David Anointed King

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David Anointed King

Sermon by  Thomas Thornhill Jr

Passage: 2 Samuel 1-4


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JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE (53)

The United Kingdom (7)

Tonight we continue our study of the 17 time periods of Bible history.  We are continuing in the 9th time period – the United Kingdom – a period of about 120 years where Saul, David and Solomon each reigned for about 40 years.  In our last lesson we saw the tragic end of Saul’s life, along with Jonathan as they were defeated by the Philistines.  Jonathan was killed and Saul mortally wounded so that he asked his armor bearer to finish the job.  When he refused Saul fell on his own sword and died.  Then his armor bearer took his own life.  The Philistines found their bodies and mutilated them, but the men of Jabesh Gilead came and took the remains, burned and buried them respectfully.  That brings us to our text in 2 Samuel.

  1. The Context
    1. 2 Samuel 1:1-16 – David has returned from fighting against the Amalekites (on a different front) and is waiting news about the battle between the Philistines and Saul’s army. A young man, an Amalekite comes and reports to David that both Jonathan and Saul are dead. David inquires how he knew.  The man recounts that he came upon Saul mortally wounded and when asked to finish him off, he said he did.  He also took his crown and bracelet and presented them to David.  We know from the account of Saul’s death (1 Samuel 31) that he was not telling the truth.  LIKELY expecting a reward from David, instead David has him executed for not being fearful to put “the LORD’s anointed to death.”  David also declared that the blood of that man was upon his own head.
    2. 1:17-27 – David mourns their deaths and writes a psalm – The Song of the Bow.  The beauty of Israel is slain and the mighty have fallen.  Do not let it be known among the Philistines.  He professed his love (platonic) for Jonathan and called for weeping among the people.
    3. 2:1-7 – David is anointed as king. He inquires of YHWH whether he should go to Judah.  The Lord says to go to Hebron.  David takes his family – his 2 wives Ahinoam and Abigail and dwelt in Hebron.  David is anointed king there.  He also hears of what the men of Jabesh Gilead did and praises them for their act of kindness toward Saul and his remains.  He vows to show kindness to them in return.
    4. 2:8-11 – meanwhile, Abner (Saul’s former commander) makes Ishbosheth, a son of Saul king and declares him to be king over Israel. His throne is found in Mahanaim (EAST of the Jordan demonstrating the weakness of his authority). He was 40 years old and will only reign 2 years. As we will see in the text, he really does not have much power.  Abner is the power behind the throne.  11, we are also told that David would reign in Hebron over Judah for 7½ years.
    5. 2:12-3:1 – describes war between Israel and Judah. Clearly God is with Judah in this conflict.  Abner and Joab meet near Gibeon and declare a contest between their young men – 12 men from each side. The servants seized and killed each other.  However, Joab and David’s forces prevailed in battle that day.  As Abner was fleeing, Asahel (Joab’s brother) was pursuing him.  Abner tried to get him to stop but he kept going.  After 2 warnings, Abner jabs him with the blunt end of his spear and it pierces through his body.  Asahel dies there.  The men of Judah saw his body and stopped.  But Joab and Abishai kept pursuing Abner until the sun set.  Abner declares what is likely a truce (possibly a surrender) that ended the battle that day. The men return to their respective homes.  The count of battle cost – David’s camp lost 20 (including Asahel) while Abner’s (Benjamin) camp lost 360.  3:1 declares the war dragged on (how intense we are not told), but Saul’s house grew weaker and David’s house stronger.
    6. 3:2-5 describes some of David’s family. Mentioned are 6 sons and 6 wives born to him in Hebron.  NOTE some of these wives were children of other kings (likely alliances).
    7. 3:6-16 – Abner turns to David. Ishbosheth accuses Abner of going into one of Saul’s concubines (NOTE: Whether it actually happened is not stated in the text – because of Abner’s power, it is possible he had made “political moves”.  Consider the response of Ishbosheth).   Regardless, Abner becomes angry at the accusation and declares he will deliver the kingdom to David. NOTE vs. 9-10 – Abner knew this was the will of YHWH (which implies all he had done to this point was in rebellion against him even as Saul had been).  Ishbosheth could not answer Abner for fear.  Abner begins “peace talks” with Daivd which he gladly accept, BUT with one condition – he demanded that Michal be returned to him.  NOTE: Recall how after David fled from Saul, he gave Michal to another man (1 Samuel 25:44 – unlawfully).  David also relays this message to Ishbosheth who complies.  It has been years and Paltiel protests and weeps, BUT he cannot do anything about it. )NOTE: God intends marriage to be for life – the union between Paltiel and Michal was unlawful to God).
