David sought God intensely and wrote that he thirsted for God's Word like a deer for water.
David wrote many Psalms, in fact, most of them. He told of his complete trust and confidence in God to save and deliver him. David's heart was right with God and was filled with faith.
It had been a long road since Samuel had anointed David and told him that he would be king of Israel. Saul now was dead, along with Jonathan, Saul's son and David's covenant brother. Samuel the prophet was also dead. It was a time of mourning for David and his men. David had never lifted his hand against Saul because he was the Lord's anointed..however Saul had pursued David for some time to kill him.
After the last battle of Saul with the Philistines, a man came to David and told him that Saul was dead along with his sons in battle. He said that he had found Saul wounded and dying and that Saul had asked him to kill him rather than fall into the hands of his enemies. The man, who was an Amelikite, said that he killed Saul.
David asked why he did not fear to lay his hand upon the Lord's anointed? He then had him killed. David and his men lamented for days for Saul and Jonathan. Jonathan and David had made the blood covenant together and his love for Jonathan surpassed that of women, 2Samuel 1.
David enquired of God and went to dwell at Hebron with his men and 2 wives, Abigail and Ahinoam. The men of Judah came and anointed him king of Judah.
But Abner, the Captain of the host of Saul took Ishbosheth, Saul's son and made him king of Israel and he reigned 2 years. Abner was Saul's cousin, 1 Sam 14:5. David reigned in Judah and was king over Judah for seven and a half years.
Joab, the captain of David's army and Abner, the captain of Ishbosheth's army met at the pool of Gibeon.
The army of Israel on one side and the army of Judah on the other. It is a large well as you can see today.
Now these are men of war, strong, valiant, and courageous. Abner said to Joab let the young men arise and play. So 12 men of each army went and grabbed one another by the beard and thrust their swords into one another and there fell. This field is called the "field of the strong men".
The battle began and the sons of Benjamin (Israel) were defeated by David's men in a brutal battle. Joab, Abishai, and Asahel were there. They were sons of Zeruiah, David's sister, and were mighty men, 1 Crn 2:16.
As Abner and his men fled, Asahel, Joab's brother ran after them. Abner told him to turn away but he would not and was killed by Abner. That day Israel lost 360 men, while Judah lost 20 men of David, 2Samuel 2.
There was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David, but David grew stronger while Ishbosheth grew weaker.
While David was king in Hebron, he had 6 sons from 6 wives.
Ishbosheth rebuked Abner for having relations with Rizpah who had been Saul's concubine. They had harsh words and Abner vowed to help David to be king over all of Israel. Abner was very powerful and Ishbosheth was afraid of him. David had been under Abner when he was in Saul's palace.
Abner approached David to throw in league with him. David said that he wanted his wife Michal (Saul's daughter) back before he would agree to anything. David had brought Saul 100 Philistine foreskins as a dowry for Michal, but Saul gave her to Phaltiel. So king Ishbosheth sent Abner to get Michal and her husband followed her weeping, but Abner told him to go home.
David had a feast for Abner and his men and agreed to let him help with the elders of Israel, which Abner did persuade them to show allegiance to David. David had a great respect for Abner.
Now Joab was not there when Abner was, but came later. He was upset with David and said that Abner was a spy. Joab was angry with Abner over the death of his brother, Asahel, and he probably was concerned that his job as captain might be in jeopardy if David made league with Abner. So aided by his brother, Abishai, Joab murdered Abner. Abner was Joab's cousin, 1 Sam 14:5.
David mourned for Abner and told all his men to do the same, including Joab. The people of the land saw David mourning and fasting over Abner and were pleased. They knew that David was not responsible and were pleased with all David did. God's hand was working for David.
David said that his nephews from his sister Zeruiah were too hard and cruel for him and the Lord would reward their evil according to their wickedness, 2Samuel 3.
The king of Israel was afraid when he heard of Abner's death in Hebron and all of Israel were troubled. Most of Israel were turning their allegiance toward David. So 2 of Ishboteth's captains came and killed him on his bed while he was taking a nap by sneaking into his house. These assassins were brothers from the tribe of Benjamin. They cut of Ishboteh's head and took it to David in Hebron.
Now they thought they would please David and told him that, here is the head of your enemy, Saul's son who sought your life. The Lord has avenged you of your enemies.
But David recounted to them how the man who said he killed Saul was looking for reward and met death. How much more shall you wicked men that slayed a righteous man be removed from the earth? And David had his men kill them both.
David then took Isbosheth's head and buried it with Abner in Hebron, 2Samuel 4.
All of the tribes came then and made league with David. He was anointed king of all of Israel.
