JOAB: DAVID's MILITARY CAPTAIN WHO HAD HIS OWN AGENDA ( PART 1 ) by B

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

JOAB: DAVID's MILITARY CAPTAIN WHO HAD HIS OWN AGENDA ( PART 1 ) by B August 2008 PO“. the gospel . is theW power of God unto salvationE . .” (Romans 1:16) R JOAB: DAVID'S MILITARY CAPTAIN WHO HAD HIS OWN AGENDA ( PART 1 ) by B. J. Clarke sk the average man on the street to name shall be chief and captain” (1 Chron. 11:6). The Before going out to battle, Joab wisely told his Asome of the most famous personalities in text continues, “So Joab the son of Zeruiah brother, “If the Syrians be too strong for me, Bible history and it will not be long until went first up, and was chief ” (1 Chron. 11:6). then thou shalt help me: but if the children of someone utters the name of David. Without While we appreciate Joab's courage and Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will come question, David is among the most well-known initiative, the rest of the story of his life reveals and help thee” (2 Sam. 10:11). Joab's next characters of the Bible. It should be that Joab's actions were almost always statement to Abishai demonstrated courage, a remembered, however, that David did not live inseparably connected with his desire to be concern for other people, and a confidence in his life in a vacuum. The story of David is chief! Joab had an agenda and it was one of self- the providence of God: “Be of good courage, largely the story of his interaction with other promotion! and let us play the men for our people, and for personalities of his time. His ambition to be first was advanced by the the cities of our God: and the LORD do that One of the most prominent and influential keen military skills which he possessed. Joab which seemeth him good” (2 Sam. 10:12). personalities of David's time was the man was quite an accomplished soldier and military When the battle finally commenced, the plan named Joab (“Jehovah is Father”). According to 1 strategist. While he and the servants of David worked brilliantly. He brought the battle to the Chronicles 2:16, Joab was one of the three sons assembled at the pool of Gibeon, he was Syrians and “they fled before him. And when of David's sister Zeruiah. His brothers were challenged to a fight by the leader of Saul's the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians Abishai and Asahel. Scripture does not supply army, one named Abner (2 Sam. 2:13-14). Joab were fled, then fled they also before Abishai, us with the name of Joab's father although, for agreed, and his men soundly defeated Abner's and entered into the city” (2 Sam. 10:13-14). what it is worth, the historian Josephus calls him men (2 Sam. 2:13-17). When all was said and Joab returned to Jerusalem as a war-hero “and it “Suri” (Antiquities, 7.11). We do know that done he lost twenty soldiers while Abner lost came to pass, after the year was expired, at the Joab's father was buried in a sepulcher in 360 men (2 Sam. 2:30-31). During David's time when kings go forth to battle, that David Bethlehem (2 Sam. 2:32). Beyond this we are left campaign into Edomite territory (2 Sam. 8:13- sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all with many unanswered questions concerning 14), Joab spent six months cutting off every Israel; and they destroyed the children of Joab. We know nothing about his early male in Edom except for those who escaped (1 Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David childhood and youth. Due to his close family Kings 11:15-16). tarried still at Jerusalem” (2 Sam. 11:1). David connections with David it is reasonable to On another occasion the Ammonites had never had any doubts about Joab's ability to lead conclude that he would have been aware of humiliated some of David's soldiers by shaving his army into battle. On the other hand, David some of David's exploits during his youth, such off one half of their beards, and by cutting their would discover that there were plenty of as his victory over Goliath. We do not know garments down the middle thus revealing their reasons to doubt Joab's motives and methods. exactly how Joab came to occupy such an backsides. Fearing retaliation from David, the JOAB'S MAIN AGENDA influential position in David's kingdom, but we Ammonites allied themselves with the Syrians David learned that for all of Joab's military do know that he played a prominent role in the as a defensive measure. When