    8. 3:17-21 – Abner turns to the tribes of Israel who had been following him and convinces them to turn to David. The people gladly comply.  David makes a feast for the delegation.  Abner leaves with the promise to bring the tribes together to David.
    9. 3:22-30 – AFTER Abner is gone, Joab returns from raids and hears what David has done. He is upset. Behind the back of David he calls for Abner to be returned to Hebron.  Where in a private place, Joab stabs and kills Abner (along with his brother Asahel).  David hears of it and is angry.  He declares that he is innocent of the blood of Abner.  He also pronounces a curse upon the family of Joab – may there never fail to be in his house lepers, sick and weak and impoverished.  NOTE: Joab murdered Ahab in revenge for killing his brother (NOT out of loyalty to David or for the sake of the kingdom).  It was a malicious act – not an act of war.
    10. 3:31-39 – David declares a public mourning for Abner. IT becomes clear to the people of Benjamin that David was not involved in the plot.  He even chooses to fast that day, which when the people noted they followed along with him.  We also note that whatever David did pleased the people – (vs. 36).
    11. 4:1-12 – Meanwhile, 2 men, Rechab and Baanah plot against Ishbosheth. They come into his home and kill him while he is resting in the middle of the day.  They cut off his head and bring it to David, thinking they would be rewarded.  But David was upset and reminded them of what he did to the Amalekite who CLAIMED to have killed Saul.  These men had murdered “a righteous person in his own bed.”  David declared and they were both executed.
    12. 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 1 Chronicles 11:1-3 – All the tribes of Israel come to David at Hebron and declare that he was their king. They made a covenant with him.  We read that David was 30 years old when he became king.  He reigned 7 ½ years in Hebron and 33 years in Jerusalem.
    13. The kingdom is FINALLY UNITED!
  2. Lessons to consider
    1. Mourning in death – we see David’s character as he reacts to the death of Saul his enemy. Let us never forget that when dies, their destiny is sealed.  While we might find relief from an enemy or ungodly person in this life, NEVER FORGET they have a soul that will answer to God – Hebrews 9:27.  We ought to mourn when one who is ungodly dies to face their eternity.
    2. David’s respect for authority – even to the very end, David acknowledged the importance of respecting authority, even when it is the ungodly. We are called to obey our rulers – even the harsh (Romans 13:1-2, 1 Peter 2:13-17)
    3. Deception has consequences – David does NOT reward the Amalekite. God does not reward the one who is deceitful and self-seeking for rewards.
    4. God keeps His word – recall that David was anointed many years earlier, but now he finally sits on his throne.
    5. Do all in the name of the Lord – even with Saul dead, before David acts to take the throne he AGAIN inquires of the LORD. We must never forget that in everything we do.  Colossians 3:17.
    6. Time – David’s rise to the throne took time. Most things, especially those of great worth, do not occur immediately, but rather in due time.  We see that with David’s rise to the throne.  ALL that he endured, WHILE maintaining trust in YHWH shows that in due time God’s will will be accomplished.
    7. Unity sometimes takes work – bringing Israel and Judah together required great efforts. Abner, who had the ability to accomplish this unity, FINALLY acts toward that end.  Unity is not always easy – Psalm 133:1 – Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!  Ephesians 4:1-3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
    8. The power of forgiveness – another powerful trait of David is his willingness to forgive others – here he forgives Abner (and Ishbosheth). We are reminded that forgiveness is necessary – Colossians 3:13, Matthew 6:14-15.
    9. The influence of strong leadership – David truly was a strong leader. He had so many good traits that brought the people together. God, in His wisdom, has a pattern for leadership in the church.  It calls for strong, godly leaders.
    10. A call for justice and mercy – David acted justly in dealing with unjust actions. We see this several times in this lesson.  He punishes executioners and takes note of those practicing evil.  When a people or organization does not act justly, its followers are usually led into corruption.  Ecclesiastes 8:11, Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.

And thus we continue our Journey through the Bible.  We can see God’s hand at work at every turn.  And while these events occurred thousands of years ago, they are written for our learning (Romans 15:4).  As you study God’s word, including His history, what does He mean to you?  Think about it!

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