God Speaks
David Accepted as King Over All Israel, His Troops, His Mighty Men
Verse of the Day: “from Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what to do–200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command; from Zebulun, experienced soldiers prepared for battle with every kind of weapon, to help David with undivided loyalty–50,000;” (1 Chronicles 12:32-33 NIV 2011)
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We Respond
Reflection: Consider the following questions regarding 2 Samuel 5 and 1 Chronicles 11-12:
1. What does this chapter tell me about God?
2. What does this chapter tell me about the human beings He created?
Here is one possible answer to each of these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are any others for you personally to ponder.
2 Samuel 5
1. The LORD God is the One who sets up or puts down rulers and leads them into victory or defeat.
2. People should do as David did and continually ask God whether they should fight a particular battle or not.
1 Chronicles 11
1. God takes notice of mighty warriors like Jashobeam, Eleazar, Joab, Abishai (his bother), Benaiah, Uriah, and the rest of David’s mighty men.
2. People are to acknowledge and honor great sacrifice like King David did with the men who risked their lives to bring him water from the well at Bethlehem.
1 Chronicles 12
1. God chooses and uses strong leaders like David who follow Him, and people follow them with joy despite difficulties.
2. People voluntarily and joyfully gather around and support strong, godly leadership.
Prayer:
3. How might I pray regarding 2 Samuel 5 and 1 Chronicles 11-12?
Dear Sovereign LORD, thank You for the way You choose and anoint leaders over Your people while giving us the choice to follow You or not. Please help me and others of Your people to do everything You are telling us to do and nothing that You are not. May we continually look to You and follow Your direction. May the people of my nation select and follow the leaders You have chosen to lead us in Your purposes for Your glory. Please raise up valiant warriors to fight for what is right and good. May they be as brave as the three men who “broke through the Philistine camp, drew water from the well of Bethlehem by the gate, and carried it back to David.” May our leaders be as humble as David when he acknowledged their great sacrifice on his behalf. Gather the ordinary people and the mighty warriors around such godly leaders. As the Good Shepherd, lead Your flock to tranquil, safe pastures. May the people You have chosen come together in peace and unity, no longer in violence and betrayal, but in unity of heart and mutual helpfulness. This will bring us true victory and freedom and glory to Your name, O LORD. AMEN
Action: (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, if He wants you to work on one of the suggestions below or something else more personal that He points out.)
4. What action does the LORD want me to take in response to 2 Samuel 5 and 1 Chronicles 11-12? With the help of God’s Holy Spirit:
- I will decide who to support or vote for by asking God to show me whom He has chosen.
- I will ask candidates for public office if they are willing to follow biblical principles as they occupy positions of authority,
- I will pray that the LORD will affirm to God-fearing people that they are serving Him just where He can use them.
- I will pray and encourage godly people to continually seek and follow the LORD’s direction in whatever they are struggling with.
Share: I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.