2 Samuel 4

2 Samuel 4

All of Israel is starting to feel the winds of change. It was starting to become clear that David was going to become king and Saul’s reign had ended. Those who were in power in Saul’s kingdom quickly sought to regain their place in David’s kingdom. God was preparing a new kingdom under David, and through their own wickedness weeding out those who had never given Saul godly council. Two of these men are Rechab and Baanah.

Once again, the leaders of Saul’s army thought they would score some points with David if they killed Saul’s line. I think we have learned that David is different from every other king in the world. In those days, most men would be given great power for taking out any competition for the throne. Not David. He knew he had been given the throne. The victory was complete, yet the work was not finished. He had to be diligent to follow God yet he knew God had given him the kingdom. Therefore, when these two men had come with news of Ishbosheth’s death, they quickly proclaimed how they themselves had taken out the competition, ready for their reward.

David even explains the last person to do this, a bit baffled by the action. He had made quite an example of the last guy yet these people continue to sin!

I think we can learn quite a bit from David’s ascension to the throne. Maybe God has promised you something and you just know it was from Him. Maybe you feel like Jacob and you have been waiting for your blessing. Do not give up. Do not stop fighting. It is a great mystery, that we, being given the victory already, still run the race. We are to live with the freedom and the relief of the victor, yet we are to run the race as if the job is not done. We know Jesus has done the work, yet we know we cannot pretend like there is nothing left to do. What a mystery! David gives us such a beautiful example of how to wait on the Lord. He knew had been given the kingdom of Israel, however, he could not just give up on his responsibilities. Once again, in this chapter, he protect the anointed of God and gives justice to those seeking more power for themselves. Do not be a Rechab and Baanah, seeking your own. God will get you where He wants you. You just have to wait on Him and stay in His rest.