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DAVID WAS ENDOWED WITH GODLY WISDOM
LORD’S DAY, JULY 5
2 Samuel 2:5-11

Proverbs 9:1-10

 

“…and the knowledge of the holy

is understanding.”

 

DAVID WAS ENDOWED WITH GODLY WISDOM
 
David had godly love and knew that diplomacy was important for success as a king. This informs even the principles of modern diplomacy among nations. David knew what he was supposed to do in a given situation. His move to consolidate power was taking shape.
 
David informed the men of Jabesh-gilead that the house of Judah had anointed him as their king. He was indirectly asking them for their support, but he addressed them according to their mindset. Abner was the captain of the host of Saul. He was thus the key person in military matters and his word to Israel came with some authority. He thus took the lead in making Ishbosheth (one of the sons of Saul) king. He brought Ishbosheth to Mahanaim and made him king. It is noteworthy that they made Ishbosheth king without mentioning that he had been anointed. The making of a king might involve the setting of the proposed person to a throne. There would be a place of residence, such as a palace, for him as it is a public office. The proposed king would also have to take an oath of commitment to the office of power. In Israel, it was also necessary to seek divine authority and the proposed king would be anointed with oil by a priest or any person that God revealed. David went through that procedure and was rightly appointed as king.
 
In the case of Ishbosheth, Abner seemed to be the key person and since he did not have any consent from the Lord, it is said that he simply made Ishbosheth king. Ishbosheth was not formally anointed. Only the house of Benjamin supported him. He ascended the throne, but his reign was short-lived, lasting two years. It is not known if Ishbosheth died or abdicated the throne. That is how far his influence could go. David also did not gain support from the other tribes immediately, but he ruled over Judah with confidence. He became stronger and stronger while Ishbosheth became weaker and weaker.
 
THOUGHT: What the Lord has ordained will always succeed.

PRAYER: Father, give me godly wisdom that I may conform to Thy will.

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