Wednesday, August 16, 2023

2 Samuel 8 “The LORD Preserved David”

 “And the LORD preserved David wherever he went. So David reigned over all Israel; and David administered justice and righteousness for all his people.” (v.14-15)

This chapter contains a summary account of the wars by which David established the supremacy of Israel among the surrounding nations. In less than twenty verses we are told of David’s conflict with and victory over the Philistines, the Moabites, Hadadezer king of Zobah, the Arameans, the Edomites, the Ammonites, and the Amalekites. It also emphasizes the type of victory David enjoyed. 

First, we see that this was a divine victory. Twice Scripture says, “The LORD gave David victory wherever he went” (vv. 6, 14). Second, we are shown that this was no temporary victory—God was establishing a stable kingdom that would last. And finally, the text indicates that David recognized God’s hand and responded appropriately.

The key to God’s preservation of David was, he recognized from whose hand it all came. David never went out in his own strength, he constantly inquired of the LORD, followed His direction and gave the glory to God. Thus, wherever David went, the LORD preserved him, even during his own personal struggles.

Again we are given a blueprint by David, this time on how to be victorious in our lives.  Armor up, Inquire of the Lord, follow His direction, and give the glory to God.  

The Truth

“For the Lord loves justice, And does not forsake His saints; They are preserved forever, But the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off.”