March 26 A READ 2 SAMUEL 8 –10
David’s Growing Kingdom
OVERVIEW
Once the internal security of the nation has been restored, David begins the task of securing and enlarging its borders. The Philistines, Moabites, and Arameans fall in quick succession before Israel’s mighty army. But in spite of David’s many military conquests, his tenderness and compassion are evident in his invitation to Mephibosheth, crippled son of Jonathan, to live in the king’s palace. When the Ammonites question another of David’s acts of kindness, he teaches them a stern lesson in respect.
MY DAILY WALK
When was the last time you visited someone homebound, cooked a meal for someone outside your family, offered to take an elderly person shopping, or did something for someone who couldn’t repay you?
King David demonstrated great depth of character when he showed mercy to Jonathan’s crippled son. Kings seldom concerned themselves with the welfare of the disadvantaged, and the heirs of former monarchs were usually killed, not comforted. But out of a heart of compassion and because he had made a covenant with Jonathan, David took the unprecedented step of making Mephibosheth like a member of his family. With no thought of repayment or publicity, David was faithful to his friend by caring for Mephibosheth.
Where has God brought a Mephibosheth across your path? You may not find it very convenient, pleasant, or financially rewarding to help that person. But remember Jesus’ words: “I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!” (Matthew 25:40).
TO FEEL SORRY FOR THE NEEDY IS NOT THE MARK OF A CHRISTIAN—TO HELP THEM IS.
INSIGHT
Above and Beyond | 2 Sam. 8:11
One of the many ways David demonstrated how different he was from Saul was by dedicating the spoils of victory to God (8:11). Saul was commanded to sacrifice the plunder from his victory over Amalek, but he did not (1 Samuel 15:3, 9). David was not commanded to sacrifice the plunder from his exploits, but he did anyway.
INSIGHT
Flouting the Kindness of the King | 2 Sam. 10:1-4
Compare the response of Mephibosheth in chapter nine with that of the Ammonites (10:1-4) when King David extended kindness to each. Mephibosheth was humbly grateful and dined at the palace, but the Ammonites remained proudly arrogant and died on the battlefield.
David’s Military Victories
1After this, David defeated and subdued the Philistines by conquering Gath, their largest town.* 2David also conquered the land of Moab. He made the people lie down on the ground in a row, and he measured them off in groups with a length of rope. He measured off two groups to be executed for every one group to be spared. The Moabites who were spared became David’s subjects and paid him tribute money.
3David also destroyed the forces of Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah, when Hadadezer marched out to strengthen his control along the Euphrates River. 4David captured 1,000 chariots, 7,000 charioteers,* and 20,000 foot soldiers. He crippled all the chariot horses except enough for 100 chariots.
5When Arameans from Damascus arrived to help King Hadadezer, David killed 22,000 of them. 6Then he placed several army garrisons in Damascus, the Aramean capital, and the Arameans became David’s subjects and paid him tribute money. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.
7David brought the gold shields of Hadadezer’s officers to Jerusalem, 8along with a large amount of bronze from Hadadezer’s towns of Tebah* and Berothai.
9When King Toi of Hamath heard that David had destroyed the entire army of Hadadezer, 10he sent his son Joram to congratulate King David for his successful campaign. Hadadezer and Toi had been enemies and were often at war. Joram presented David with many gifts of silver, gold, and bronze.
11King David dedicated all these gifts to the LORD, as he did with the silver and gold from the other nations he had defeated—12from Edom,* Moab, Ammon, Philistia, and Amalek—and from Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah.
13So David became even more famous when he returned from destroying 18,000 Edomites* in the Valley of Salt. 14He placed army garrisons throughout Edom, and all the Edomites became David’s subjects. In fact, the LORD made David victorious wherever he went.
15So David reigned over all Israel and did what was just and right for all his people. 16Joab son of Zeruiah was commander of the army. Jehoshaphat son of Ahilud was the royal historian. 17Zadok son of Ahitub and Ahimelech son of Abiathar were the priests. Seraiah was the court secretary. 18Benaiah son of Jehoiada was captain of the king’s bodyguard.* And David’s sons served as priestly leaders.*