David was 30 years old when he started his reign in Hebron over Judah so now he was 37 and reigned over Israel and Judah another 33 years.
David knew that God was true to His promises and it kept his faith strong through the years that we have covered in some detail so far. As we continue in our study, we will cover the highlights of David's life as king.
He took the stronghold of Zion, the fort that was held by the Jebusites of the land which is Jerusalem. He did this by going into the walled city through the underground water system.
He called it the City of David and made his palace there. King Hyram from Tyre sent builders and supplies.
David also married more wives and had concubines which brought him 11 more children in Jerusalem.
The Philistines heard that David was at Jerusalem and gathered against him. He had to leave to his stronghold but with God's guidance he smote the Philistines from Geba to Gazer. Powerful battles that were similar to those that Joshua had fought, 2Samuel 5.
David now went with 30,000 men to fetch the Ark of the Covenant and bring it from out of the house of Abinadab that was in Gibeah. Uzzah and Ahio, drove the new cart that they made for the task. Now David's heart was in the right place, to bring the Ark to Jerusalem, but the method was not according to God's decree. Priests bore the Ark. When the oxen stumbled, Uzzah reached out to steady the Ark and was killed.
Uzzah means by his own power. This explains a lot why these priests built a cart rather than carry the Ark on special poles borne by the priests, which is what the command of God had stated.
David was displeased and afraid and wondered how he would bring the Ark to Jerusalem. He had it carried to the house of Obededom the Gittite.
The Ark stayed there for 3 months and Obededom was blessed. Obed means servant and Edom means red blood, so Obededom was a servant of the blood. Obed was of Levite ancestry and was moved by the law and loved and respected God and this Ark represented Him (Jesus), and he did sacrifice before the Ark.So David went back to get the Ark again, but this time he had it carried by Priests and when they had bore the Ark 6 paces he stopped and made sacrifice to the LORD. David had seen the blessings of Obededom and learned.
He also offered burnt offerings as sacrifice to the God of Israel.
Michal was watching David and chastised him for dancing half naked in front of the handmaidens. David told her it was before the LORD who had picked him to be the leader of His people and that he would be base in his own eyes and even more vile in his worship, but the maidens would hold him in honor. Therefore Michal never had children, 2Samuel 6.
David placed the Ark on Mt. Zion and put a tent over it. He saw that the Grace of God would allow men to come to God without the veil, under the faith of righteousness that is given by God and not earned. Jesus fulfilled this by becoming sin, and suffering God's punishment for sin that was due us. By this we become the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ and can approach God by faith in His Son, Jesus. The rest of the furniture of the Holy Place remained in Gibeon.
David placed the Ark on Mt. Zion and put a tent over it. He saw that the Grace of God would allow men to come to God without the veil, under the faith of righteousness that is given by God and not earned. Jesus fulfilled this by becoming sin, and suffering God's punishment for sin that was due us. By this we become the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ and can approach God by faith in His Son, Jesus. The rest of the furniture of the Holy Place remained in Gibeon.
As David sat in his palace and was thinking of his position and victories, he wanted to build God a temple, a dwelling place. But the LORD sent word through the prophet Nathan and said that he did not ever live in a house and that one of David's descendants would build Him a house.
Also that God had picked David from the sheepfold and made him the ruler of His people and that the throne of David would be everlasting. David was humbled and very thankful for God's gracious blessing, 2Samuel 7.
We know that David's son Solomon built a magestic temple during his reign, but this prophecy was more descriptive of the coming of the Lion from the Tribe of Judah....
Whose kingdom would never end and would be all encompassing and powerful; the King of Kings and none other than the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
David subdued the lands around him and gathered great wealth. His kingdom was established and very powerful. He executed justice and judgement for his people, 2Samuel 8.
Also that God had picked David from the sheepfold and made him the ruler of His people and that the throne of David would be everlasting. David was humbled and very thankful for God's gracious blessing, 2Samuel 7.
We know that David's son Solomon built a magestic temple during his reign, but this prophecy was more descriptive of the coming of the Lion from the Tribe of Judah....
Whose kingdom would never end and would be all encompassing and powerful; the King of Kings and none other than the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
David subdued the lands around him and gathered great wealth. His kingdom was established and very powerful. He executed justice and judgement for his people, 2Samuel 8.
He asked if there were any descendants alive from Saul so that he could show kindness to them for Jonathan's sake. Now this is the continuing of the covenant that David and Jonathon made with each other which we have touched on...similar to the covenant between God and us through Jesus. This is one of undeserved love or Hesed in Hebrew. He found a young man, Mephibosheth, that had been injured when his nurse was fleeing after Saul's death and was lame on his feet. David brought him to the palace and blessed him for the rest of his life, 2Samuel 9.
