176.    YAHWEH ESTABLISHES THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL UNDER DAVID

"And Yahweh preserved David withersoever he went"

2 Samuel 5; 6; 8; 10 and 12:26-31

After reigning for seven years over Judah in Hebron David was finally accepted by all the tribes and "they anointed David king over Israel" (v.3) in Hebron. After this David went with his men to Jerusalem which was held by the Jebusites and "took the stronghold of Zion " (v. 7) and there "in Jerusalem, he reigned 33 years over all Israel and Judah " (v.5). We are told that 'David went on and grew great, and Yahweh God of Hosts was with him" (v.10). We will see, as we follow David extending the borders of the Kingdom of Israel, that "the hosts (or armies) of Yahweh" were with him in his battles, and David knew that unless Yahweh was with him then he fought in vain.

DAVID BRINGS THE ARK TO ZION. 2 Samuel 6; 1 Chron. 13; 15.

David's first desire, now that he had taken Jerusalem, was to bring the Ark to Zion and to re-organise the worship of Yahweh. The Ark had been in the house of Abinadab in Kirjath-jearim, having been returned by the Philistines who had captured it when the sons of Eli foolishly took it into battle.

David told the people of his intention to bring the Ark back and all the people were greatly excited. It was placed on a new cart drawn by oxen while Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drove the cart. It was a time of great joy, and David and all the house of Israel played before Yahweh on all manner of instruments (v.8). But alas, in the midst of this great rejoicing tragedy struck—the oxen stumbled and Uzzah put forth his hand to steady the Ark, and he was struck dead. Why should such a thing happen? Why was God angry? The Ark was taken aside and left at the house of Obed-edom, and David in great distress stopped to ponder what had gone wrong. It was not long before he found the answer—for the answers to all our problems are found in the Bible. He remembered how that Yahweh had told Moses that "none ought to carry the Ark of God but the Levites" (1 Chronicles 15:2,13; Duet. 16:8). What an impor­tant lesson David and all Israel learned. It does not matter how sincere we are in serving God if we do not serve Him in His way, that is according to the revealed truth. Sincerity alone counts for little. Jesus said that those who worship God must do so in "sincerity and truth" (John 4:23; Josh. 24:14).

After three months David once again organised to bring up the Ark to Jerusalem. This time, however, he did it according to the way God had commanded, and so "the children of the Levites bore the Ark of God upon their shoulders" (1 Chronicles 15:15). There was great joy and gladness as the Ark came to the city, and David himself dressed as a priest "danced before Yahweh". Sacrifices were offered at the start of the Ark's journey (after 6 paces, 2 Sam 6:13) and upon its arrival at the Tabernacle that David pitched (2 Sam 6:17). Can we imagine the wholehearted joy and praise of David and his people, especially after the sad delay of the previous few months? The words of Psa. 110, 132, 68 and 1 Chron. 6, 8, 36, written at this time, reveal this joy and praise.

THE PHILISTINES INVADE ISRAEL. 2 Samuel 5:17-25, cp. 1 Chronicles 14:8-17.

When the Philistines of the south and west heard that David was anointed King over Israel, they challenged him. They spread themselves in the fruitful and strategic valley of Rephaim that lies south west of Jerusalem towards Bethlehem. David fortified himself in the newly taken stronghold of Zion. He enquired of Yahweh whether he should attack them, and if so, would they be delivered into his hand. The reply from God was immediate and the courageous King of Israel was assured of vic­tory. So David smote them and attributed the victory to Yahweh. "God hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters" (1 Chron. 14:11). The images of the routed Philistines which were strewn along the way, were collected and burned. But victory was not final and again the Philistines mustered themselves in Rephaim. David again sought Divine counsel and this time was instructed that he should use a different strategy. He was not to go forth as before, as the Philistines no doubt anticipated, but rather to come behind them near some mulberry trees, and await a sign from God before he should attack — "when thou hearest the sound of a wind going in the tops of the mulberry trees". God did this to remind David that the victory belongs to Him, that His angels are always at work for Israel's ultimate good. But waiting for the angels to go first, David and his men were taught that faith is more powerful than the strongest army. God can destroy the enemy without our efforts and we must always remember that without Him we can do nothing. Here was an example of faith producing a vic­tory. David followed precisely the plan of his God and the enemy was smitten from Geba to Gazer. David's fame went abroad and "Yahweh brought his fear upon all nations" (1 Chron. 14:17). There is a lesson here. Do we always follow the course which the Word of God would in­dicate when problems confront us; or do we do that which is right in our own eyes? let us lean not to our own  understanding but rather acknowledge God in all our ways and He will direct our steps (see Prov. 3:5, 6).

DAVID EXTENDS THE BORDERS OF ISRAEL. 2 Samuel 8.

With the Ark now in Jerusalem and David established as King over Israel, God gave that wonderful promise to him (recorded in 2 Sam. 7:12-16); the promise of a seed who will reign on his throne forever. And that seed we have seen from our previous lessons is the Lord Jesus Christ. David now turned his attention to extending the borders of Israel and suppressing the enemies on all sides. This was done in seven particular battles.

