2 Samuel 5:11-12
Verse 12 Then David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel.
It didn’t take long for word of David’s growing kingdom to get out and soon King Hiram from Tyre – along the Mediterranean Sea to the northwest of Jerusalem – sends some messengers and gifts to the newly crowned king. These gifts were not just of the material variety, it included workers to help the king utilize the gifts.
It is possible that the seaport king knew that the recent wars had been hard on the nation of Israel and there was likely shortage of people who could design and create a beautiful palace. Along with the creative people, the king of Tyre sent the articles that would help create a thing of beauty the king could be proud of. David had to be touched by this king’s generosity.
This must have been a large caravan that brought these gifts to Jerusalem. Carpenters and stonemasons converging on the walled city along with cedar logs. The building of the palace was likely not left entirely to the workers from the seashore, they would have needed more help and would use local men to fill those positions. The local men would have been learning new trades they could use for the rest of their lives and which they could teach their children. Who knows, maybe one of them was an ancestor of Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus.
This building would have taken some time and during that time David would have been learning more about the whole of the nation. He would have been regaining the trust of members who were devoted to Saul and trying to make a loyal army out of the two armies which were now being joined together. David would have been working out the logistics of ruling while observing the building of his palace.
David saw all this happening but what really stuck out to him was how this proved God was intentional about placing David on the throne of Israel. God had paid attention to every detail to get them to this point and David was in awe of all God had done for him. The king of Tyre sending these workers and supplies pointed to how God had exalted the Kingdom of Israel above all other kingdoms. David had placed God as king in his life and now it was becoming obvious God was the King of the king.
Making It Personal
When has God sent help or provision from a source you didn’t expect? Did you use it as an opportunity to tell others of the goodness of God? Has God ever used you as a way to provide for someone else?
Making It Personal Kids
Have you ever gotten something you needed but didn’t know how you were going to get it? Do you think it was Jesus who helped you get it? Would you allow Jesus to use you to help someone else?
Closing Prayer
Father, You are the great provider, we have all we need. Give us the wisdom to look for Your hand in our provisions and may we always give You the praise You deserve. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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