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DAVID AS A MILITARY LEADER
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
2 Samuel 23

Psalm 29

 

“The LORD will give strength
unto his people; the LORD will

bless his people with peace.”

 

DAVID AS A MILITARY LEADER
 
It was after that Goliath episode that David turned out to be a mighty military leader. He won every war that he fought. He had men around him who were committed and faithful to him. There are a few highlights that defined his life and his reign as king of his nation. First, he was a great military leader.
 
David is best known as the king of his nation and first in the dynasty of the house of Judah that reigned for many generations. God confirmed his leadership when He sent Samuel to anoint him as king. Though his appointment to the throne of Israel was against the normal procedure of succession within the royal family, every activity pointed to him as successor of Saul. Jonathan (son of King Saul), the legitimate Crown Prince, agreed that David was designated to be king. David had shortcomings in his life, but he was quick to bring about correction.
 
David became the standard of good kings as Jeroboam of the divided kingdom era was the measure of wicked kings. David was brave and did not make any battle move without asking the Lord. He trusted the Lord as he faced the Philistine giant and was assured of victory after his past experiences with a lion and a bear, and that was why he spoke with confidence. It was from that beginning that he demonstrated that war was won by trusting the Lord, and not by might. After Goliath’s defeat, King Saul made David the military leader. However, Saul resented it when the womenfolk, while singing praises of both David and Saul, attributed more success to David. Saul knew that David was destined to become king.
 
David showed his military might when he fought mainly with the Philistines and other nations. However, at one instance, he misused his expertise when he intentionally had Uriah killed in battle. It was a sin that David had to repent of before the Lord. In all, David was a great soldier. In those early days, there was no formal training as today. However, David’s skill came as a gift from God.
 
THOUGHT: God’s gifts are discovered in action.

PRAYER: Father, let me use my gifts for Thy glory.

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