301. DAVID ESTABLISHES HIS KINGDOM
"And Yahweh preserved David whithersoever he went"
One of the first acts of David on ascending the throne of Israel was the reinstatement of the ark into its proper place. Unlike Saul before him, David knew that the success of the kingdom depended upon the nation seeing God as the very centre of its existence. This duty performed, David proceeded to extend and securely establish his borders. By a series of seven remarkable campaigns he defeated the nations about Israel. Though success accompanied him even against great odds, he had no doubt as to the source of victory. Following his victory over the chariots and cavalry of Syria he wrote: "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses but we will remember the name of Yahweh our God" (Psa. 20:7).
Our aim in this lesson is to see how David brought Israel to strength and overcame the surrounding nations.
2 Samuel 6; 8; 10; 12:26-31
THE ARK COMES TO ZION. (2 Samuel 6).
The Ark was God's meeting place with Israel and was therefore the symbol of His presence and glory (Ex. 25:22). It was therefore fitting for David, with Jerusalem now in his hands, to immediately seek to bring the Ark to Zion and reorganise the worship of God.
For the past 20 years the Ark had remained in the home of Abinadab in Kirjath-jearim. It had been captured and returned by the Philistines after it had been inadvisedly taken into battle in the days of Eli (cp. Josh. 18:1; 1 Sam. 4:3; 6:1; 7:1-2).
Now David made known his intentions to the people and they readily assembled for the great occasion. The ark was mounted on a new cart which was driven by the two sons of Abinadab, Uzzah and Ahio. It was a time of great joy. "David and all the house of Israel were making merry before the LORD with all their might, with songs and lyres, and harps and tambourines and castanets and cymbals" (2 Sam. 6:5 R.S.V.).
But alas, in the midst of great elation tragedy struck. Uzzah was smitten dead when he put forth his hand to steady the ark which was shaken by the oxen. David was stunned and afraid. Why should such a calamity attend such sincere intentions?
Further progress of the Ark to Zion was inappropriate so it was taken aside into the house of Obed-edom. David pondered the divine judgment. Later he realised his mistake: God's Word had not been honoured. He acknowledged that, "none ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites", and he said, "for because ye (the Levites) did it not at the first, the Lord our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order" (1 Chron. 15:2, 13; Deut. 10:8). This lesson teaches us the importance of carefully doing what God requires. It is not sufficient to be sincere in our motives. We must also consult the Word of God to see if our plans are in accordance with His will. God desires that men worship Him in "sincerity AND TRUTH" (Josh. 24:14; John 4:23).
After three months news reached David that the house of Obed-edom had been blessed. This was like a signal to David to carry on with his plans. So all Israel was reassembled and the Ark of Yahweh was brought up with shouting and rejoicing to Zion. The event was charged with profound significance. David wore a "robe of fine linen" (1 Chron. 15:27); he offered the sacrifices; he blessed the people; he dealt out a generous gift of bread, flesh and wine to all € all prerogatives of a priest! Here then was a Priest from the tribe of Judah, clothed in righteousness, who was also King of Jerusalem. He truly portrayed the role of a king-priest after the order of Melchizedek (cp. Heb. 7). The words of Psalms 110, 132 and 68 and 1 Chron. 16:8-36, which were composed at this time, show the great significance of the occasion.
Moreover, the Ark, the Glory of Yahweh, which had departed for so long was returning in power and splendour and a strong King was about to extend the glory of Yahweh's Kingdom to its greatest bounds. The Lord Jesus was like the Ark for he revealed his Father's glory and "taber nacled" among men (John 1:14 Diaglott). After a long period of absence, he shall return in power and great glory and "build again the Tabernacle of David" and subdue and incorporate all nations in his Kingdom (Acts 1:11; Zech. 14:4; Ezek. 43:2; Acts 15:16-17).
DAVID EXTENDS HIS BORDERS. (2 Samuel 5:17-25).
When the Philistines of the south-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, whether they would be delivered in 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: "The Lord hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters". 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 employ a different strategy. He was not to go forth as before, as the Philistines no doubt anticipated, but was rather "to fetch a compass 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". 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 the Word of God would indicate when problems confront us, or do we do that which is right in our own eyes?
THE SEVEN CAMPAIGNS OF DAVID. (2 Samuel 8:1-14; 11:1; 12:26-31).
Following the giving of the great promise to David and his house (2 Sam. 7 € refer Stage 2 Notes, Lesson 25) we learn that David extended his borders almost to the dimensions promised to Abraham, "from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the River Euphrates" (Gen. 15:18; 1 Chron. 18:3; 1 Kgs. 4:21). This was achieved in seven campaigns: €
1. Against the Philistines (2 Sam. 8:1). The Philistine menace had still not been quelled 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 (1 Chron. 18:1).
