2nd Samuel 1 HOW ARE THE MIGHTY FALLEN! The book of 2nd Samuel is a historical account of the life of David that includes his maturing into a spiritual leader, his effective leadership and his personal failures. The end of the life and reign of Saul and the result of Jonathan's choice, introduce a whole new era in the nation of Israel. David succeeded in uniting a fractured kingdom of twelve tribes into a centralized nation. Worship of God had been taking place in various places and under David's leadership, national worship was established at Jerusalem. David practiced the principles of God in his leadership knowing that God alone supplied the wisdom and strength to carry out those principles.
The greatness of David was not an accident nor was it incidental. When popularity and influence increases in a person's life through experiences and the passing of time, one needs to be aware that it is "God who works in you to will and to do of His good pleasure." The wise person gives credit where credit is due. "To God be all the glory." God's nature is the standard for justice and morals because men are imperfect at the best. There was a certain lack in the character of David in that discipline, both personal and in his family, were not what it should have been.
Beside growth and greatness, in this book we learn of our need of grace when we sin. Sin is much more than a flaw or weakness. It is a fatal act that has serious consequences which reaches to others when we seek to excuse it. A desire for prosperity leads to trouble. Temptation comes when we are at leisure and are aimless because of success. Lust and covetousness never quit in their quest to bring a child of God down. Sin creates a cycle of suffering that spreads like ripples in a pool. This book deals with a lot of the issues of life we face in our day.
For David there had been years of waiting times. Waiting times are difficult especially when we know what God has in mind for us in the future. During these times our patience is tried, but a benefit from this is the fact that "training for reigning" takes place. Preparing to lead takes time. There were also weeping times when disappointment and despair came upon David and his men. Sorrow for others is not a sign of weakness but of empathy when one connects personally with those who are in need. The waiting times were also learning times in which David learned to discern lies and deceit which he had to face when the Amalekite came to him with Saul's crown and bracelet. Saul was wounded before the Philistines came, and the deceitful Amalekite lied seeking to earn David's favor.
Waiting times lead to changing time in which God raises up those He chooses and puts down those who have failed or whose leadership is no longer that which is needed. God has His own times and "our times are in His hands." Waiting times are also choosing times. Our character is often developed when we take the time to think a matter through carefully. David chose not to hate Saul, but rather looked at the positive things of both Saul and Jonathan in his lament. It is not easy to deliberately lay aside that which has hurt us and deliberately find reasons to express our respect for those who seek our hurt and downfall. Remembering times follow the choosing times as we consider our personal attitude toward other people. It is easy to bless the memory of those with whom we have enjoyed fellowship. The love between David and Jonathan was that kind of value that is higher and greater than mere emotion. It values a person for who they are and their impact on us personally. This is not physical or sentimental love.
It is hard for us to bless the memory of certain people when we know they have sought to put us down in defeat. Wise is the person who can look above personal attacks and differences and value others for who they are in the sight of the Lord. A good lesson for us is to not get impatient during the waiting times in which God is molding and preparing us for growth, perhaps for greatness and always to demonstrate God's grace.