2 Samuel 3:2-5
2 Samuel 2:11 The length of time David was king in Hebron over Judah was seven years and six months.
We back up from the scenes of war and check back in with David and his personal life which takes us back to Hebron. This city was not a new city, in fact, it was quite an ancient city and a place that was very significant to God’s people throughout their entire history.
We first read of Hebron in Genesis during the time of Abraham. It was in Hebron that Abram settled when he and Lot parted ways, where Abram’s name changed to Abraham, it was there that Abraham was told Sarah would have a son. Hebron was also the place where Abraham would bury his beloved wife. He bought a cave that would become the burial place for all the patriarchs and their wives (except Rachel).
Hebron was where Isaac and Jacob spent most of their lives. It was from this place that Jacob sent Joseph with his multi-colored coat to find his brothers. Hebron was where Jacob and his sons lived when the brothers were sent for supplies during the famine and from where they left to join Joseph in Egypt. After the time of captivity in Egypt, Moses sent out spies to scout out the land and it was by Hebron the spies cut down giant bunches of grapes. In the time of the judges Samson carried the gates of Gaza to the hills by Hebron which was about 37 miles.
It was in this place of family roots that David was first reigning as king. During his seven and a half years there he started his family line. We can see from our reading today that he had more wives than God said was fitting for a king of His people. While marrying many women was not something that God wanted for any man, men throughout the Old Testament Scriptures decided they wanted to and it never turned out for their complete joy and happiness or for God’s glory.
As king David would need a son to take over for him, he starts his family with 6 sons from 6 different wives. As far as people would have been concerned any one of these boys could have grown up to be the next king, but God was still in control and this was His dynasty to build. God was purposely starting David’s reign where the stories he had heard all his life happened. This was to be a reminder to David that God had promised this land to Abraham and his descendants.
Making It Personal
Why is it important to remember what God has done in the lives of Christians from the past? What from your past continues to help you grow spiritually? What can you do to help in God’s kingdom?
Making It Personal Kids
Do you know any stories of Christians who have done big things with God? Why is it important to know what God has done in the past? Have you seen God do big things?
Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for working out all the details in our lives from the beginning of time until now. Only You can use things across the ages to bring about things in our lives today. Guide us to live the lives You desire us to so we can be examples to future generations. In Jesus’ name, amen.