Toi had been enemies and were often at war. Joram presented David with many gifts of silver, gold, and bronze. 

• Seeing what had happened to other Aramean kingdoms, King Toi of Hamath gave David gifts to indicate that he voluntarily submitted to him as his vassal. 

¹¹ King David dedicated all these gifts to the Lord, as he did with the silver and gold from the other nations he had defeated— ¹² from Edom, Moab, Ammon, Philistia, and Amalek—and from Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah.

• King David dedicated all of the gifts, the silver, and the gold he had gotten from nations he had defeated to the Lord.

 

¹³ So David became even more famous when he returned from destroying 18,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. 

¹⁴ He placed army garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites became David’s subjects.

More wealth and tribute to David’s kingdom as well as continued expansion of Israel’s power in the region.

In fact, the Lord made David victorious wherever he went. 

¹⁵ So David reigned over all Israel and did what was just and right for all his people. 

• David reigned over all Israel and did what was just and right for all his people.

David established a system of government (a cabinet) to administer the affairs of the nation.

¹⁶ Joab son of Zeruiah was commander of the army. 

Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the royal historian.  

¹⁷ Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were the priests. 

Seraiah was the court secretary.  

¹⁸ Benaiah son of Jehoiada (one of David’s mighty men) was captain of the king’s bodyguard.  

And David’s sons served as priestly leaders. 

David’s sons would have served as chief officials or chaplains for the royal family. They were not eligible to serve as priests.  Only the descendants of Levi could serve as priests in the tabernacle and temple.

 

• David established a system of government (a cabinet) to administer the affairs of the nation.

 

Introduction:

David’s Prayer of Thanks

This is a prayer from David to God.

How can you apply this passage to your life?

2 Samuel 7:18-29 NLT
¹⁸ Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and prayed,
“Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? ¹⁹ And now, Sovereign Lord, in addition to everything else, you speak of giving your servant a lasting dynasty! Do you deal with everyone this way, O Sovereign Lord?
²⁰ “What more can I say to you? You know what your servant is really like, Sovereign Lord. ²¹ Because of your promise and according to your will, you have done all these great things and have made them known to your servant.
²² “How great you are, O Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you. We have never even heard of another God like you! ²³ What other nation on earth is like your people Israel? What other nation, O God, have you redeemed from slavery to be your own people? You made a great name for yourself when you redeemed your people from Egypt. You performed awesome miracles and drove out the nations and gods that stood in their way. ²⁴ You made Israel your very own people forever, and you, O Lord, became their God.
²⁵ “And now, O Lord God, I am your servant; do as you have promised concerning me and my family. Confirm it as a promise that will last forever. ²⁶ And may your name be honored forever so that everyone will say, ‘The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is God over Israel!’ And may the house of your servant David continue before you forever.
²⁷ “O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, God of Israel, I have been bold enough to pray this prayer to you because you have revealed all this to your servant, saying, ‘I will build a house for you—a dynasty of kings!’ ²⁸ For you are God, O Sovereign Lord. Your words are truth, and you have promised these good things to your servant. ²⁹ And now, may it please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it may continue forever before you. For you have spoken, and when you grant a blessing to your servant, O Sovereign Lord, it is an eternal blessing!”

Examine the Scriptures

2 Samuel 7:18-29 NLT (1 Chronicles 17:16-27)

David’s Prayer of Thanks 

¹⁸ Then

Earlier in 2 Samuel 7:

David was not chosen by God to build the temple.

God declared that he will make a house for David— a dynasty of kings! A lasting dynasty!  

King David went in and sat before the Lord and prayed,

• David went into the tent where the Ark was kept and prayed to the Lord.

The Ark was the symbol of God’s presence with His people.

2 Samuel 6:17 NLT
¹⁷ They brought the Ark of the Lord and set it in its place inside the special tent David had prepared for it. And David sacrificed burnt offerings and peace offerings to the Lord.

Exodus 25:22 NLT
²² I (God) will meet with you there and talk to you from above the atonement cover between the gold cherubim that hover over the Ark of the Covenant. From there I will give you my commands for the people of Israel.

Symbolically, David was coming into the presence of God.

This prayer is David’s response to God’s covenant promise that his dynasty will last forever. 

“Who am I,

David’s prayer is an expression of genuine humility and unworthiness.

• David was overwhelmed by the Lord’s promise to establish David’s dynasty and make his descendants into a lasting kingdom. 

O Sovereign Lord,

Here, in the NLT, David addresses God as the Sovereign Lord.

Various translations use:

O Lord God (ESV, KJV, CEB)

Sovereign Lord (NIV, NLT)

O Lord Jehovah (ASV)

The following is from Chat GPT

1. 1. 1. “Lord”: This title generally signifies authority, sovereignty, and ownership. In biblical texts, “Lord” often translates from the Hebrew word “Adonai” or “YHWH” (sometimes written as Yahweh or Jehovah). This was the personal, sacred name of God revealed to Moses in the book of Exodus and is considered so holy that traditional Jewish practice avoids pronouncing it, substituting it with “Adonai” (meaning “my Lord”).

 

1. 1. 2. “God”: In Hebrew, “God” is often rendered as “Elohim.” Elohim is used throughout the Old Testament to denote God’s power, divinity, and role as Creator of all things.

When combined as “Lord God,” these titles emphasize God’s ultimate authority, holiness, and role as the Creator and ruler of all creation. The phrase conveys both His personal relationship with humanity and His sovereign rule over the universe.

The names Sovereign Lord and Lord God can be used interchangeably.  They do not contradict each other.

Notice how often David uses these names in 12 verses.

Sovereign Lord

Lord

God

Lord God

Lord of Heaven’s Armies

God of Israel

• In this passage David repeatedly recognizes God as a Sovereign Lord.

God has ultimate power, authority, and control over all creation and events. 

 

Notice how many times David referred to himself as “Your servant”.  A title given to David by God.

2 Samuel 7:5 NLT
⁵ “Go and tell my servant David,  

David was devoted to carrying out God’s will.

