2nd Samuel 5 AT LAST! Even though we might know what the mind of the Lord is about a matter, we do not always know when He will bring it to pass. To wait patiently is very difficult when either by our own nature, or from other people we are pressured to "get up and go." Rather than getting instant results and success, we need to remember that more is involved than fulfilling a task. Waiting times develop character. Character develops wisdom. Wisdom develops skill and proficiency. Skill and proficiency produce good and lasting results that far exceed that which a "quick fix" can accomplish.
David was first anointed king by Samuel when he was either in his late teens or perhaps twenty years old. After ten years of "training for reigning" he was anointed by the men of Judah as their king. Finally, when he was thirty-seven years old, he was anointed king of a united Israel. Patient waiting for the promise of God to be fulfilled served to unmistakably establish his authority to be the king of Israel. Half-hearted followers of a less-than-proved leadership, leaves people in a weakened condition, with unsure and unstable results.
The victory over Jerusalem was accomplished because David knew "the Lord of hosts (the Lord God Almighty) was with him." "David perceived the Lord has established him king over Israel." Obstacles have a way of being surmounted when God works in us and for us. That which may be overlooked by the natural eye, is able to be perceived when we see things as God sees them. The impregnable city of Jerusalem was able to be penetrated through the "gutter," the water shaft, and that which should have been done generations before was finally accomplished. That strategic city in a strategic location, became "the city of David." It remains in its place as a key location in the affairs of nations today.
The building of a house for David by Hiram king of Tyre may have been a political act between the two leaders, but in a sense, it was secondary to David. However, in some way it assured him of the fact the Lord had established his kingdom and it was recognized by others in the middle east.
David's personal weakness was not overcome even though he was the king of Israel reigning from Jerusalem. More wives and concubines served to complicate his already complicated personal life. In spite of that, God was willing to use his servant who was weak in one area of his life and empower him to be successful in other areas of his life and service. So, when the Philistines came against him to stop the power of a united Israel, God had His man in place.
A great leader knows his limitations and need of divine guidance in every part of his life. David had a general understanding of God's intention and of his own responsibility to lead the people, but he needed specific guidance in each situation as it arose. It is a wise leader who takes time to consult the Lord as to how to go about a task. Psalm 18 gave voice to the thoughts of David in this situation. Ambition has to be kept on a short leash. Conquest, armies, wealth and power do not guarantee victory. We need God in every work or conquest we face.
David was liked by the people, he had established a good reputation, he was successful and had the potential for greatness, but he knew he needed God. When God has the first place in one's life, and each thing we are called upon to do, is done under divine control, then we can expect success and give God all the glory. The challenge of the Philistines was obvious and conflict was inevitable. How to accomplish the task was up to the Lord. In both battles with the Philistines, the wisdom and power of God was need. Because something works well one time does not mean that is what we are to do the next time.
It was important to David to have unmistakable instructions from the Lord before each battle. He did what the Lord said because he first asked if he should fight or not. Then he got advice from the Lord and did it. When the victory was won, he gave God all the glory and credit for the success. These three principles are important for us to act on in our service for the Lord. Leadership means we must protect the Lord's people. We must keep them unified and we need to establish and maintain the testimony of the Lord's united people.