The Ammonites and Syrians joined together and fought against David, but he overcame them. His nephews Joab and Abashai were generals of his army and were tough, 2Samuel 10.
Now when David sent his army to destroy the Ammonites, he stayed in Jerusalem.
Now when David sent his army to destroy the Ammonites, he stayed in Jerusalem.
One evening while walking around the palace roof, he saw a woman bathing in the distance.
David was captivated by her beauty and wanted her.
He found out that she was Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, one of David's captains. So David sent for her and brought her to the palace.
So David committed adultery with her and she became pregnant.
Later when she sent word to David that she was with child, David sent for her husband to come in from the wars. Now Uriah was a loyal soldier, a man of integrity.
David said to go to his house and wife and take some rest and relaxation. But Uriah would not go home, he slept by the gate of the palace. When asked, he said that his men were roughing it in battle, so he would not go to the pleasures of home. David knew that this child of his would not remain a secret and that if Uriah would not go home to Bathsheba, then he must do something else to avoid discovery.
So David sent word to Joab and said to put Uriah at the front of the battle and back away so that he would fall. Uriah was one of the valiant and mighty men of David, and went enthusiastically to the heat of the battle and was killed by archers, 2Samuel 11.
God was not pleased with David. He sent Nathan the prophet to speak with David. He said that in David's kingdom there was a well to do man that had many sheep, but instead of taking one of his own to eat, he took a lamb from a poor man, the only one he had. David was very angry and said, who is this man? For as the Lord lives, he shall surely die. Nathan said, you are the man, David.
The LORD said that he had raised up David to be king and now he had committed adultery and murder. For this the sword would not depart from his house. And he had done this in secret, but He would raise up evil in David's house and his neighbor would lie with David's wives in front of all Jerusalem.
David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. Also that the child of Bathsheba would not live. David had taken Bathsheba for his wife after her mourning was finished for Uriah. David fasted and prayed for the child, but when he was 7 days old, he died. David rose and ate and said that I will go to him, but he will not come back to me. David mourned the child.
David loved Bathsheba and their next son was Solomon whom God loved. He would be the next king after David. She brought him 4 sons. Solomon was the royal line of which Joseph, Jesus' earthly father was descended, and Mary, Jesus' mother was descended from Nathan. (Matthew Luke)
Now David had a son from his wife Ahinoam, Amnon who loved his half sister Tamar who was full sister to Absalom from David's wife Maacah. Tamar was beautiful but young. According to the Book of Jubliees, she was 12 years old.
Amnon faked being sick and sent word for Tamar to come and bring him some food. When she did he grabbed her and said lay with me. She said do not do this folly, ask the king and maybe this can happen. He would not listen and forced her. She ripped up her virgin clothes and put ashes on her head and Absalom, her brother took note of all of it. David heard, and was angry, but did nothing. She stayed with her brother Absalom in disgrace. Amnon after forcing her now hated her more than he had loved her at first.
David was captivated by her beauty and wanted her.
He found out that she was Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, one of David's captains. So David sent for her and brought her to the palace.
So David committed adultery with her and she became pregnant.
Later when she sent word to David that she was with child, David sent for her husband to come in from the wars. Now Uriah was a loyal soldier, a man of integrity.
David said to go to his house and wife and take some rest and relaxation. But Uriah would not go home, he slept by the gate of the palace. When asked, he said that his men were roughing it in battle, so he would not go to the pleasures of home. David knew that this child of his would not remain a secret and that if Uriah would not go home to Bathsheba, then he must do something else to avoid discovery.
So David sent word to Joab and said to put Uriah at the front of the battle and back away so that he would fall. Uriah was one of the valiant and mighty men of David, and went enthusiastically to the heat of the battle and was killed by archers, 2Samuel 11.
God was not pleased with David. He sent Nathan the prophet to speak with David. He said that in David's kingdom there was a well to do man that had many sheep, but instead of taking one of his own to eat, he took a lamb from a poor man, the only one he had. David was very angry and said, who is this man? For as the Lord lives, he shall surely die. Nathan said, you are the man, David.
The LORD said that he had raised up David to be king and now he had committed adultery and murder. For this the sword would not depart from his house. And he had done this in secret, but He would raise up evil in David's house and his neighbor would lie with David's wives in front of all Jerusalem.
David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. Also that the child of Bathsheba would not live. David had taken Bathsheba for his wife after her mourning was finished for Uriah. David fasted and prayed for the child, but when he was 7 days old, he died. David rose and ate and said that I will go to him, but he will not come back to me. David mourned the child.
