A Tale of Two Cities (2 Samuel 5)

Jerusalem. The City of David. The center of God's eternal plan. This beautiful city is now the capital of David's kingdom. This is a momentous day in the history of Israel and mankind for that matter. From this day forward, Jerusalem would become a thriving economic center, a religious battleground, and a stumbling block to the rest of the world. Even today, in 2009, Jerusalem is a thorn in the side of world leaders as they try and manufacture peace. Today, Jerusalem awaits the return of the Prince of Peace on the mount of olives just outside its gates. It is a dream of mine to one day walk the streets of this ancient city. So much history is found within and without its walls. But I digress.

Chapter 5 is a pivotal moment in David's reign. The elders of Israel arrive in Hebron after the death of both Abner and Ish-bosheth. They proclaim David's rightful claim to the throne of Israel. I wonder when these men got a clue? Where was this speech for the last seven years?

Nevertheless, David's kingdom is now united. Israel is one nation again. But what strikes me about this chapter is more about David's dichotomy. On the one hand, we see David recognizing God's hand in all of this. (v.12) On the other, David takes in more wives in direct violation of God's law. (v. 13-16) (The taking of wives was borrowed from surrounding cultures where kings would use marriage to consolidate power within and without his government.) Then, we see David enquiring of the Lord before going to battle against the Philistines in verses 19 and 23. And also David obediently burns the images of the Philistines after God gives him the victory. One of those images may have been similar to the idol that had once been in his own house with Michal when we examined 1 Samuel 19-20. Another lesson learned maybe?

While David has made progress, he still harbors sin in his home. The multiple wives and concubines would be a sinful practice he would pass down to Solomon. And this very practice would serve as an instrument of Solomon's undoing.

While we may pat ourselves on the back from time to time because of the good works we may do, we must be careful not to be blinded by our own self-righteousness to sin that remains. Should we rejoice when God gives us victory? Yes. Should we strive to please God and obey His word? Absolutely. But in doing so, never lose sight of our tendency to fall back into sinful ways. We must constantly be on guard for breaches in the dam. For at the height of David's reign, in the midst of victory, at the moment of deliverance, David still disobeyed God. A better title may have been, "A Tale of Two David's". But like David, we are not really two different people. We are simply flawed people in need of a savior. And thank God we have a savior, Jesus Christ, who constantly argues on our behalf when we falter. Jesus' blood washes away our sin! Where sin abounds, grace does abound more! (Romans 5:20)

Have a great weekend! And never take the grace of God for granted!! Thank Him daily for it!!

Prayer: God, thank You for Your grace. Grace that is personified in Your Son Jesus Christ. Grace that abounds without limit. Grace so undeserving. Let me never take it for granted. May I abhor sin as do You!!