Day 1

THROUGH STRIFE TO POWER

The beginning of David's reign gives us a clear example of God's working through both the ordinary events of human history and the attitudes shown by his servants.

When Saul died David's succession was not automatic. He was not immediately proclaimed king. Instead recognition came only after a prolonged power struggle (2 Sam. 2:8-10) and a civil war (2 Sam. 3:1).

When David consulted God for guidance after Saul's death he was directed to Hebron (2 Sam. 2:1-3) Israel's largest town. There the tribe of Judah acclaimed him and anointed him king (v4). Straight away David sent greetings to the men of Jabesh-gilead who had rescued the bodies of Saul and his sons (v5-7). David thus began his campaign for recognition as king. But trouble was in store. Abner, Saul's army commander, took Ishbosheth the son of Saul and installed him as king over the northern part of Israel. Civil war resulted with David gradually obtaining the upper hand (2 Sam. 3:1). The war ended when Abner, insulted by Ishbosheth (2 Sam. 3:7-10), changed his allegiance to David (v11-21). Then Ishobosheth was murdered by two of his own captains (2 Sam. 4:5-7) ending the resistance to David.

David once again showed his honourable nature in his execution of Ishbosheth's murderers (2 Sam. 4:8-12). His magnanimity is evident in his mourning for Abner, killed by Joab in revenge for the death of Asahel Joab's brother (2 Sam. 3:30).

David was at last anointed king over all Israel at Hebron (2 Sam. 5:1-5). This marked the beginning of Israel's greatest period of glory. For David God's promises were beginning to be fulfilled (1 Sam 16:12; 2 Sam. 7:11; 1 Chron. 17:10).