Promises and Peril - 2 Samuel 5:1-16
July 31, 2024

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Promises and Peril

2 Samuel 5:1-16
Darrin Mariott, Lead Pastor

Big Idea: God will fulfill all His promises. Our part is to be faithful, be patient, and be ready.

2 Samuel 5:1-16
1 Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Behold, we are your bone and flesh. 2 In times past, when Saul was king over us, it was you who led out and brought in Israel. And the LORD said to you, ‘You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be prince over Israel.’” 3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the LORD, and they anointed David king over Israel. 4 David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years. 5 At Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and at Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah thirty-three years. 6 And the king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, who said to David, “You will not come in here, but the blind and the lame will ward you off”—thinking, “David cannot come in here.” 7 Nevertheless, David took the stronghold of Zion, that is, the city of David. 8 And David said on that day, “Whoever would strike the Jebusites, let him get up the water shaft to attack ‘the lame and the blind,’ who are hated by David’s soul.” Therefore it is said, “The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.” 9 And David lived in the stronghold and called it the city of David. And David built the city all around from the Millo inward. 10 And David became greater and greater, for the LORD, the God of hosts, was with him. 11 And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, also carpenters and masons who built David a house. 12 And David knew that the LORD had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel. 13 And David took more concubines and wives from Jerusalem, after he came from Hebron, and more sons and daughters were born to David. 14 And these are the names of those who were born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua, Shobab, Nathan, Solomon 15 Ibhar, Elishua, Nepheg, Japhia 16 Elishama, Eliada, and Eliphelet.

I. Promises Kept (vv. 1-10)

A. David is anointed by the tribal elders as king over all Israel, fulfilling God’s Word (cf. 1 Sam. 13:14). We see that David often took the high road, willing to wait on God’s timing. This serves as a reminder to us to be patient in waiting on God knowing that He will fulfill His promises and His purpose.
1 Samuel 13:14
14 But now your kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has sought out a man after his own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.”

B. As David is crowned king, we see:

1. The importance of unity (v. 1; cf. Phil. 2:1-2) – The people recognize their shared roots and values.
Philippians 2:1-2
1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

2. The important of servant leadership (v. 2; Mk. 10:43-45) – David seeks to faithfully serve Israel and the people.
Mark 10:43-45
43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

3. The importance of calling (v. 2; cf. 1 Sam. 13:14; Eph. 3:7- 8) – In God’s economy, leadership is not a matter of pedigree, but of calling and service.
1 Samuel 13:14
14 But now your kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has sought out a man after his own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.”

Ephesians 3:7-8
7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power.8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ

C. In waiting on God’s timing, it’s important to be patient, persistent, and prayerful. We will encounter obstacles, but these obstacles can help grow us if we let them (cf. Jam. 1:12).
James 1:12
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

II. Promises and Peril (vv. 6-16)

A. David has had a long journey from calling to crowning, yet when he is anointed as king he does not rest on his laurels. Rather, David moves quickly to:

1. Establish a capital (vv. 6-10) – Jerusalem was a strategic spot for a united Israel.

2. Establish alliances (vv. 11-12) – David recognized God’s hand in his kingship, and that he was to seek the well-being of all Israel.

B. But David also puts himself in peril by continuing to gather more wives and concubines (vv. 13-16). While this were often done to establish political treaties and alliances, it also created domestic strife and violated God’s Word (cf. Deut. 17:14-17).
Deuteronomy 17:14-17
14 “When you come to the land that the LORD your God is giving you, and you possess it and dwell in it and then say, ‘I will set a king over me, like all the nations that are around me,’15 you may indeed set a king over you whom the LORD your God will choose. One from among your brothers you shall set as king over you. You may not put a foreigner over you, who is not your brother.16 Only he must not acquire many horses for himself or cause the people to return to Egypt in order to acquire many horses, since the LORD has said to you, ‘You shall never return that way again.’17 And he shall not acquire many wives for himself, lest his heart turn away, nor shall he acquire for himself excessive silver and gold.

C. Even as we walk in the fulfillment of God’s promises, it’s important we walk in a way that honors God and His Word and is continually dependent on Him.