David is King of Israel

2 Samuel Chapter 5

All the tribes of Israel went to David at Hebron and claimed him as their leader. And David make a covenant with them before the Lord and they anointed him king of Israel. David reigned for forty years in all.

David led his troops to Jerusalem to fight the Jebusites. The Jebusites thought they were safe inside the city walls, but David captured the fortress of Zion, now called the City of David. When an insulting message came to David from the defenders of Jerusalem, he told his own troops to go through the water tunnel into the city and destroy the Jebusites. David made the fortress his home and built more fortifications around the city. And he became more powerful because the Lord was with him.

Then King Hiram of Tyre sent David messengers along with carpenters and stonemasons to build him a palace. Hiram also sent cedar logs for lumber. David realized the Lord had made him king over Israel and had made his kingdom great for the sake of his people Israel. And soon David married more wives and had more concubines and he had many sons and daughters. The names of his sons are in verses 14 & 15.

When the Philistines heard David was the anointed king of Israel, they mobilized their forces to capture him. But David was told they were coming and went into his stronghold. As the Philistines were spread out across the valley, David asked the Lord if he should go out to fight the Philistines and the Lord responded yes and that he would give David the victory. So David defeated the Philistines and gave credit to the Lord. He confiscated the idols of the Philistines, but soon the Philistines again spread out across the valley. And once again David asked the Lord what to do. The Lord replied that they should not attack straight on, but circle around the Philistines and attack them near the balsam trees. God said, "when you hear a sound like marching feet in the tops of the balsam trees, attack! That will be the signal that the Lord is moving ahead of you to strike down the Philistines." So David did what the Lord commanded and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: David was anointed three times: once by Samuel, once over the tribe of Judah and finally king over all of Israel. He became king over all of Israel when he was 37 years old and during those years, he had to remain very patient for God's promise to be fulfilled. The Philistines didn't bother David when he ruled Judah, but when he ruled all of Israel, they felt threatened.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? David knew his greatness came from God. He had to keep his ambition in control and trust in God. Do you seek greatness from God or from other people? In your drive for success remember to harness your ambition and let God be in control.Keep a close relationship with your God. Let God make your decisions. Ask him in prayer, like David did. And always, ALWAYS, give God the glory for the help you receive.

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH: Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents, and Arlene’s nephew David. Update on Lori: she sheds her back brace soon and can drive. She thanks God for healing her. Please continue to pray for her during recovery. Pray for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. UPDATE on Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, she has 90 percent of her speech back and is home from the hospital and having rehab for the paralysis on one side of her body. Continue to pray for her recovery. Pray for Robert Sargent with lung cancer and Marthaline Sargent with serious health issues. Update on Stella: A photo of her shows a chubby, alert baby who is breathing on her own. Her eyesight problems seem to be no longer a problem. But she must learn to eat and drink normally. She continues to have a long road, so prayers are still needed. Update on Mark: He has some paralysis on one side from the stroke, his eyesight has been impaired too. But he has gone home and his wife cares for him. Soon he will begin therapy. Continue to pray for his healing. Pray also for my aged friend Elaine who underwent surgery and is home healing slowly. Update on Craig: he ended up having a stent put in and is back to work. Keep him and his family on your list for prayers. Pray for Carolyn’s friend Margaret and her husband who were in a car accident. As elderly drivers they may face a life change which may cost them their independence. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, those who need jobs, those who are about to lose or have lost their homes. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.