David heard of accomplishments there was the underlying administration of King David. this “he sent Joab, and all the host of the mighty problem of Joab's hidden agenda. As talented as JOAB'S MILITARY men" (2 Sam. 10:7). Joab was definitely up to the Joab was, he was driven first and foremost by an ACCOMPLISHMENTS task. When he saw that the battle was against agenda of self-promotion. He was not about to him “before and behind,” he decided on the According to Scripture, "Joab the son of let anyone or anything stop him from carrying strategy of taking “all the choice men of Israel, Zeruiah was over the host” of King David's out this agenda, even if it meant bloodshed! and put them in array against the Syrians:" (2 military (2 Sam. 8:16). The pathway he took to Episode after episode in Joab's life proves this Sam. 10:9). This was a brilliant military strategy; get to this position tells us much about Joab as a to be so. Joab knew that if he could cause the Syrians to person. Unquestionably, Joab was a man of 1. The Murder of Abner. After the death of retreat, the Ammonites, who did not have the great ambition. He most certainly had Saul, the men of Judah anointed David as king courage or might to fight on their own, would aspirations of greatness. When David became in Hebron. Meanwhile, Abner, the son of Ner, soon follow suit. Thus he put the best soldiers king he sought to conquer the city of Jebus who had been captain of Saul's military, took he had in the fray against the Syrians. The rest of (later known as Jerusalem). He said to his Ishbosheth, the son of Saul, to Mahanaim and the soldiers he put under the command of his soldiers, “Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first “made him king over Gilead, and over the brother, Abishai. JOAB: DAVID'S MILITARY CAPTAIN WHO HAD HIS OWN AGENDA Continued from page 1 Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, contest ended in a mutual massacre because the remained loyal to Saul's son (2 Sam. 3:6) until and over Benjamin, and over all Israel” (2 Sam. text records that “they caught every one his Ishbosheth falsely accused him of going in unto 5:1-9). For two years Ishbosheth reigned over fellow by the head, and thrust his sword in his one of his father's concubines (2 Sam. 3:7). Israel while David ruled over all of Judah. fellow's side; so they fell down together” (2 Sam. Abner was so hurt by Ishbosheth's words that One day the servants of Saul (with Abner as 2:16). Both armies reacted and “there was a very he vowed to transfer his allegiance to David (2 their commander) and the servants of David sore battle that day; and Abner was beaten, and Sam. 3:8-9). He pledged to “translate the (with Joab as their commander) assembled at the men of Israel, before the servants of kingdom from the house of Saul, and to set up the same time at the pool of Gibeon. Abner David” (2 Sam. 2:17). This time there was a clear the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, suggested to Joab a contest between the soldiers victor! Abner lost 360 men while David lost from Dan even to Beersheba” (2 Sam. 3:10). from both sides. The exact nature of the contest only 20 soldiers, but one of the casualties was Abner sent messengers to notify David of his is unclear but Joab agreed and twelve men were Joab's brother, Asahel. His death set in motion a change of heart and to seek an alliance together. selected to represent each side. Apparently, the series of events that would strain the He promised David that he would help turn all relationship between David and Joab all of their Israel unto him (2 Sam. 3:12). David agreed to days. the alliance on the condition that Abner would 2008 POWER As Abner fled from the battle scene, Asahel, deliver his wife Michal, Saul's daughter, back LECTURESHIP BOOK who was as swift on his feet as a gazelle, pursued unto him (2 Sam. 3:13). Perhaps David thought after him (2 Sam. 2:18-19). As Abner looked that having her by his side would strengthen his Our latest lectureship book is entitled, back at his pursuer, he recognized him and case for reigning over Saul's kingdom. David: The Man Who Had The Heart To urged him to fight one of the young Abner met David's condition and began Be King. The cost is just $16.00, plus inexperienced soldiers instead of chasing him. persuading the men of Israel to seize the $3.00 S & H. Asahel, though quicker than Abner, was not a opportunity to have David as their king.
