David’s song of gratitude from 2 Samuel 22 is now sung by his people, as they personally identify with the anointing, rescue and greatness of their king – all directly a result of God’s grace. As God is David’s shield, now he is also the shield and portion of David’s kingdom.
LORD, as you have shown yourself faithful to those before us, we trust you to be our shield as well.
David knew that Joab was right – that taking the census was wrong – but he decided to do what he wanted anyway. The result was that thousands paid for David’s presumption with their lives. God gave David a choice between three possible punishments. David chose to fall into the hands of God, because he knew God would be merciful. We always pay a price when we know something is wrong and yet choose to do it anyway.
LORD, give us enough sense to run from wrong choices.
David’s prayer is for justice and vindication from enemies who have no pity on him, who only want what they can gain from this world and this life. But David seeks the LORD’s presence now, and to awake from the sleep of death seeing the LORD’s face. His prayer is for God’s help today, but his hope extends to the resurrection tomorrow.
LORD, we seek you today, and trust you for a resurrected life eternal.
These chapters record David’s battles with and victories over the Syrians, Ammonites and Philistines during his reign as king of Israel. Times were not easy for the Israelites, but they did rise to the challenge. Joab’s instructions to his troops still stands as wisdom for us as we face the challenges of this time: do your best, and trust the LORD to do what he wills.
LORD, give us the courage to do our best, and trust you for the outcome.
David had chosen the right life, and sees now that it has gained him a beautiful inheritance. Instead of running after another God, he chose to join the saints in the land who were faithful to the LORD. That choice has lead to a good life today, and a destiny beyond the grave. David is confident not that he will avoid Sheol, but that he will not be abandoned to it. He sees a resurrection in his future. Both Peter (Acts 2:25-28) and Paul (Acts 13:35) used this text as a reference to Jesus, because he is the firstfruits of those raised from Sheol. Jesus was the first to experience this destiny beyond the grave. The destiny is ours as well. we will be raised with David at Christ’s return.
LORD, thank you for the joy of knowing you today, and the beautiful inheritance that awaits us at the second advent.
It began in David’s heart as he noticed that he was living in a fine cedar house, but the presence of the LORD (as symbolized by the ark) was residing in a tent. David wanted to build a more permanent structure for the ark. He would learn that it would not be him, but one of his sons who would build a temple. Another of David’s descendants (Jesus) would build a permanent house for God’s presence on earth. David’s desire reflected the desire of the ages.
LORD, build a permanent house for yourself in our hearts.
If a person simply wants a reputation of godliness, that can be bought. But if he wants to actually be godly – to live like his heavenly father – he will have to convert…
his walk
his work
his tongue
his relationships
his sentiments
his wallet
It’s not about having a time or two of religious experience. It’s about taking up residence in God’s presence and never being moved from it.
LORD, change us, so that we can take up residence where you live – right now.
The worship that David had organized for the movement of the ark now becomes a regular daily tradition. The ark is now in Jerusalem, where David lives. The tabernacle with the altar for sacrifice is still in Gibeon. David institutionalizes regular worship in both places. The people and the king and the priests are to be constantly reminded by song of who the LORD is, what he has done, and what he is going to do.
LORD, enable us to connect with you on a regular basis through worship.
The fools that David has in mind in particular are the godless oppressors of Israel. They do what they want to do, and don’t think anyone can stop them. They “eat up” God’s people (4). But there is hope. David calls on God to restore the fortunes of his people (7). The godless oppressors will have to answer – not only for their atheism, but also for their violence and greed.
LORD, as David did, we call upon you to right the wrongs, and to restore the fortunes that the godless oppressors have devoured.
Getting it right took a great deal of cooperation and attention to detail, but David was determined to correct his former mistake. The ark of the covenant belonged in Jerusalem. Following the rules meant bringing the ark into the city with worship, rejoicing, and just lots of noise. It was not to be a mundane logistics task, but part of a celebration. David even distributed a meal to all Israel – another reason to remember the day – not because it was a solemn observance, but because it was a celebration. This is what it is like when the presence of God manifests.
LORD, make our lives acts of worship appropriate for your presence.
Psalm 18
1 Chronicles 21:1-17
Psalm 17
1 Chronicles 18-20
Psalm 16
1 Chronicles 17
Psalm 15
1 Chronicles 16:4-43
Psalm 14
1 Chronicles 15:1-16:3