David loved Bathsheba and their next son was Solomon whom God loved. He would be the next king after David. She brought him 4 sons. Solomon was the royal line of which Joseph, Jesus' earthly father was descended, and Mary, Jesus' mother was descended from Nathan. (Matthew Luke)
The war continued with Ammon (modern Jordan) and David finally took their headquarters city, Rabbah. There he took the crown of their king which was about a talent in weight (approx. 60 lbs) and put the people there to tribute, 2 Samuel 12.
Now David had a son from his wife Ahinoam, Amnon who loved his half sister Tamar who was full sister to Absalom from David's wife Maacah. Tamar was beautiful but young. According to the Book of Jubliees, she was 12 years old.
Amnon faked being sick and sent word for Tamar to come and bring him some food. When she did he grabbed her and said lay with me. She said do not do this folly, ask the king and maybe this can happen. He would not listen and forced her. She ripped up her virgin clothes and put ashes on her head and Absalom, her brother took note of all of it. David heard, and was angry, but did nothing. She stayed with her brother Absalom in disgrace. Amnon after forcing her now hated her more than he had loved her at first.
Absalom waited 2 years and there was a sheep shearing going on. He got king David to let his sons go which included Amnon whom Absalom hated. While there Absalom had his servants kill Amnon. Then Absalom fled to his Grandfather, King Talmai of Geshur (modern Golan Heights in Northeast Israel). He stayed there 3 years for fear of king David. David mourned for him everyday, 2Samuel 13.
Joab, David's general of the army, knew that David's soul longed for Absalom. He got a woman to go to king David with a story how she had 2 sons who strove together and one killed the other and now there was no peace at her house. David saw through it an knew it was Joab behind it, but it made him think. He called for Joab and sent for Absalom who came back to Jerusalem. However, David did not see him for another 2 years. Then they were temporarily reconciled, 2Samuel 14.
Absalom longed to be king and rose up against his father, David. He had worked to gain the heart of the people in matters of judgement that was brought before king David. When Absalom was at the peak of his power he forced David to flee Jerusalem and he took over the palace. Then under advice he set up tents on top of the palace and went into all of David's concubines so all Israel could see. This was fulfillment of what God had spoken to David through Nathan the prophet.
David was a man of war and would not easily be defeated. He also had God on his side and loved and trusted his Lord. When the final battle happened between Absalom's Israel and David's men, Absalom who had long hair, got caught in a tree and pulled off of his mule and was hanging by his hair.
David had told his forces to go easy on Absalom, for David loved his son. But, when Joab heard of Absalom being hung in the tree he went forth and killed him with 3 darts (spears). David heard of Absalom's death and cried out, would God I had died for thee, Absalom my son, my son, 2Samuel 15-18.
David's mourning shook the kingdom, but Joab talked some sense into him and David pulled it together and strengthened himself in the LORD his God.
David fought the Philistines all of his reign. They were always coming against Israel. The meaning of the word Palestine goes back to the same Biblical roots of Philistia. Evidences of ancient Philistia are many.
There were many battles and Goliath's brothers and other giants were defeated in them, 2Samuel 21.
In 2Samuel 22, David's song to God is recorded after being delivered from his enemies and Saul. Here are some quotes:
2 ¶ And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;
3 The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.
4 I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
14 The LORD thundered from heaven, and the most High uttered his voice.
15 And he sent out arrows, and scattered them; lightning, and discomfited them.
In 2Samuel 23 the mighty men of David are mentioned. There were 37 in all who were valiant and fierce fighters and loyal to David. The top 3 were Adino, Eleazar, and Shammah.
When the garrison of the Philistines was at Bethlehem and David was secure in the hold, he once said, "Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!". So these 3 valiant and brave men broke through the line of the Philistines and went to the well at Bethlehem and got David a cruise of water. David took the water and said, "Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives?" So David would not drink the water, but poured it out for an offering unto God.
Such acts as these showed the leadership qualities of David and the love that his men had for him.
David had come a long way from the shepherd boy who had been annointed to be king of God's people.
To a mighty king who would always be remembered. Whose kingdom was a picture of a benevolent monarchy for his people, the same type of government that Jesus provides for us. One of protection, safety, provision, and confidence.
When David was old he was still loyal to God. He had made mistakes but was quick to come back to God and be reconciled.
The reign was passed down to Solomon whom David had prepared with his teachings and final blessing and advice. David had assembled a vast stockpile of gold, silver,brass, and building supplies for the building of the Lord's temple, 1Chronicles 22.
6000 tons of gold.