Recommended publications
  • The Nature of David's Kingship at Hebron: an Exegetical and Theological Study of 2 Samuel 2:1-5:5
    Andrews University Digital Commons @ Andrews University Dissertations Graduate Research 2019 The Nature of David's Kingship at Hebron: An Exegetical and Theological Study of 2 Samuel 2:1-5:5 Christian Vogel Andrews University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dissertations Part of the Biblical Studies Commons Recommended Citation Vogel, Christian, "The Nature of David's Kingship at Hebron: An Exegetical and Theological Study of 2 Samuel 2:1-5:5" (2019). Dissertations. 1684. https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/dissertations/1684 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate Research at Digital Commons @ Andrews University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ Andrews University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. ABSTRACT THE NATURE OF DAVID’S KINGSHIP AT HEBRON: AN EXEGETICAL AND THEOLOGICAL STUDY OF 2 SAMUEL 2:1—5:5 by Christian Vogel Adviser: Richard M. Davidson ABSTRACT OF GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH Dissertation Andrews University Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary Title: THE NATURE OF DAVID’S KINGSHIP AT HEBRON: AN EXEGETICAL AND THEOLOGICAL STUDY OF 2 SAMUEL 2:1—5:5 Name of researcher: Christian Vogel Name and degree of faculty adviser: Richard M. Davidson, Ph.D. Date completed: June 2019 The account of David’s reign at Hebron found in 2 Samuel 2:1—5:5 constitutes a somewhat neglected, yet crucial part of the David narrative, chronicling David’s first years as king. This dissertation investigates these chapters by means of a close reading of the Hebrew text in order to gain a better understanding of the nature of David’s kingship as it is presented in this literary unit.
    [Show full text]
  • The Old Testament: Part Eight - First and Second Samuel
    The Old Testament: Part Eight - First and Second Samuel The Books of Samuel derived its name from the 3:1-18: Call and commissioning of Samuel. Samuel prophet Samuel whose lifetime saw the end of the initially does not recognize God’s voice calling him period of the Judges and the beginning of Israel’s because he is not yet “familiar with the Lord.” But kingship. with Elizabeth’s help, he becomes attuned to God’s call. (Sometimes we too need the help of others to The story. Samuel, who is opposed to Israel having discern God’s call in our lives.) Gradually, Samuel her own king, is told by God to let the people have develops into a great spiritual leader for Israel. their wish, so he anoints Saul as Israel’s first king. Saul Speaking of him, 3:20 says: “Samuel grew up, and the is portrayed as a tragic figure. He does not want to be Lord was with him, not permitting any word of his to king. While out looking for his father’s donkeys, be without effect. Thus all of Israel from Dan to Samuel comes upon Saul and tells him that God wants Beersheba came to know that Samuel was an him to be king. Initially, Saul does very well winning accredited prophet of the Lord.” several great victories over Israel’s enemies. Then he ‘blows it’ by choosing his own way over God’s way. In chapters 4, 5 and 6, Samuel disappears from the Samuel tells Saul that due to his disobedience, God has story.
    [Show full text]
  • OLD TESTAMENT SURVEY Lesson 26 – Part 1 David – the Bathsheba Affair
    OLD TESTAMENT SURVEY Lesson 26 – Part 1 David – The Bathsheba Affair On July 21, 1683, the University of Oxford issued a Judgment and Decree…against certain pernicious Books, and damnable Doctrines, destructive to the sacred Persons of Princes, their State and Government, and of all human Society. This publication was the basis for the last government-sanctioned book burning in England (also occurring in Oxford). Among those books burned was Lex, Rex, written by the Scottish Presbyterian Samuel Rutherford. The book was cited by Oxford for the dangerous doctrine that “if lawful governors become tyrants, or govern otherwise than by the laws of God and man…they forfeit the right they had unto government.”1 Rutherford’s book was alarming to the realm because even its title was against the King’s interest. Lex is Latin for “law,” and Rex is Latin for “king.” The title Lex Rex puts the law as over the king rather than the king over the law. Within the book, in response to the question “whether the king be above the law,” Rutherford wrote, “The law hath a supremacy of constitution above the king.”2 In part of his argument, Rutherford reached back to the Biblical account of King Saul noting, God, in making Saul a king, doth not by any royal stamp give him a power to sin, or to play the tyrant.3 Rutherford is right for Saul, and also for his successor, King David. As we consider David in this lesson, we see that he found a time where he violated in rapid succession three of the Ten Commandments, but not without dire consequence to him and to his family.
