Wisdom that is found in the Scriptures

2 Samuel 2:1-11

Have you ever wondered about all the wisdom that is found in the Scriptures, and how little is applied in one's life?  Is it not worthy of our time to ponder about why we, who are called by the name Christian, why we do not search for and apply this wisdom?  As we look at David in the second chapter in verses 1-2, we should ponder on what we are reading and ask the question; do I do that?  “After this David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah?” And the Lord said to him, “Go up.” David said, “To which shall I go up?” And he said, “To Hebron.” So David went up there, and his two wives also, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel.”

How often this writer makes plans without asking, “Shall I go?”  What does that say about me, I forget who I am, and who is in charge.  Yes, God’s grace is far-reaching, but one has to wonder how different it would be if I were to ask that question and wait for God to give me direction. 

David also brought his men and their families; now that is a lot of people, I’m sure it caused a building boom.  Now verse four tells us how the people of Judah responded to David; “And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah.”  

Do you recall the men of Jabesh-gilead who rescued Saul and Jonathan’s bodies and buried them, well David had not heard of this till told by the men who anointed him King of the house of Judah?  This is the report David received from them and the action he took. 

“When they told David, “It was the men of Jabesh-gilead who buried Saul,” David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead and said to them, “May you be blessed by the Lord because you showed this loyalty to Saul your lord and buried him. Now may the Lord show steadfast love and faithfulness to you? And I will do good to you because you have done this thing. Now, therefore, let your hands be strong, and be valiant, for Saul your lord is dead, and the house of Judah has anointed me king over them.”

What a contrast between Abner the commander of Saul’s army and David, for David ask should I, but Abner is more like many Christians, he just did what was in his heart with no regards for the Lord.  We are going to see two kingdoms, not one, for Judah, anointed

David as King and Abner put Saul’s son, Ish-bosheth and made him King of Israel.  So we have two nations, and we have one foolish man who wants to keep his power, and we have one who God calls a man after my own heart, do you have any doubt how this will turn out?

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice