What I Noticed Today (2 Samuel 8-9; 1 Chronicles 18)
2 Samuel 8
David’s many military victories over Israel’s enemies are recorded in 2 Samuel 8.
David expanded Israel’s territory, and he dedicated the plunder to God (to provide for the building of the Temple). David defeated:
- the Philistines,
- the Moabites,
- the Zobahites, and
- the Arameans.
God was with David wherever he went! Joab was commander of David’s army. Jehoshaphat was the court historian. Zadok and Ahimelech were priests. Seriah was the court secretary. Benaiah and David’s sons were chief officials.
2 Samuel 9
David still had a soft spot in his heart for Saul and his family. 2 Samuel 9 records David seeking out someone from Saul’s family to whom he could show favor.
David asks and is told there is one of Jonathan’s sons who is still alive.
- Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, was brought to David.
- David restored all of Saul’s property to Mephibosheth and invited him to eat at the King’s table for the rest of his life.
Some thoughts for additional consideration:
- In these chapters, we see David make two rash decisions. Neither was wrong, but at issue is how he planned to carry out his decision. The first was in deciding to move the Ark without consulting God or the priests about the proper way to move the Ark. The second was in deciding to build a house for God without consulting God himself.
- How often are we like David when we want to do something for the Lord, but God says no or not yet? David provided a great example of how we should respond in his prayer of thanksgiving to God. Ultimately, God's plan was infinitely greater than David's.
- Have you ever experienced a time when, like David, you made rash decisions that were contrary to God's will?
1 Chronicles 18
1 Chronicles 18:1-13 describes battles between David and the enemies of the Israelites.
- Wherever David went, he conquered their enemies because the Lord was with him.
- David defeated the Philistines (v. 1), the Moabites (v. 2), King Hadadezer of Zobah (v. 3), and the Arameans (v. 5).
- Abishai (Joab’s brother) defeated the Edomites (v. 12).
1 Chronicles 18:14-17 records the key administrators in David’s kingdom: Joab was over the army, Jehoshaphat was the recorder, Zadok was the secretary, Benaiah was over the Cherethites and Pelethites, and David’s sons were chief officials.
What did you notice in your study today? Feel free to visit the website and leave a question or a comment.