David understood his role in life. 

• David refers to himself as a servant of God. 

and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? 

David is overwhelmed by God’s kindness. 

¹⁹ And now, Sovereign Lord, in addition to everything else, you speak of giving your servant a lasting dynasty!

How long will this lasting dynasty exist?

Revelation 11:15 NLT
¹⁵ Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices shouting in heaven:
“The world has now become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ,
and he will reign forever and ever.”

• The “lasting dynasty” promised to David will last “forever and ever”. 

David appears to understand that this dynasty goes way beyond the reign of King Solomon and his descendants. 

Do you deal with everyone this way, O Sovereign Lord?

1 Chronicles 17:17 NLT
¹⁷ And now, O God, in addition to everything else, you speak of giving your servant a lasting dynasty! You speak as though I were someone very great, O Lord God! 

²⁰ “What more can I say to you? You know what your servant is really like, Sovereign Lord. 

• Again, David humbly considers himself unworthy of all the Lord’s blessings. 

²¹ Because of your promise and according to your will, you have done all these great things and have made them known to your servant.

• This everlasting dynasty will happen because it is God will for it to happen and God promised that it would happen. It was not a result of David’s ambitions.

This would all be done for Israel’s sake to fulfill God’s covenant with his people Israel.

David attributes all his success to the Lord. 

²² “How great you are, O Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you. We have never even heard of another God like you! 

There is none like you.

1 Samuel 2:2 NLT
² No one is holy like the Lord!
There is no one besides you;
there is no Rock like our God. 

Isaiah 44:6 NLT
⁶ This is what the Lord says—Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies:
“I am the First and the Last;
there is no other God.

Deuteronomy 4:39 NLT
There Is Only One God
³⁹ “So remember this and keep it firmly in mind: The Lord is God both in heaven and on earth, and there is no other.

1 Kings 8:56-60 NLT
⁵⁶ “Praise the Lord who has given rest to his people Israel, just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the wonderful promises he gave through his servant Moses. ⁵⁷ May the Lord our God be with us as he was with our ancestors; may he never leave us or abandon us. ⁵⁸ May he give us the desire to do his will in everything and to obey all the commands, decrees, and regulations that he gave our ancestors. ⁵⁹ And may these words that I have prayed in the presence of the Lord be before him constantly, day and night, so that the Lord our God may give justice to me and to his people Israel, according to each day’s needs. ⁶⁰ Then people all over the earth will know that the Lord alone is God and there is no other.

1 Timothy 2:5 NLT
⁵ For,
There is one God and one Mediator (Jesus Christ) who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. 

James 2:19 NLT
¹⁹ You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror.

• David exalts God as unique and without equal, recognizing Him as the only true God. 

²³ What other nation on earth is like your people Israel? What other nation, O God, have you redeemed from slavery to be your own people?

David recognizes that Israel is unique, set apart to be God’s own special treasure.

Deuteronomy 7:6-8 NLT
⁶ For you are a holy people, who belong to the Lord your God. Of all the people on earth, the Lord your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure.
⁷ “The Lord did not set his heart on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other nations, for you were the smallest of all nations! ⁸ Rather, it was simply that the Lord loves you, and he was keeping the oath he had sworn to your ancestors. That is why the Lord rescued you with such a strong hand from your slavery and from the oppressive hand of Pharaoh, king of Egypt.

Genesis 12:1-3 NLT
^12:1 The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. ² I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. ³ I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.”

Also verse 24

You made a great name for yourself when you redeemed your people from Egypt. You performed awesome miracles and drove out the nations and gods that stood in their way.  

²⁴ You made Israel your very own people forever, and you, O Lord, became their God.

• David recognizes that Israel was set apart from every other nation by the uniqueness of its God and by the relationship the people had with Him. 

²⁵ “And now, O Lord God, I am your servant; do as you have promised concerning me and my family. Confirm it as a promise that will last forever. 

• David is praying that God will fulfill His word regarding David’s house and descendants. (David is praying, “Thy will be done”.) 

David understood God’s role and David understood his role.

²⁶ And may your name be honored forever so that everyone will say, ‘The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is God over Israel!’ And may the house of your servant David continue before you forever.

• David is praying that God’s name would be honored forever.

Our lives are designed to bring honor to God.

Matthew 5:14-16 NLT
¹⁴ “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. 

²⁷ “O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, God of Israel, I have been bold enough to pray this prayer to you because you have revealed all this to your servant, saying, ‘I will build a house for you—a dynasty of kings!’ 

• David prayed boldly.

We too should come boldly to the throne of our gracious God.

Hebrews 4:14-16 NLT
Christ Is Our High Priest
¹⁴ So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. ¹⁵ This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. ¹⁶ So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. 

²⁸ For you are God, O Sovereign Lord. Your words are truth, and you have promised these good things to your servant. ²⁹ And now, may it please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it may continue forever before you.

For you have spoken, and when you grant a blessing to your servant, O Sovereign Lord, it is an eternal blessing!”

• David recognizes that God will do as He has promised.

Introduction:

The Lord’s Covenant Promise to David.

The promise of a royal dynasty.

Like God’s promise to Abraham, his covenant with David is unconditional: It does not depend on human obedience or faithfulness but only on God’s unchanging love.

God promised David, that His “favor will not be taken from him”.

A story with dual meanings.

• • • Some elements of this story would be fulfilled in the immediate future, while some elements of this story would be realized in the more distant future.