2. Against Moab (2 Sam. 8:2). Though David's great grandmother, Ruth, was a Moabitess, and though he had recently sought asylum there for his parents from Saul's ravages, the Moabites must have given cause for David's assault upon them (Ruth 4:21-22; 1 Sam. 22:3-4). 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. 8:3-8). 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; 1,000 chariots, 700 horsemen and 20,000 footmen being captured. As a token of his disdain for relying on many horses, David hamstrung the horses, saving only sufficient for 100 chariots. Psalm 20 seems to reflect his praise on this occasion, "Now I know that Yahweh saveth His anointed; He will hear him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand. Some trust in chariots: but we will remember the name of Yahweh our God" (vv.6-7). This spirit was God's counsel for kings of Israel, but alas in only one generation the desire for security led to a multiplication of horses, and at length, a mind void of trust in Yahweh (Deut. 17:16; 1 Kgs. 10:26). What warning there is in this example.
David's victory provoked two effects. First of all, the wary Syrians of Damascus came forward to succour Hadadezer € but 22,000 were smitten and Damascus was garrisoned: "Yahweh preserved David whithersoever he went" (v.6). Secondly, 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 (w. 9-12). Thus the northern boundary was restored.
4. Against Edom (2 Sam. 8:13, 14; in verse 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 Kgs. 11:15-16). Joab remained there six months and slew 12,000, including "every male in Edom". Thus David was secure from these vicious enemies in the south. Psalm 60 was written upon these victories. (Note the superscription). David's attitude is important to follow: "Moab is my wash pot; over Edom will I cast my shoe . . . Who will bring me into the strong city? Who will lead me into Edom? Will not thou, O God, which hadst cast us off? . . . Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man" (vv. 8-11).
When men are exalted they generally forsake God. David was dif ferent and his greatness lay in his complete ascription of victory to his God.
5. Against Ammon (2 Sam. 10:1-14). David proceeded to organise his realm, executing his power "with judgment and justice" (2 Sam. 8:15-18). Mercy was not forgotten in the extension of his power, as seen by his kindness to Mephibosheth, the crippled son of Jonathan (2 Sam. 9). Then 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 when it was from a powerful neighbour! The Ammonites heard about David's wrath and, fearing reprisal, sent for help from the Syrians of Rehob and Zobah, from the King of Maacah and from the men of Tob. Thus 33,000 in all came to their aid. Joab divided his host and with the choice men of the army, and attacked the mercenaries who were behind Israel. They were put to flight and this injected fear into the Ammonites who fled before Abishai with the balance of the army into Rabbah, their capital city. This was a brilliant piece of military strategy on Joab's part.
6. Against Syria (2 Sam. 10:15-19). The Syrians regrouped along with others beyond Euphrates and challenged Israel. When this news reached David, he crossed Jordan, marched north and smote the confederacy of Helam. Their captain perished and all the kings sued for peace and served Israel.
7. Against Ammon (2 Sam. 11:1; 12:26-31). Though David had already fought against Ammon, his attention had been diverted 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 MESSIAH'S WORK.
As David put down his enemies by a series of seven campaigns, so, it appears, will the Lord Jesus Christ. The Rainbowed Angel of Revelation 10, which represents Christ and the saints, is seen with his feet on both sea and earth indicating universal dominion (Rev. 10:1-7). His face is as the sun and his feet as pillars of fire, showing that his aspect is one of judgment by fire (cp. Mal. 4:1-2; Mic. 4:13; 2 Thess. 1:8). His voice is as the roaring of a lion and gives rise to "seven thunders" which speak of the day of Yahweh's wrath and intervention. John was prevented from giving details of the seven thunders but from other parts of the Word it is clear that, following intervention at Jerusalem, the judgments of God will follow to Catholic Europe until at length the kingdom of Christ will extend to all parts of the world (Zech. 14:9; Psa. 2:8; 72:8).
LESSONS FOR US:
€ David always put God first and sought to bring the ark back to Zion soon after being anointed.
€ He enquired of God before embarking upon conquest and so received the Divine blessing on his campaigns.
€ He always ascribed praise to God, being very different from most men whose pride upon success usually makes them forget God.
€ There are typical lessons in the return of the ark and conquests of David that can strengthen our faith in things shortly to come upon the earth.
REFRENCE 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. What lessons can we learn from the death of Uzzah?
2. Why was David so successful in his military campaigns?
3. Why did not David save all the horses of the King of Zobah for his own use?
ESSAY QUESTIONS:
1. Why did David bring the ark to Zion? How do his actions on this occasion anticipate Christ's Priesthood?
2. Describe David's victories and show how they foreshadow Christ's conquests when he returns.
3. "Yahweh preserved David whithersoever he went". Give some illustrations of this quotation from the times when David conquered the surrounding nations.