    [Show full text]
  • The Story of David
    Supplement to the program THE STORY OF DAVID Prepared by Eric Lund For a free catalog of our videos contact: Vision Video P. O. Box 540 Worcester, PA 19490 610-584-3500 1-800-523-0226 Fax: 610-584-6643 E-Mail: [email protected] Web: www.visionvideo.com 2 From Dr. Ken Curtis President Gateway Films/Vision Video I love to read the Bible stories about David and have drawn instruction and inspiration from his life for years. Thus, it is with special pleasure we offer you Columbia Pictures television series The Story of David. We have prepared this supplement to help you get the most out of this production. David is one of the central characters in all of scripture. What greater could be said than “He was a man after God’s own heart” (I Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22)? The Bible gives us more details and stories about David’s life than anyone else in all of scripture except Jesus. Consider that the very first thing we are told in the New Testament about Jesus is that he is the “Son of David.” (Matthew 1:1, see also 1:17, 9:27, 15:21). David’s life is a wonderful source for study, discussion and reflection. We believe this film can help bring David’s story alive to enrich your individual or group study. Unfortunately, a film can only cover so much and must be selective in what is included and omitted. For example, I deeply regret that my favorite incident in David’s life is left out entirely.
    [Show full text]
  • A Story of Return and Longing: the Life of King David Rabbi Adam Stock Spilker, Mount Zion Temple Kol Nidre 5773 – September 25, 2012
    A Story of Return and Longing: The Life of King David Rabbi Adam Stock Spilker, Mount Zion Temple Kol Nidre 5773 – September 25, 2012 This is the story of David, King of Israel, in three acts. His story is complex and somehow real – a boy shepherd, a musician with healing powers, a poet laureate, a general, a king. His life may feel distant, yet his words, the psalms he wrote, still speak to us. To anyone who has ever sought forgiveness or yearned for anything or anyone, this is a story for you - a sermon in parable. Act 1 – David, a Shepard Healer In the book of Samuel, we meet young David. The prophet Samuel is told by God to anoint one of the sons of Jesse who lives in Bethlehem as the future king of Israel. This is all happening while Saul is still king. Trouble and intrigue start from the beginning of David’s life. As Samuel tries to figure out which of the sons of Jesse to anoint, God says: “Pay no attention to his appearance or his stature; …for I see not as man sees; for man looks only what is visible, but the Eternal looks into the heart.” (Sam 16:7). Soon after David is anointed, we are told that his heart actually is not the only thing people find attractive. One of the attendants in King Saul’s court says: “I have seen a son of Jesse … who is skilled in music; he is a stalwart fellow and a warrior, sensible in speech, and handsome in appearance and the Eternal is with him.” (Sam 16:18).
    [Show full text]
  • Pdf-Version.Pdf
    being a 1-star planter in a 5-star world Contributors: Steve Anderson Al Barrera Dan Freng Mark Hallock Kevin Hasenack Jeff Jung Jim Misloski Fabian Perea Evan Skelton Matt Whitt General Editors: Jenna Hallock, Mark Hallock, & Evan Skelton The Underdog Church-Planter: Being a 1-Star Planter in a 5-Star World Copyright © 2016 Calvary Resources All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. Cover Design: Evan Skelton Interior Design: Evan Skelton The Calvary Resources logo is a trademark of the Calvary Family of Churches. First Printing, 2016 Printed in the United States of America Unless otherwise noted, all Bible references are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. While the contributors have made every effort to provide accurate telephone numbers, internet address, and other contact information at the time of publication, neither the publisher nor the contributors assume any responsibility for errors or for changes that occur after publication. Further, the publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content. Requests for information should be addressed to: Calvary Resources, 4881 S. Acoma St., Englewood, CO 80110 www.thecalvary.org [email protected]
    [Show full text]
  • The Story of King David
    sacred story THE STORY OF KING DAVID LESSON NOTES FOCUS: DAVID, THE IMPERFECT BUT BELOVED AND REPENTANT KING (1 SAMUEL 16–31, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings 1–2) ● Sacred Story ● Enrichment Presentation THE MATERIAL ● Location: old testament sacred story shelves, bottom shelf, under both “Ruth” and “Samuel” ● Pieces: clear bottle of oil, harp, basket (containing 5 smooth stones, sling shot and shepherds staff), 2 People of God, crown, Ark of the Covenant, parable box (containing 3" x 3" green under- lay, two tan felt houses, one smaller than the other, and 5 small sheep), image of Jerusalem ● Control ● Underlay: purple felt strip, 42" x 11" BACKGROUND David brings the tent of God into Jerusalem and sets up the possibility of a house for God. David was anointed king by Samuel when he was just a boy, but he would not become the king until King Saul was killed. As a boy he was known for his music and his courage, and later he became a great soldier in Saul’s army. As king he continued to fight important battles and made some great mistakes, but was repentant. He es- tablished the kingdom of Israel that lasted for 400 years and made the city of Jerusa- lem another city of David, like Bethlehem. NOTES ON THE MATERIAL David’s story sits in a deep wooden or wicker tray (12" x 8" x 3"). The story icon (5" x 2.5") is “a crown.” It can be attached to the end or the side of the tray depending on the size of the shelves, the classroom or other considerations.