2 Samuel 7:1-17 NLT
The Lord’s Covenant Promise to David
¹ When King David was settled in his palace and the Lord had given him rest from all the surrounding enemies, ² the king summoned Nathan the prophet. “Look,” David said, “I am living in a beautiful cedar palace, but the Ark of God is out there in a tent!”
³ Nathan replied to the king, “Go ahead and do whatever you have in mind, for the Lord is with you.”
⁴ But that same night the Lord said to Nathan,
⁵ “Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord has declared: Are you the one to build a house for me to live in? ⁶ I have never lived in a house, from the day I brought the Israelites out of Egypt until this very day. I have always moved from one place to another with a tent and a Tabernacle as my dwelling. ⁷ Yet no matter where I have gone with the Israelites, I have never once complained to Israel’s tribal leaders, the shepherds of my people Israel. I have never asked them, “Why haven’t you built me a beautiful cedar house?”’
⁸ “Now go and say to my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has declared: I took you from tending sheep in the pasture and selected you to be the leader of my people Israel. ⁹ I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have destroyed all your enemies before your eyes. Now I will make your name as famous as anyone who has ever lived on the earth! ¹⁰ And I will provide a homeland for my people Israel, planting them in a secure place where they will never be disturbed. Evil nations won’t oppress them as they’ve done in the past, ¹¹ starting from the time I appointed judges to rule my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies.
“‘Furthermore, the Lord declares that he will make a house for you—a dynasty of kings! ¹² For when you die and are buried with your ancestors, I will raise up one of your descendants, your own offspring, and I will make his kingdom strong. ¹³ He is the one who will build a house—a temple—for my name. And I will secure his royal throne forever. ¹⁴ I will be his father, and he will be my son. If he sins, I will correct and discipline him with the rod, like any father would do. ¹⁵ But my favor will not be taken from him as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from your sight. ¹⁶ Your house and your kingdom will continue before me for all time, and your throne will be secure forever.’”
¹⁷ So Nathan went back to David and told him everything the Lord had said in this vision.

Examine the Scriptures

2 Samuel 7:1-17 NLT
The Lord’s Covenant Promise to David

¹ When King David was settled in his palace

This would have taken place in the last decade of King David’s reign.

2 Samuel 5:11 NLT
¹¹ Then King Hiram of Tyre sent messengers to David, along with cedar timber and carpenters and stonemasons, and they built David a palace.

Hiram became King of Tyre around 980 B.C.

Approximate years of King David’s rule were 1010 BC to 970 BC. 

and the Lord had given him rest from all the surrounding enemies, 

With God’s help, David had conquered the nations surrounding Israel.

• David was settled in his palace in Jerusalem and was enjoying a period of peace.

Note: Some commentators believe that 2 Samuel 8 takes place before 2 Samuel 7.

They believe that the arrangement of material is topical.

Chapter 6 was about bringing the Ark to Jerusalem. Chapter 7 is about building a temple for the Ark. 

² the king summoned Nathan the prophet.

Nathan is mentioned here for the first time.

“Look,” David said, “I am living in a beautiful cedar palace, but the Ark of God is out there in a tent!”

Building a temple was something David really wanted to do.

This is mentioned in Psalm 132 which may have been written by David.

Psalm 132
A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.
¹ Lord, remember David
and all that he suffered.
² He made a solemn promise to the Lord.
He vowed to the Mighty One of Israel,
³ “I will not go home;
I will not let myself rest.
⁴ I will not let my eyes sleep
nor close my eyelids in slumber
⁵ until I find a place to build a house for the Lord,
a sanctuary for the Mighty One of Israel.”

David consulted Nathan the prophet about building a more permanent structure in which the Lord could reside.  The tent was no longer suitable, in David’s mind, especially in comparison to his own elaborate palace.

• David consulted Nathan the prophet about building a more permanent structure in which the Lord could reside. 

³ Nathan replied to the king, “Go ahead and do whatever you have in mind, for the Lord is with you.”

• Initially Nathan the prophet encouraged David to pursue this noble project.

Initially Nathan the prophet encouraged David to pursue this noble project.  Nathan told David that he had the Lord’s blessing, but at this point in time neither David nor Nathan had consulted the Lord.

• At this point in time neither David nor Nathan had consulted the Lord. 

⁴ But that same night the Lord said to Nathan, 

• God reveals His will to Nathan. (Verses 5-16) 

⁵ “Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord has declared: Are you the one to build a house for me to live in? 

Other scriptures:

1 Kings 8:18-19 NLT
¹⁸ But the Lord told him, ‘You wanted to build the Temple to honor my name. Your intention is good, ¹⁹ but you are not the one to do it. One of your own sons will build the Temple to honor me.’

1 Chronicles 17:4 LT
⁴ “Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord has declared: You are not the one to build a house for me to live in.

1 Chronicles 22:8 NLT
⁸ “But the Lord said to me, ‘You have killed many men in the battles you have fought. And since you have shed so much blood in my sight, you will not be the one to build a Temple to honor my name. 

• David was not chosen by God to build the temple. 

⁶ I have never lived in a house, from the day I brought the Israelites out of Egypt until this very day. I have always moved from one place to another with a tent and a Tabernacle as my dwelling. ⁷ Yet no matter where I have gone with the Israelites, I have never once complained to Israel’s tribal leaders, the shepherds of my people Israel. I have never asked them, “Why haven’t you built me a beautiful cedar house?”’

It was not God’s idea for David to build Him a Temple.

• God had never asked the Israelites to build Him a house and did not want David to build a house for Him. 

⁸ “Now go and say to my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has declared: I took you from tending sheep in the pasture and selected you to be the leader of my people Israel. 

God had a role for David.

• God had called David to be a leader (shepherd) of His people. 

⁹ I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have destroyed all your enemies before your eyes. Now I will make your name as famous as anyone who has ever lived on the earth! ¹⁰ And I will provide a homeland for my people Israel, planting them in a secure place where they will never be disturbed. Evil nations won’t oppress them as they’ve done in the past, ¹¹ starting from the time I appointed judges to rule my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies. 

1 Kings 5:3 NLT
³ “You know that my father, David, was not able to build a Temple to honor the name of the Lord his God because of the many wars waged against him by surrounding nations. He could not build until the Lord gave him victory over all his enemies. 

• David’s desire to build a temple was commendable, but his gift and mission were to fight the Lord’s battles until Israel was securely at rest in the Promised Land. 

“‘Furthermore, the Lord declares that he will make a house for you—a dynasty of kings! 