60,000 tons of silver. And more brass than could be weighed.
David instructed his son in the ways of the Lord and leading the people and the construction of the temple.
The tower of David is in Jerusalem today.
His tomb is on Mount Zion.
The scepter that God promised would never leave the house of David continues forever in Jesus Christ.
He was the literal son of David through Mary (Luke). And He was the kingly son through his earthly father, Joseph (Matthew). But, He was the Son of God through the Holy Ghost and reigns for eternity.
Quotes from the Authorized Version of King James Bible. Pictures and art found on Internet and credit given in properties if known.
If you like my blogs you might like my book available on Amazon.com
Joab, David's general of the army, knew that David's soul longed for Absalom. He got a woman to go to king David with a story how she had 2 sons who strove together and one killed the other and now there was no peace at her house. David saw through it an knew it was Joab behind it, but it made him think. He called for Joab and sent for Absalom who came back to Jerusalem. However, David did not see him for another 2 years. Then they were temporarily reconciled, 2Samuel 14.
Absalom longed to be king and rose up against his father, David. He had worked to gain the heart of the people in matters of judgement that was brought before king David. When Absalom was at the peak of his power he forced David to flee Jerusalem and he took over the palace. Then under advice he set up tents on top of the palace and went into all of David's concubines so all Israel could see. This was fulfillment of what God had spoken to David through Nathan the prophet.
David was a man of war and would not easily be defeated. He also had God on his side and loved and trusted his Lord. When the final battle happened between Absalom's Israel and David's men, Absalom who had long hair, got caught in a tree and pulled off of his mule and was hanging by his hair.
David had told his forces to go easy on Absalom, for David loved his son. But, when Joab heard of Absalom being hung in the tree he went forth and killed him with 3 darts (spears). David heard of Absalom's death and cried out, would God I had died for thee, Absalom my son, my son, 2Samuel 15-18.
David's mourning shook the kingdom, but Joab talked some sense into him and David pulled it together and strengthened himself in the LORD his God.
David fought the Philistines all of his reign. They were always coming against Israel. The meaning of the word Palestine goes back to the same Biblical roots of Philistia. Evidences of ancient Philistia are many.
There were many battles and Goliath's brothers and other giants were defeated in them, 2Samuel 21.
In 2Samuel 22, David's song to God is recorded after being delivered from his enemies and Saul. Here are some quotes:
2 ¶ And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;
3 The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.
4 I will call on the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.
14 The LORD thundered from heaven, and the most High uttered his voice.
15 And he sent out arrows, and scattered them; lightning, and discomfited them.
18 He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them that hated me: for they were too strong for me.
19 They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay.
20 He brought me forth also into a large place: he delivered me, because he delighted in me.
31 As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.
32 For who is God, save the LORD? and who is a rock, save our God?
33 God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.
As Abigail had said in 1Samuel 25:29, the soul of David was bound in the bundle of life with the LORD.
In 2Samuel 23 the mighty men of David are mentioned. There were 37 in all who were valiant and fierce fighters and loyal to David. The top 3 were Adino, Eleazar, and Shammah.
When the garrison of the Philistines was at Bethlehem and David was secure in the hold, he once said, "Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!". So these 3 valiant and brave men broke through the line of the Philistines and went to the well at Bethlehem and got David a cruise of water. David took the water and said, "Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives?" So David would not drink the water, but poured it out for an offering unto God.
Such acts as these showed the leadership qualities of David and the love that his men had for him.
David had come a long way from the shepherd boy who had been annointed to be king of God's people.
To a mighty king who would always be remembered. Whose kingdom was a picture of a benevolent monarchy for his people, the same type of government that Jesus provides for us. One of protection, safety, provision, and confidence.
When David was old he was still loyal to God. He had made mistakes but was quick to come back to God and be reconciled.
The reign was passed down to Solomon whom David had prepared with his teachings and final blessing and advice. David had assembled a vast stockpile of gold, silver,brass, and building supplies for the building of the Lord's temple, 1Chronicles 22.
6000 tons of gold.
60,000 tons of silver. And more brass than could be weighed.
David instructed his son in the ways of the Lord and leading the people and the construction of the temple.
The tower of David is in Jerusalem today.
His tomb is on Mount Zion.
The scepter that God promised would never leave the house of David continues forever in Jesus Christ.
He was the literal son of David through Mary (Luke). And He was the kingly son through his earthly father, Joseph (Matthew). But, He was the Son of God through the Holy Ghost and reigns for eternity.
Quotes from the Authorized Version of King James Bible. Pictures and art found on Internet and credit given in properties if known.
If you like my blogs you might like my book available on Amazon.com
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