    [Show full text]
  • David and Shimei: Innocent Victim and Perpetrator?1
    Snyman: David and Shimei OTE 21/2 (2008), 435-454 435 David and Shimei: innocent victim and perpetrator?1 GERRIE SNYMAN UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA ABSTRACT Feeding on the current social anxiety in the country that is defined by racial lines, the paper suggests the possibility of a theology for the ‘retributed’, i.e. those who undergo justice in terms of affirma- tive action or land repossession. Employing Ndebele’s thoughts on the folktale The lion and the rabbit and the issue of justice in Lars von Trier’s Dogville as its matrices, the paper enquires into the roles of perpetrator or victim Shimei and David play to each other in Samuel-Kings in order to see whether Shimei’s death constitutes retributive justice or whether there is some social benefit in turning him into a purificatory sacrifice in a Girardian sense. A INTRODUCTION What does one say to someone whose job opportunities have been affected by what can be referred to as ‘redress of past injustices’? Similarly, how does one counsel someone whose farm has been attached because of a land claim? These occurrences, affirmative action as well as land restitution, act as lawful mecha- nisms through which the working force is supposed to become more represen- tative of the general population and through which those who lost land under the previous regime, can repossess land. The process of redress operates on the basis of justice. Nonetheless, those upon whom redress is visited, and depen- ding on their political outlook, do not always experience their situation as one of justice.
    [Show full text]
  • English Videos @ CBCSJ Library (Listed by Title) Title Authorlast Authorfirstformat Location Item
    English Videos @ CBCSJ Library (listed by title) title authorLast authorFirstFormat location item # "Do something" 1993 week of prayer Missions USA video VHS ETO01279 201279 1 誰是好鄰居 蔬菜總動員 DVD EDK06684 206684 100 Bible Stories 100 Bible Songs: Awesome Animals in the Wonder Kids DVD EDK05775 205775 100 Bible Stories 100 Bible Songs: Awesome Heroes in the Wonder Kids DVD EDK05775 205779 100 Bible Stories 100 Bible Songs: Awesome Kids in the Bib Wonder Kids DVD EDK05775 205778 100 Bible Stories 100 Bible Songs: Awesome Miracles in the Wonder Kids DVD EDK05775F 205780 100 Bible Stories 100 Bible Songs: Awesome Mysteries in th Wonder Kids DVD EDK05775 205776 100 Bible Stories 100 Bible Songs: Awesome Stories of Faith Wonder Kids DVD EDK05775 205777 100 Bible Stories 100 Bible Songs: The Awesome Story of C Wonder Kids DVD EDK05775 205781 100 Bible Stories 100 Bible Songs: The Awesome Story of Je Wonder Kids DVD EDK05775 205782 2 恐懼終結者 蔬菜總動員 DVD EDK06685 206685 2010 North American Missions Emphasis: Live with Urgenc Annie Armstrong Easter Off DVD EDO05502 205502 25 Bible Action Songs Kids Love to Sing ProKids Productions VHS ETK05572 205572 25 Sunday School Songs Kids Love to Sing ProKids Productions VHS ETK05572B 205573 3 葡萄饒恕記 蔬菜總動員 DVD EDK06686 206686 3-2-1 Penguins: Blast in Space! Big Idea DVD EDK03791 205548 3-2-1 Penguins: Escape from Planet Hold-A-Grudge! Big Idea DVD EDK03791 205549 3-2-1 Penguins: Runaway Pride at Lightstation Kilowatt Big Idea DVD EDK03791 205544 3-2-1 Penguins: Save the Planets! Big Idea DVD EDK03791i 205550 3-2-1 Penguins: The Amazing Carnival of Complaining Big Idea DVD EDK03791 205545 3-2-1 Penguins: The Cheating Scales of Bullamanka Big Idea DVD EDK03791 205546 3-2-1 Penguins: The Doom Funnel Rescue Big Idea DVD EDK03791F 205547 3-2-1 Penguins: Trouble on Planet Wait-Your-Turn Big Idea DVD EDK03791 205543 3-2-1 Penguins:Moon Menace on Planet Tell-A-Lie Bid Idea DVD EDK03791 203791 3-2-1 Penguins:Moon Menace on Planet Tell-A-Lie Bid Idea VHS ETK03565F 203790 3rd Sunday Sing-a-long Kids Praise Co.