• David wanted to build a temple for God. Instead, God would build a house, or in reality, a dynasty for David.

God has been building Israel ever since the days of Abraham.  Now God commits Himself to build David’s royal house so that the promise to Israel may be fulfilled – rest in the Promised Land.

• God’s covenant with David finds its ultimate fulfillment in the kingship of Christ who was born of the tribe of Judah and the house of David. 

¹² For when you die and are buried with your ancestors, I will raise up one of your descendants, your own offspring, and I will make his kingdom strong. ¹³ He is the one who will build a house—a temple—for my name. And I will secure his royal throne forever. 

• Solomon would build a temple.

1 Chronicles 22:6-10 NLT
⁶ Then David sent for his son Solomon and instructed him to build a Temple for the Lord, the God of Israel. ⁷ “My son, I wanted to build a Temple to honor the name of the Lord my God,” David told him. ⁸ “But the Lord said to me, ‘You have killed many men in the battles you have fought. And since you have shed so much blood in my sight, you will not be the one to build a Temple to honor my name. ⁹ But you will have a son who will be a man of peace. I will give him peace with his enemies in all the surrounding lands. His name will be Solomon, and I will give peace and quiet to Israel during his reign. ¹⁰ He is the one who will build a Temple to honor my name. He will be my son, and I will be his father. And I will secure the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.’

¹⁴ I will be his father, and he will be my son.

• Kings in David’s line would enjoy a special covenant relationship with God.

To the believers in Corinth:

2 Corinthians 6:18 NLT
¹⁸ And I will be your Father,
and you will be my sons and daughters,
says the Lord Almighty.” 

If he sins, I will correct and discipline him with the rod, like any father would do. 

Wrongdoing requires a just response from God.

¹⁵ But my favor will not be taken from him as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from your sight. 

God will always keep his promise to preserve David’s dynasty. (see the comment following vs. 16) 

¹⁶ Your house and your kingdom will continue before me for all time, and your throne will be secure forever.’”

This refers to the kingdom of Jesus Christ.

Although the dynasty disappeared for hundreds of years, David’s house and kingdom were renewed in Jesus Christ, the sinless descendant of David who reigns forever.

• The complete and final fulfillment of God’s covenant with David is found in the Messiah’ Jesus Christ, the “son of David”. 

It was the coming Messiah who would establish David’s kingdom forever.

Christ is a descendant of David. (This is stated in numerous passages of scripture.)

Matthew 1:1 NLT
¹ This is a record of the ancestors of Jesus the Messiah, a descendant of David and of Abraham:

Luke 1:32-33 NLT
³² He (Jesus) will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. ³³ And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”

 Isaiah 9:6-7 NLT
⁶ For a child is born to us,
a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
⁷ His government and its peace
will never end.
He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David
for all eternity.
The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies
will make this happen! 

¹⁷ So Nathan went back to David and told him everything the Lord had said in this vision.

Note: Verses 5-16 were a vision from God to Nathan.

 

Introduction:

Opposing Worldviews

Define worldview:

Your worldview is the lens through which you see and interpret the world around you.

A worldview is the way a person sees and understands the world. It includes their beliefs, values, and experiences that shape how they think and act.

Who was missing during Saul’s reign?

The most important commandment. (Given to the people of Israel long before this time.)

Deuteronomy 6:4-5 NLT
⁴ “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. ⁵ And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.

As Saul’s reign progressed, his relationship with God deteriorated significantly. One pivotal moment occurred when Saul disobeyed God’s explicit command regarding the Amalekites. (iAsk)

1 Samuel 15:10-28 NLT (When Saul did not completely destroy the Amalekite nation.)

The Lord Rejects Saul
¹⁰ Then the Lord said to Samuel, ¹¹ “I am sorry that I ever made Saul king, for he has not been loyal to me and has refused to obey my command.”  ^…
Saul Pleads for Forgiveness
²⁴ Then Saul admitted to Samuel, “Yes, I have sinned. I have disobeyed your instructions and the Lord’s command, for I was afraid of the people and did what they demanded. ²⁵ But now, please forgive my sin and come back with me so that I may worship the Lord.”
²⁶ But Samuel replied, “I will not go back with you! Since you have rejected the Lord’s command, he has rejected you as king of Israel.”
²⁷ As Samuel turned to go, Saul tried to hold him back and tore the hem of his robe. ²⁸ And Samuel said to him, “The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you today and has given it to someone else—one who is better than you.

Contrast:

Acts 13:22 NLT
²² But God removed Saul and replaced him with David, a man about whom God said, ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.’

2 Samuel 6:12-23 NLT

Michal’s Contempt for David 

¹² Then King David was told, “The Lord has blessed Obed-edom’s household and everything he has because of the Ark of God.” So David went there and brought the Ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the City of David with a great celebration. ¹³ After the men who were carrying the Ark of the Lord had gone six steps, David sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf. ¹⁴ And David danced before the Lord with all his might, wearing a priestly garment. ¹⁵ So David and all the people of Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord with shouts of joy and the blowing of rams’ horns.
¹⁶ But as the Ark of the Lord entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she was filled with contempt for him.
¹⁷ They brought the Ark of the Lord and set it in its place inside the special tent David had prepared for it. And David sacrificed burnt offerings and peace offerings to the Lord. ¹⁸ When he had finished his sacrifices, David blessed the people in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. ¹⁹ Then he gave to every Israelite man and woman in the crowd a loaf of bread, a cake of dates, and a cake of raisins. Then all the people returned to their homes.
²⁰ When David returned home to bless his own family, Michal, the daughter of Saul, came out to meet him. She said in disgust, “How distinguished the king of Israel looked today, shamelessly exposing himself to the servant girls like any vulgar person might do!”
²¹ David retorted to Michal, “I was dancing before the Lord, who chose me above your father and all his family! He appointed me as the leader of Israel, the people of the Lord, so I celebrate before the Lord. ²² Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, even to be humiliated in my own eyes! But those servant girls you mentioned will indeed think I am distinguished!” ²³ So Michal, the daughter of Saul, remained childless throughout her entire life. 

