2 Samuel 5:6-12 – God’s King Exalted
This chapter describes one of the most momentous events in the whole Bible – God’s chosen king reigns visibly on earth – no longer just over a single tribe – but over all Israel. In fact, the bit about Hiram sending trees to David so he could build a house is a hint of David’s fame spreading even beyond Israel. Just as Jesus would be a light to the nations, so in this chapter David is highly exalted.
It’s now 20 long years since Samuel – himself now long dead – had anointed David as king. For most of those years it must have seemed that God’s promise was never going to be fulfilled. For most of those years, David was on the run. His very life was constantly in danger from Saul. In God’s providence David was also picturing for us what the life of the ultimate Messiah would be like with first suffering, then exaltation. If that was the pattern of David’s life, if that was the pattern of Jesus’ life, why would we expect our lives to be any different? It’s the same pattern we see in Romans 8 – first suffering, then glorification, and yet the glorification will soon make us forget the suffering.
You shouldn’t hear ‘exaltation’ and think of David finally enjoying having others serve him. The chapter makes it abundantly clear that David wasn’t exalted for his own sake, but for the sake of his people. That’s hinted at in v3. David makes a covenant with the people of Israel. No doubt it outlined both the peoples responsibilities to him and his responsibilities to them. Then v12 makes it crystal clear: ‘And David knew that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel’. That’s what leadership in God’s kingdom looks like. When people are raised up to positions of authority, it’s for the sake of the people. Yes ultimately of course it’s for God’s glory – but God is glorified in the sheep being fed, protected, cared for. For David, kingship wasn’t to be an end in itself. It was to be kingship for the sake of the people. It’s the same in the church. If someone is ordained as a minister, elder or deacon, it’s not for their benefit, but for the benefit of the flock.
Questions
- What pattern do we see in David that is in Christ?
- What was David to do as king?
Prayer Points
- Pray that we would seek to serve others in the church.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.