    [Show full text]
  • Life Lessons in the Story of David & Bathsheba
    Life Lessons in the Story of David & Bathsheba Synopsis In this study guide on Second Samuel, Chapters 11-12 (NKJV), we will walk through chapters eleven and twelve, examining the story as it is found in the Bible and analyzing how this applies to our daily lives. Topic/Objective Bible Verse (NKJV) Excerpts Context Analysis/Activities/Discussion The Start of Bad 2 Samuel 11:1 In the beginning of this chapter, This story is a story about decisions. The first verse in Decisions It happened in the spring of the year, at the time when kings go out to we find out that David makes a chapter 11 indicates that King David has made a battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him, and all Israel; choice to stay behind while his choice, contrary to what is usually expected of a King. and they destroyed the people of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But men go to war in the spring, the No explanation is given other than the fact that David David remained at Jerusalem. time in which kings go off to made the choice. war. We will learn throughout this lesson about the impact decisions have on the direction of our lives. Each decision is a part of a domino effect that we set in motion by the choices we make. Indulging in Sin 2 Samuel 11:2-4 David sees Bathsheba bathing The timelines for this story are being set up in the early 2 Then it happened one evening that David arose from his bed and on the rooftop, and finds out she part of the story to lay the foundation for what is to walked on the roof of the king’s house.
    [Show full text]
  • First Samuel Second Samuel
    FIRST SAMUEL SECOND SAMUEL Wadi in Canaan This Jesson looks at the two books of FmST SAMUEL 1-7 Samuel. Although these two books were Chapters I through 7 of First Samuel tell once considered to be a single work in about the birth, early life, and career of Hebrew, the Greek translators of the Old Samuel. Chapter I tells the story of Testament divided the work into two palts. Samuel's bilth to Hannah. Hannah is one of Our English tradition followed the Greek Elkanah's two wives. Unlike the other wife, practice. Hannah has no children. While attending These two books tell the story of the the annual festival at Shiloh, she prays for a lives and careers of three great Israelite fig­ child and vows that if she has a son, she ures: Samuel, the last judge; Saul, the first will give him to the Lord. God answers her king; and David, the greatest ruler. In the prayer, and she gives bilth to Samuel. first book of Samuel, the careers of these Hannah weans Samuel when he is between men overlap. Second Samuel deals with two and three years of age. Then she pre­ the reign of David. sents him to Eli, the chief priest at Shiloh. HRST AND SECONn SAiUUt~l~ 37 According to Chapter 2 the sons of Eli 2. What was the sin of Eli? (Read are wicked priests who are out to make a 1 Samuel 2:22-25 and 3:13-14.) profit from religion. So religion falls on hard times in Israel.
    [Show full text]
  • Lessons from Kings - David
    Lessons From Kings - David Have you pictured what your life would be like if you had it all? I believe we all dream this dream from time to time. Maybe it’s motivated by boredom, discontent, or maybe it’s just vision casting or goal setting for you or your family. It’s good to have goals in life. But where our mistake is often made is in thinking that if we did have it all, life would be easy or perfect. But there’s one major defect that would remain...you are human. That means you still have weaknesses...flaws...defects...there would still be that area that the devil will try to get in to destroy you. The question is...will you let him? King David...everyone knows David, if from nothing else you know the story of David and Goliath. David is a guy who had it all. If you were to look at his life at the end of 2 Samuel chapter 10, while he’s been through some junk...he seems to have made it through and to the top of the mountain. God has blessed David tremendously with military victories over their enemies...their territory was expanding...they had pretty much all of the land the Lord had promised to Abraham and Moses. David is living a life that was pleasing to God...honoring God...LIFE WAS GOOD... 1 Kings 15:5 (NKJV) because David did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, and had not turned aside from anything that He commanded him all the days of his life, except in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.
    [Show full text]