Examine the Scriptures

2 Samuel 6:12-23 NLT (See 1 Chronicles 15:25-16:3)

Michal’s Contempt for David

¹² Then King David was told, “The Lord has blessed Obed-edom’s household and everything he has because of the Ark of God.”

• God’s blessing on the household of Obed-Edom showed David that the Lord’s anger had been appeased.

So David went there and brought the Ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the City of David with a great celebration. 

From the previous lesson:

• The Ark represented the presence of God.

Exodus 25 NLT (selected verses)
¹⁰ “Have the people make an Ark of acacia wood—a sacred chest 45 inches long, 27 inches wide, and 27 inches high. … ¹⁶ When the Ark is finished, place inside it the stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, which I will give to you.
… ²¹ Place inside the Ark the stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, which I will give to you. Then put the atonement cover on top of the Ark. ²² I will meet with you there and talk to you from above the atonement cover between the gold cherubim that hover over the Ark of the Covenant. From there I will give you my commands for the people of Israel.

The Ark could be seen as the earthly throne of Israel’s God. 

¹³ After the men who were carrying the Ark of the Lord had gone six steps,

Note: men were carrying the Ark.

The men were transporting the Ark properly.

Go to 1 Chronicles:
1 Chronicles 15:26 NLT
²⁶ And because God was clearly helping the Levites as they carried the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant, they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams. 

David sensed that things were going well. (No one was struck dead.) 

David sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf. 

God’s blessing was on the Levites. (1 Samuel 15:26 shown above.)

David responded by offering sacrifices to the Lord.

David sacrificed here and in verse 17.

David was worshipping the Lord.

• David worshipped God by sacrificing a bull and a fattened calf. 

¹⁴ And David danced before the Lord with all his might,

Psalm 149:3 NLT
³ Praise his name with dancing,
accompanied by tambourine and harp. 

Psalm 150 NLT (the last Psalm)
¹ Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heaven!
² Praise him for his mighty works;
praise his unequaled greatness!
³ Praise him with a blast of the ram’s horn;
praise him with the lyre and harp!
⁴ Praise him with the tambourine and dancing;
praise him with strings and flutes!
⁵ Praise him with a clash of cymbals;
praise him with loud clanging cymbals.
⁶ Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord!
Praise the Lord!

Exodus 15:20-21 NLT
²⁰ Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine and led all the women as they played their tambourines and danced. ²¹ And Miriam sang this song:

“Sing to the Lord,
    for he has triumphed gloriously;
he has hurled both horse and rider
    into the sea.” 

• Praising the Lord with dancing is Biblical. 

wearing a priestly garment. 

David was dressed as a priest, not a king. (David was not a descendant of Aaron.)

A garment usually reserved for priests and those ministering before the Lord. 

¹⁵ So David and all the people of Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord with shouts of joy and the blowing of rams’ horns. 

• David and all the people of Israel were celebrating as they transported the Ark of the Lord to Jerusalem. 

¹⁶ But as the Ark of the Lord entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window.

• Michal is identified as the daughter of Saul, not David’s wife, in verses 16, 20, and 23.

Was Michal more David’s wife or Saul’s daughter?

Some background:

Michal was originally married to David.

Following David’s escape from Saul, Saul gave Michal in marriage to Palti (or Paltiel), son of Laish (1 Samuel 25:44).

After Saul died and Ish-bosheth (Saul’s son) became king, David demanded that Michal be returned to him as part of a political alliance (2 Samuel 3:13-16).

Who helped Michal shape her worldview? 

When she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she was filled with contempt for him.

• When Michal saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she was filled with contempt for him.

David was not acting like she thought a king was expected to act.  In her eyes his behavior was undignified.

It appears that Michal had no appreciation for the significance of the event.

Michal may have wanted David to remain a warrior, rather than a man of God. 

¹⁷ They brought the Ark of the Lord and set it in its place inside the special tent David had prepared for it.

Go to iAsk or Chat GPT.
David placed the Ark of the Covenant in a tent, often referred to as the “Tent of David,” on Mount Zion. This was separate from the tabernacle that Moses had constructed, which was located at Gibeon at the time. David wanted to bring the Ark to Jerusalem and set it up in a special place for worship. Later, his son Solomon built the Temple, where the Ark was ultimately placed. (Chat GPT) 

And David sacrificed burnt offerings and peace offerings to the Lord. 

Burnt Offering: Represents complete surrender and devotion to God.

Peace Offering: Expresses fellowship and communion with God.

• David sacrificed burnt offerings and peace offerings to the Lord.

More worship. 

¹⁸ When he had finished his sacrifices, David blessed the people in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 

¹⁹ Then he gave to every Israelite man and woman in the crowd a loaf of bread, a cake of dates, and a cake of raisins. Then all the people returned to their homes.

• David ended this time of celebration by giving every Israelite man and woman in the crowd a loaf of bread, a cake of dates, and a cake of raisins. 

²⁰ When David returned home to bless his own family, Michal, the daughter of Saul, came out to meet him.

She said in disgust, “How distinguished the king of Israel looked today, shamelessly exposing himself to the servant girls like any vulgar person might do!”

A linen ephod vs. a royal robe.

• Michal completely missed the significance of bringing the Ark of the Lord to Jerusalem. 

²¹ David retorted to Michal, “I was dancing before the Lord, who chose me above your father and all his family! He appointed me as the leader of Israel, the people of the Lord, so I celebrate before the Lord. 

• David’s action were for the delight of the Lord, not for the servant girls. 

²² Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, even to be humiliated in my own eyes!

But those servant girls you mentioned will indeed think I am distinguished!” 

• David and the servant girls had a worldview that was very different than Michal’s worldview. 

 ²³ So Michal, the daughter of Saul, remained childless throughout her entire life.

A punishment for her pride.

• Michal’s childlessness prevented her from providing a successor to David’s throne from the family of Saul.

