APRIL 5, 2 Samuel 5:1-5

King David conducted himself wisely and graciously concerning the deaths of not only Abner but also Isbosheth, Saul’s son. The people saw the compassion of their king. They saw that though he was anointed by Samuel to be the king of Israel, he waited according to God’s will. It had already been more than 10 years since Samuel anointed him. These were years of suffering at the hand of Saul, but now, the time for celebration had come, and all the tribes of Israel came to crown him king over the whole of Israel.

David was king of Judah at the young age of thirty. There he ruled for seven and a half years and now at thirty-seven, the entire nation of Israel wanted him to rule over them. The civil strife between his loyal followers (the 2 tribes of Judah and Benjamin) and the dynasty of Saul (the other ten tribes) was over. With sincerity, the men of Israel declared, “We are thy bone and thy flesh.” For such a great honour, and peace in the land assured, David was grateful to God and never failed to thank him for putting him on the throne.

            David waited about fourteen years before he became king.
            How did he conduct himself with honour and great blessing?

            1. He waited patiently for God’s timing.

            2. He did not take matters into his own hands
                e.g. killing Saul when he had the opportunity.

            3. He prayed and asked for the Lord’s will daily.

            4. He showed compassion and love to others.

Thought: May I learn from David.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may I wait patiently and trust in Thee in good or bad times. Help me not to rush things, but to trust in Thy timing for it is the best timing. This I pray in Jesus' precious name, Amen.