Rekab and Baanah are not prepared to receive what David has in storeas their "reward." David recounts to them how he put to death the manwho had boasted of killing King Saul, thinking Saul‘s death would begood news for David. - P102
He then has Rekab and Baanah executed formurdering an innocent man. Though not yet king of all Israel, Davidsets the tone for what kind of king he will be-one that upholds God‘slaws and righteousness. - P102
David has spent a lifetime practicing righteousness under hardship-as a servant and even as an outcast. - P102
This secureshim on a path of righteousness as a king. Let us likewise practice faith-fulness and obedience in all circumstances. - P102
"Sin is joy poisoned. Holiness is joy postponed and pursued." - Tony Reinke - P102
Lord, allow me to taste anew the joy of following You. - P103
I know that it is forfullness of life that You have set me free. Help me witness how Your glory andmy joy are the same endeavors. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P103
[NIV] 1 All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebronand said, "We are your own flesh and blood. 2 In thewhile Saul was king over us, you were the one wholed Israel on their military campaigns. And the LORDsaid to you, ‘You will shepherd my people Israel, andyou will become their ruler. - P104
5 In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years andsix months, and in Jerusalem he reigned over all Israeland Judah thirty-three years. 6 The king and his menmarched to Jerusalem to attack the Jebusites, who livedthere. The Jebusites said to David, "You will not get inhere; even the blind and the lame can ward you off."
They thought, "David cannot get in here." - P104
10 And he became more and more powerful, becausethe LORD God Almighty was with him.
10 And David became more and more powerful, because the LORD God of Heaven‘sArmies was with him. - P105
12 Then David knew that the LORD had established himas king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for thesake of his people Israel. - P105
All of Israel acknowledges and anoints David as their king at Hebron. Soonafter, they attack and conquer Jerusalem. After capturing the fortress of Zion,
David settles there and calls it the City of David. - P105
He continues to grow in poweras God is with him. David acknowledges that the Lord has made him king andexalted his kingdom for the sake of the Israelites. - P105
As David seeks to take Jerusalem, the Jebusites taunt him, hoping todiscourage him. - P106
In our lives, the enemy likes to remind us of our ownweaknesses and inabilities so that we will become afraid. - P106
But we canreject the enemy‘s words as lies, trusting instead in God‘s promises.
- P106
In addition, God will provide the right people to encourage us, justas Hiram, king of Tyre, encourages David by helping build a palacefor him. - P106
David recognizes God‘s favor in Hiram‘s encouragement, andGod desires to bless us in similar ways. - P106
Let us then ignore the deceitfulvoices of Satan and of those that seek to tear down our faith, and heedthe truthful voices of God and of those He uses to build us up. - P106
Heavenly Father, You are perfectly sovereign and working all things out forgood in my life. - P107
Help me to trust in Your training through my ups and downs.
- P107
Give me ears to receive words of blessing from You and from Your people. InJesus‘ name, amen. - P107
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