Introduction:

Proverbs 9:10 NLT
¹⁰ Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom.
Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.

Deuteronomy 10:12-13 NLT
¹² “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul. ¹³ And you must always obey the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good.

Deuteronomy 6:2 NLT
² and you and your children and grandchildren must fear the Lord your God as long as you live. If you obey all his decrees and commands, you will enjoy a long life. 

Discuss:

What does “Fear of the Lord” mean?

(reverence, respect, and obedience to God)

The concept of fearing God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible.

Luke 12:4-5 NLT
⁴ “Dear friends, don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that. ⁵ But I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, he’s the one to fear.

2 Samuel 6:1-11 NLT
Moving the Ark to Jerusalem (see 1 Chronicles 13:1-14)
^6:1 Then David again gathered all the elite troops in Israel, 30,000 in all. ² He led them to Baalah of Judah to bring back the Ark of God, which bears the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, who is enthroned between the cherubim. ³ They placed the Ark of God on a new cart and brought it from Abinadab’s house, which was on a hill. Uzzah and Ahio, Abinadab’s sons, were guiding the cart ⁴ that carried the Ark of God. Ahio walked in front of the Ark. ⁵ David and all the people of Israel were celebrating before the Lord, singing songs and playing all kinds of musical instruments—lyres, harps, tambourines, castanets, and cymbals.
⁶ But when they arrived at the threshing floor of Nacon, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah reached out his hand and steadied the Ark of God. ⁷ Then the Lord’s anger was aroused against Uzzah, and God struck him dead because of this. So Uzzah died right there beside the Ark of God.
⁸ David was angry because the Lord’s anger had burst out against Uzzah. He named that place Perez-uzzah (which means “to burst out against Uzzah”), as it is still called today.
⁹ David was now afraid of the Lord, and he asked, “How can I ever bring the Ark of the Lord back into my care?” ¹⁰ So David decided not to move the Ark of the Lord into the City of David. Instead, he took it to the house of Obed-edom of Gath. ¹¹ The Ark of the Lord remained there in Obed-edom’s house for three months, and the Lord blessed Obed-edom and his entire household.

Examine the Scriptures

2 Samuel 6:1-11 NLT
Moving the Ark to Jerusalem (see 1 Chronicles 13:1-14)

^6:1 Then David again gathered all the elite troops in Israel, 30,000 in all. ² He led them to Baalah of Judah (This is another name for Kiriath-jearim which is located about 10 miles west of Jerusalem.) to bring back the Ark of God,

• David is planning to move the Ark from Kiriath-jearim to Jerusalem, the new capital of Israel.

Background scripture:

1 Samuel 7:1-2 NLT (This is before Saul became king.)
^7:1 So the men of Kiriath-jearim came to get the Ark of the Lord. (Returned by the Philistines.) They took it to the hillside home of Abinadab and ordained Eleazar, his son, to be in charge of it. ² The Ark remained in Kiriath-jearim for a long time—twenty years in all. During that time all Israel mourned because it seemed the Lord had abandoned them.

1 Chronicles 13:3 NLT (Here David is speaking.)
³ It is time to bring back the Ark of our God, for we neglected it during the reign of Saul.”                                                                                                                              

There is almost no mention of the Ark during Saul’s 40 year reign.

1 Chronicles 10:13-14 NLT
¹³ So Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord. He failed to obey the Lord’s command, and he even consulted a medium ¹⁴ instead of asking the Lord for guidance. So the Lord killed him and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.

• The Ark represented the presence of God.

Exodus 25 NLT (selected verses)
¹⁰ “Have the people make an Ark of acacia wood—a sacred chest 45 inches long, 27 inches wide, and 27 inches high. … ¹⁶ When the Ark is finished, place inside it the stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, which I will give to you.
… ²¹ Place inside the Ark the stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, which I will give to you. Then put the atonement cover on top of the Ark. ²² I will meet with you there and talk to you from above the atonement cover between the gold cherubim that hover over the Ark of the Covenant. From there I will give you my commands for the people of Israel.

The Ark could be seen as the earthly throne of Israel’s God. 

which bears the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, who is enthroned between the cherubim. 

Psalm 99:1 NLT
¹ The Lord is king!
Let the nations tremble!
He sits on his throne between the cherubim.
Let the whole earth quake! 

Isaiah 6:1-3 NLT
^6:1 It was in the year King Uzziah died that I saw the Lord. He was sitting on a lofty throne, and the train of his robe filled the Temple. ² Attending him were mighty seraphim, each having six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. ³ They were calling out to each other,
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies!
The whole earth is filled with his glory!”

Revelation 4:6-11 NLT
⁶ In front of the throne was a shiny sea of glass, sparkling like crystal.
In the center and around the throne were four living beings, each covered with eyes, front and back. ⁷ The first of these living beings was like a lion; the second was like an ox; the third had a human face; and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. ⁸ Each of these living beings had six wings, and their wings were covered all over with eyes, inside and out. Day after day and night after night they keep on saying,
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—
the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.”
⁹ Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever), ¹⁰ the twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say,
¹¹ “You are worthy, O Lord our God,
to receive glory and honor and power.
For you created all things,
and they exist because you created what you pleased.”

Isaiah 5:16 NLT
¹⁶ But the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will be exalted by his justice.
The holiness of God will be displayed by his righteousness.

• “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.”

• We must always fear the Lord our God. 

³ They placed the Ark of God on a new cart and brought it from Abinadab’s house, which was on a hill. 

Uzzah and Ahio, Abinadab’s sons, were guiding the cart ⁴ that carried the Ark of God. Ahio walked in front of the Ark. 

• At this point in time, David and his troops were not fearing God. (Is this a true statement?)

Why or why not?

The Ark of God was to be carried by Levites who would bear it on their shoulders, it was not to be transported on a cart.

Even the Priests could not touch the Ark.

