2 Samuel 5:6-10
Verse 10 And he became more and more powerful, because the Lord God Almighty was with him.
David’s being anointed king over the whole nation didn’t mean that he could just sit on his throne and be waited on for the rest of his life. He understood the role of leadership was his for a special reason. When the people of God were released into the Promised Land they had a job to do, conquer the land and take it in the name of the Lord.
The newly anointed king knew God wanted His people to rid the land of those who were not worshiping God alone. David had worked long and hard at trying to rid the area of the Philistines. He had made his reputation through his battles against the cities of Philistia and had gained the following which continued to cheer for him. It was this understanding of how important it was to obey the commands of the Lord which had the king looking to see where the land needed clearing out next.
Jerusalem seemed like the logical place to begin taking the land. Judah had once conquered it only to lose control of it again. And though it was in the region of Benjamin they hadn’t been able to take control of the city either. With the terrain and high walls, Jerusalem would not have been easy to conquer, but that wasn’t going to stop David. He knew that God wanted them to overtake the city and so He would make a way.
We need to remember when God makes a way, it isn’t always a miracle done in our favor. David’s men didn’t just walk near Jerusalem and the walls vaporized and its people surrender and beg to become the slaves of the men of God. They had to walk through the water tunnel that brought the needed water for the city. Not only would it have been dark it would have been wet – not merely damp, but wet.
Conquering this city which the Jebusites claimed was impenetrable, was a way that David tore down the barrier between the southern tribe of Judah and the tribes from the north. This place made it possible for David to have access to all of his kingdom and they would have access to him. God had given David a significant place to carry out the work He had for the king to do.
Making It Personal
Have you ever felt like God had led you to the place He had been preparing you for? Did you stop doing His work when you felt you had arrived at His goal for your life? What do you need to do for Him today?
Making It Personal Kids
Whose plans matter more, Jesus’ or yours? Should you only do what Jesus wants you to do when it is easy? Why is it always better to do what Jesus would want you to do?
Closing Prayer
Father, You do wonderful things when we obey, no matter how hard it seems. Help us desire what You want each and every time. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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