1. Against the Philistines (2 Sam. 8:1). The Philistine menace had not been completely put down and they regathered to challenge David yet again. This time they were dealt with thoroughly. They were sub­dued and "Gath and her towns" were taken and no longer threaten­ed David's realm.

2. Against Moab (2 Sam. 8:2). The Moabites must have given cause for David's assault upon them, and they were very severely dealt with, two thirds being put to death and the remainder being spared (2 Sam. 8:2, R.S.V.). Thus threats from the south-east were eliminated.

3. Against Zobah (2 Sam. 8:3-4). Zobah was north of Damascus in the Anti-Lebanese ranges. As David proceeded north to restore his power at the River Euphrates (2 Sam. 8:3, R.S.V.) he was challenged by Hadadezer, King of Zobah, with a formidable array of chariots and horsemen. God answered David's prayers and they were smitten.

Against Syria (2 Sam. 8:5,6). There is a second stage to this nor­thern campaign. David's victory caused two things to happen. First of all the wary Syrians of Damascus to the south came forward to help Hadadezer. But 22,000 were smitten and Damascus was gar­risoned. "Yahweh preserved David whithersoever he went" (v.6).

On the other hand Toi, King of Hamath, north of Zobah, sent and congratulated David. Articles of gold, silver and brass were brought, but David devoted them to Yahweh, the source of his victory (2 Sam. 8:9-12). Thus the northern boundary was restored.

4. Against Edom (2 Sam. 8:13, 14). In v. 13, "Syrians" should be "Edomites". David's renown was spreading far. Abishai and Joab
   were commissioned to enter the strong city of Edom and put down this traditional foe of Israel (1 Chron. 18:12, 1 Kings 11:15). Joab re­mained there six months and slew 12,000 including "every male in Edom". Thus David was saved from these vicious enemies in the south.

5. Against Ammon (2 Sam. 10:1-14). David proceeded to organise his realm, extending his power "with judgment and justice" (2 Sam. 8:15). Nahash, the King of Ammon, died and his son, Hanun, reign­ed in his stead. David sent expressions of sympathy to him, but alas the Princes of Ammon doubted his sincerity. They suspected that David's messengers were come to spy out the city and they were shamefully treated. This was no way to treat sympathy, especially of a powerful neighbour! The Ammonites heard about David's wrath and fearing reprisal sent for help from the Syrians of Beth-Rehob and Zoba and from the King of Maacah, and the men of Tob. Thus 33,000 in all came to their aid. Joab divided his host and attacked the Syrians who were behind Israel. They were put to flight; this put fear into the Ammonites, and they fled before Abishai into Rabbah, their capital city.

6. Against  Syria  (2  Sam.   10:15-19;   11:1;   12:26-31).  The Syrians regrouped along with others beyond Euphrates and challenged Israel. When this news reached David, he crossed Jordan and march­ed north and smote the confederacy at Helam. Their captain perish­ed and all the kings sought peace and served Israel.

7. Against Ammon (2 Sam. 11:1; 12:26-31). Though David had fought against Ammon, his attentions had been directed north by the Syrian challenge. This having been overcome, he sent Joab and the army east and destroyed Ammon and besieged the capital city, Rabbah. This city was finally taken by David.

DAVID'S CONQUESTS TYPICAL OF CHRIST'S

As David put down his enemies and extended the borders of Israel, so likewise will Christ when he returns. He will deliver Israel from her enemies, and then extend the borders of the land. In establishing the Kingdom of God, it will be necessary for all nations to be completely sub­dued. As the nations rose up against David, so will the nations rise up against Christ (Psalm 2:1-3) but they will be subdued (Psalm 2:8-9). Those who are faithful and obedient to Christ will have opportunity to help in establishing the Kingdom of God on earth (Revelation 2:26-27).

LESSON FOR US:

David was a man after God's own heart. He always desired to put God first and do that which pleased Him. Even in bringing up the Ark to Jerusalem his motives were right, but we see the lesson from Uzzah's death that all that we do in service to God must be in accordance with His ways. After this tragic event David turned to the Word of God to receive instruction in the way he should act and so must we at all times. David continually prayed to God for guidance in decisions he had to make and he praised Him for blessings and victories he received. To David Yahweh was a reality who was ever present to hear and watch over him. Let us make Him a reality in our lives so that we can know His ways and obey Him.

REFERENCE LIBRARY:

"The Story of the Bible" (H.P. Mansfield)—Vol. 4, No. 1, 2, 3.

"The Man David" (H. Tennant)—Chapter 6

PARAGRAPH QUESTIONS:

1. Why was David successful in his campaigns against Israel's enemies?

2. When David fought the Philistines the second time what special in­structions did God give him? What was the reason for this?

3. Show how David's conquests prefigure the conquests of Christ.

ESSAY QUESTIONS:

1. David wanted to bring the Ark to Zion. Describe what happened and what lesson can we learn from the death of Uzzah?

2. Copy the map of "the seven military campaigns of David" onto a page suitable for placing in your Bible.