Numbers 4:15 NLT
¹⁵ The camp will be ready to move when Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all the sacred articles. The Kohathites will come and carry these things to the next destination. But they must not touch the sacred objects, or they will die. So these are the things from the Tabernacle that the Kohathites must carry.

Exodus 25:14 NLT
¹⁴ Insert the poles into the rings at the sides of the Ark to carry it.

Numbers 7:9 NLT
⁹ But he (Moses) gave none of the wagons or oxen to the Kohathite division, since they were required to carry the sacred objects of the Tabernacle on their shoulders. 

⁵ David and all the people of Israel were celebrating before the Lord, singing songs and playing all kinds of musical instruments—lyres, harps, tambourines, castanets, and cymbals. 

• All of Israel was celebrating the fact that the Ark was being moved to Jerusalem. 

⁶ But when they arrived at the threshing floor of Nacon, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah reached out his hand and steadied the Ark of God.  

• While pulling the cart that was being used to transport the Ark, the oxen stumbled.

• Uzzah reached out his hand and steadied the Ark of God. 

⁷ Then the Lord’s anger was aroused against Uzzah, and God struck him dead because of this.  

• The Lord’s anger was aroused against Uzzah, and God struck him dead.

So Uzzah died right there beside the Ark of God. 

• Touching the Ark was a direct violation of God’s law.

David should have known this.

1 Samuel 6:19-20 NLT
The Ark Moved to Kiriath-Jearim
¹⁹ But the Lord killed seventy men from Beth-shemesh because they looked into the Ark of the Lord. And the people mourned greatly because of what the Lord had done. ²⁰ “Who is able to stand in the presence of the Lord, this holy God?” they cried out. “Where can we send the Ark from here?” 

⁸ David was angry because the Lord’s anger had burst out against Uzzah.

• David was angry.

Discuss this. 

He named that place Perez-uzzah (which means “to burst out against Uzzah”), as it is still called today. 

⁹ David was now afraid of the Lord,

• David was now afraid of the Lord.

Is this the “Fear of the Lord” we were discussing? 

and he asked, “How can I ever bring the Ark of the Lord back into my care?” ¹⁰ So David decided not to move the Ark of the Lord into the City of David.

• David decided not to move the Ark of the Lord into the City of David.

The story of the Ark being moved to Jerusalem takes place in the next lesson. 

Instead, he took it to the house of Obed-edom of Gath. 

Obed-edom was a Levite.

1 Chronicles 16:38 NLT
³⁸ This group included Obed-edom (son of Jeduthun), Hosah, and sixty-eight other Levites as gatekeepers.

¹¹ The Ark of the Lord remained there in Obed-edom’s house for three months, and the Lord blessed Obed-edom and his entire household.

The Lord Blesses David

David Conquers the Philistines

Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT
⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
⁶ Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.

2 Samuel 5:11-25 NLT
The Lord Blesses David in Jerusalem (see 1 Chronicles 14:1-7)
¹¹ Then King Hiram of Tyre sent messengers to David, along with cedar timber and carpenters and stonemasons, and they built David a palace. ¹² And David realized that the Lord had confirmed him as king over Israel and had blessed his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel.
¹³ After moving from Hebron to Jerusalem, David married more concubines and wives, and they had more sons and daughters. ¹⁴ These are the names of David’s sons who were born in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, ¹⁵ Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia, ¹⁶ Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet.
David Conquers the Philistines
¹⁷ When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king of Israel, they mobilized all their forces to capture him. But David was told they were coming, so he went into the stronghold. ¹⁸ The Philistines arrived and spread out across the valley of Rephaim. ¹⁹ So David asked the Lord, “Should I go out to fight the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?”
The Lord replied to David, “Yes, go ahead. I will certainly hand them over to you.”
²⁰ So David went to Baal-perazim and defeated the Philistines there. “The Lord did it!” David exclaimed. “He burst through my enemies like a raging flood!” So he named that place Baal-perazim (which means “the Lord who bursts through”). ²¹ The Philistines had abandoned their idols there, so David and his men confiscated them.
²² But after a while the Philistines returned and again spread out across the valley of Rephaim. ²³ And again David asked the Lord what to do. “Do not attack them straight on,” the Lord replied. “Instead, circle around behind and attack them near the poplar trees. ²⁴ When you hear a sound like marching feet in the tops of the poplar trees, be on the alert! That will be the signal that the Lord is moving ahead of you to strike down the Philistine army.” ²⁵ So David did what the Lord commanded, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.

Examine the Scriptures

2 Samuel 5:11-25 NLT
The Lord Blesses David in Jerusalem (see 1 Chronicles 14:1-7) 

¹¹ Then King Hiram of Tyre sent messengers to David,

Tyre: An important Phoenician seaport on the Mediterranean coast.

(Tyre is part of Lebanon today)

King Hiram formed an alliance with Israel for trading purposes.

Israel dominated the inland trade routes.

Tyre was dependent on Israelite agriculture for much of its food.

1 Kings 5:1 NLT
^5:1 King Hiram of Tyre had always been a loyal friend of David.

• King Hiram and King David had a good working relationship. 

along with cedar timber and carpenters and stonemasons, and they built David a palace. 

A palace symbolized kingship.

King Hiram provided:

Cedar timber
Carpenters
Stonemasons

Tyre was dependent on Israelite agriculture for much of its food.

• The King of Tyre helped David build his palace. 

¹² And David realized that the Lord had confirmed him as king over Israel

The same story in 1 Chronicles

1 Chronicles 14:1 NLT
^14:1 Then King Hiram of Tyre sent messengers to David, along with cedar timber, and stonemasons and carpenters to build him a palace.  ² And David realized that the Lord had confirmed him as king over Israel and had greatly blessed his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel.

Review a previous occurrence:

2 Samuel 5:1
^5:1 Then all the tribes of Israel went to David at Hebron and told him, “We are your own flesh and blood. ² In the past, when Saul was our king, you were the one who really led the forces of Israel. And the Lord told you, ‘You will be the shepherd of my people Israel. You will be Israel’s leader.’” 

