Today’s Reading: 1 Samuel 31; 2 Samuel 1–5

How beloved and gracious were Saul and Jonathan!
They were together in life and in death.
They were swifter than eagles,
stronger than lions. – 2 Samuel 1:23

David wept when he heard that Saul and his sons were killed in a battle against the Philistines. Although Saul had been cruel to him, David still had a love and respect for the man whom God had chosen first to be king. David also had a special friendship with Saul’s son, Jonathan, and he grieved deeply for this loss.

At this time, the 12 tribes of Israel were divided into two nations. The nation of Judah anointed David as their king, but the nation of Israel anointed Saul’s son, Ishbosheth. After Ishbosheth’s death, the leaders of Israel approach David asking him to be their king also. 20 years had passed since Samuel had anointed David as king and David had patiently waited for this moment.

GOD WAS WITH DAVID.

David led God’s people in battle against the Jebusites, capturing Jerusalem which is now known as the City of David. David became more and more powerful because God was with him (2 Samuel 5:6-10). Next, the Philistines came in an effort to capture David. Now David knew his victories were not because he was a great man but because he served a great God, so he went to the Lord for direction:

So David asked the Lord, “Should I go out to fight the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?”
Then the Lord replied to David, “Yes, go ahead. I will certainly hand them over to you.”
So David went to Baal-perazim and defeated the Philistines there.
“The Lord did it!” David exclaimed. “He burst through my enemies like a raging flood!”
So he named that place Baal-perazim (which means “The Lord who bursts through”). – 2 Samuel 5:19-20

While Israel’s first reaction was to celebrate what David had accomplished, David’s first reaction was to celebrate what God had done! He recognized his human abilities vs. the powerful and mighty strength of the God who called him. David knew that the battle belonged to the Lord and not to him.

GOD WENT BEFORE DAVID.

But after a while the Philistines returned and again spread out across the valley of Rephaim. And again David asked the Lord what to do. “Do not attack them straight on,” the Lord replied. “Instead, circle around behind and attack them near the poplar trees. When you hear a sound like marching feet in the tops of the poplar trees, be on the alert! That will be a signal that the Lord is moving ahead of you to strike down the Philistine army.” So David did what the Lord commanded, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer. – 2 Samuel 5:22-25

Do you hear it? Do you hear the sound of the Lord moving ahead of you? A few days ago we talked about our tendency to sometimes move ahead of God, but isn’t it great to know He is always moving ahead of us? Whatever is ahead of you, inquire of the Lord — ask God for wisdom and direction. Then listen closely to the sound of our great God going before you, prepared to fight your battles. That is the kind of God David served and that is the same God we serve — Praise His name!

GOD IS GOING BEFORE YOU.

I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;
Even at night my heart instructs me.
I HAVE SET THE LORD ALWAYS BEFORE ME.
Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. – Psalm 16:7-8

As for me, I call to God,
and the Lord saves me.
Evening, morning and noon
I cry out in distress,
and he hears my voice.
He rescues me unharmed
from the battle waged against me,
even though many oppose me.
God, who is enthroned from of old,
who does not change—
he will hear them and humble them,
because they have no fear of God. – Psalm 55:16-19