RPG Adults
DAVID WAS GUIDED BY GODLY PRINCIPLES
MONDAY, JULY 13
2 Samuel 4
Matthew 6:5-15
“Our Father which art in heaven…”
DAVID WAS GUIDED BY GODLY PRINCIPLES
God formally gave the written Law in Exodus and He listed the moral law in the twentieth chapter. The law of retaliation for murder is given earlier. It says that whoso sheds man’s blood, his blood also shall be shed by man (Gen 9:6). This has been called the first revelation of human government. David was king already and he had the authority to pass such a judgment in ordering the execution of the sons of Rimmon for the murder of Ishbosheth. This is possibly his first judgment.
Paul later wrote that the rulers do not bear a sword in vain; it is to be used against the doers of evil (Rom 13:1ff.). David was resolved to rule in righteousness. It was a custom to hang the bodies of criminals in an open place to express the warranted punishment for their crime.
When this took place, the grave of Abner in Hebron was still fresh and David commanded that they bury the head of Ishbosheth in the same place. David’s judgment, even upon Ishbosheth’s death, showed his high regard for the family of Saul. He wanted to show them his love even in death; he also exonerated himself from the actions of Joab and reserved his punishment until the right time. He had reasons for that suspension. David was a man guided by godly principles. He was sincere in his love for his friends and, more so, the house of Saul. He showed what is meant by the grace of God. May the Word of the Lord guide us in crucial moments. David knew God and he spoke with Him as friend to friend.
Psalm 142:1-5 is a sample prayer of David:
“I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication. I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me. I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul. I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.”
THOUGHT: Prayer is talking to God as a friend.
PRAYER: Father, may my daily prayers become a reality.