Over 300,000 men of war.

• David realized that the Lord had confirmed him as king over Israel. 

A reminder for us.

Philippians 1:6 NLT
⁶ And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

Romans 8:28 NLT
²⁸ And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Psalm 46:8-11 NLT (A song of the descendants of Korah)
⁸ Come, see the glorious works of the Lord:
See how he brings destruction upon the world.
⁹ He causes wars to end throughout the earth.
He breaks the bow and snaps the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.
¹⁰ “Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.”
¹¹ The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;
the God of Israel is our fortress.  

and had blessed his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel. 

• God blessed David’s kingdom for the sake of His people Israel.

• David understood that God had a plan for His chosen people and he, David, was a part of that plan.

A reminder for us.

 Jeremiah 29:11 NLT (A message to the exiles in Babylon.)
¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Ephesians 2:10 NLT
¹⁰ For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. 

¹³ After moving from Hebron to Jerusalem, David married more concubines and wives, and they had more sons and daughters. ¹⁴ These are the names of David’s sons who were born in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon, ¹⁵ Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia, ¹⁶ Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet.

Perhaps this was seen as a reflection of David’s growing success and power as Israel’s king.

1 Chronicles 3:5 NLT
⁵ The sons born to David in Jerusalem included Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, and Solomon. Their mother was Bathsheba, the daughter of Ammiel.

• As time passed David’ dynasty became stronger and stronger.

• One way David’s dynasty became stronger was by David marrying more wives and having more sons. 

• Marrying into neighboring royal families to create political alliances was a common practice in the ancient Near East.

Deuteronomy 17:17 NLT
¹⁷ The king must not take many wives for himself, because they will turn his heart away from the Lord. And he must not accumulate large amounts of wealth in silver and gold for himself. 

Review 2 Samuel 3:1-5

David’s Sons Born in Hebron

¹ As time passed David became stronger and stronger, while Saul’s dynasty became weaker and weaker.
² These are the sons who were born to David in Hebron:
The oldest was Amnon, whose mother was Ahinoam from Jezreel.
³ The second was Daniel, whose mother was Abigail, the widow of Nabal from Carmel.
The third was Absalom, whose mother was Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur.
⁴ The fourth was Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith.
The fifth was Shephatiah, whose mother was Abital.
⁵ The sixth was Ithream, whose mother was Eglah, David’s wife.
These sons were all born to David in Hebron.

David Conquers the Philistines 

¹⁷ When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king of Israel, they mobilized all their forces to capture him.

These events most likely took place between verses 3 and 6.

Note: During King Ishbosheth the Philistines controlled large sections of Israel.

The Philistines knew that David would be a bigger threat to them if he became the established king of both Israel and Judah. 

But David was told they were coming, so he went into the stronghold. 

David stayed in strongholds during the time he was being pursued by Saul.

1 Samuel 22:4 NLT
⁴ So David’s parents stayed in Moab with the king during the entire time David was living in his stronghold.

1 Samuel 23:14 NLT
¹⁴ David now stayed in the strongholds of the wilderness and in the hill country of Ziph. Saul hunted him day after day, but God didn’t let Saul find him.

¹⁸ The Philistines arrived and spread out across the valley of Rephaim.  (Northwest of Jerusalem) 

¹⁹ So David asked the Lord, “Should I go out to fight the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?”

David did the right thing.

• • • Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT
      ⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
      do not depend on your own understanding.
      ⁶ Seek his will in all you do,
      and he will show you which path to take.

The Lord replied to David, “Yes, go ahead. I will certainly hand them over to you.” 

²⁰ So David went to Baal-perazim (location unknown) and defeated the Philistines there. 

“The Lord did it!” David exclaimed. “He burst through my enemies like a raging flood!” 

So he named that place Baal-perazim (which means “the Lord who bursts through”).  

• David credits God for his victory over the Philistines.

Ephesians 3:20-21 LT
²⁰ Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 

²¹ The Philistines had abandoned their idols there, so David and his men confiscated them.

The Philistines carried images of their deities into battle in hope that this would secure victory.

Israel had done the same thing in the past.

1 Samuel 4:1-3 NLT
¹…At that time Israel was at war with the Philistines. The Israelite army was camped near Ebenezer, and the Philistines were at Aphek. ² The Philistines attacked and defeated the army of Israel, killing 4,000 men.³ After the battle was over, the troops retreated to their camp, and the elders of Israel asked, “Why did the Lord allow us to be defeated by the Philistines?” Then they said, “Let’s bring the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord from Shiloh. If we carry it into battle with us, it will save us from our enemies.”

The Israelites’ decision to take the Ark into battle was similar to what other pagan nations did with their gods, carting them into battle to hope for better fortune in the outcome.

1 Chronicles 14:12 NLT
¹² The Philistines had abandoned their gods there, so David gave orders to burn them.

Deuteronomy 7:25-26 NLT
²⁵ “You must burn their idols in fire, and you must not covet the silver or gold that covers them. You must not take it or it will become a trap to you, for it is detestable to the Lord your God. ²⁶ Do not bring any detestable objects into your home, for then you will be destroyed, just like them. You must utterly detest such things, for they are set apart for destruction. 

²² But after a while the Philistines returned and again spread out across the valley of Rephaim.  

²³ And again David asked the Lord what to do. “Do not attack them straight on,” the Lord replied. “Instead, circle around behind and attack them near the poplar trees. ²⁴ When you hear a sound like marching feet in the tops of the poplar trees, be on the alert! That will be the signal that the Lord is moving ahead of you to strike down the Philistine army.”  

• Again David inquired of the Lord. God responded with very specific instructions.

A reminder for us.

1 John 5:14 NLT
¹⁴ And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.

Matthew 7:7 NLT
⁷ “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 

²⁵ So David did what the Lord commanded, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer (18 miles NW of Jerusalem). 

 

Psalm 115:1 NLT (Arthur unknown)
¹ Not to us, O Lord, not to us,
but to your name goes all the glory
for your unfailing love and faithfulness.