The Rise of the Shepherd King"

Proposition - As we continue in our study we are going to examine the rise of the shepherd king.

Interrogative Question - How can trusting in God's timing, as David did, impact your everyday decisions and challenges?

Logos AI - Summary: This passage details the anointing of David as king over all Israel and his subsequent conquest of Jerusalem, illustrating David's rise as a leader and God's sovereignty in establishing His chosen ruler.

1. Recognition of the Rightful Ruler -

2 Samuel 5:1–5 NASB95

1 Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, “Behold, we are your bone and your flesh. 2 “Previously, when Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel out and in. And the Lord said to you, ‘You will shepherd My people Israel, and you will be a ruler over Israel.’ ” 3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them before the Lord at Hebron; then they anointed David king over Israel. 4 David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years. 5 At Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah.

Who are the people that are called “tribes of Israel?”

The ESV Study Bible (Chapter 5) 5:2 David unites Israel and Judah under one head, fulfilling God’s prophetic purpose (1 Sam. 16:1) and prefiguring the greater unity of God’s people to be accomplished in Christ (1 Corinthians 12; Eph. 4:1–16).

Who do did the “tribes of Israel” know that David would shepherd My people Israel?

What did they do with David?

The MacArthur Study Bible (Chapter 5) 5:1, 2 all the tribes of Israel. The term “all” is used 3 times (vv. 1, 3, 5) to emphasize that the kingdom established under King David was truly a united monarchy. The “elders” of Israel (v. 3), representing the “tribes” (v. 1), came to David at Hebron with the express purpose of submitting to his rule. Three reasons were given by the Israelites for wanting to make David king: 1) he was an Israelite brother (cf. Deut. 17:15); 2) he was Israel’s best warrior and commander; and 3) he had been chosen by the Lord to be the king of Israel.

How old was David when he became king and how long did he reign?

Logos AI - Perhaps you could discuss how David's recognition by all the tribes of Israel symbolizes God's timing for leadership. Even though David had been anointed long before, he had to patiently await God's appointed time—a reminder for teens to trust in God's timing as they navigate their own life journeys. This point highlights Christ as the ultimate Shepherd King who unites His people, paralleling David's unification of Israel.

2. Conquest and Courage -

2 Samuel 5:6–10 NASB95

6 Now the king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, and they said to David, “You shall not come in here, but the blind and lame will turn you away”; thinking, “David cannot enter here.” 7 Nevertheless, David captured the stronghold of Zion, that is the city of David. 8 David said on that day, “Whoever would strike the Jebusites, let him reach the lame and the blind, who are hated by David’s soul, through the water tunnel.” Therefore they say, “The blind or the lame shall not come into the house.” 9 So David lived in the stronghold and called it the city of David. And David built all around from the Millo and inward. 10 David became greater and greater, for the Lord God of hosts was with him.

What do you know about Jerusalem?

The MacArthur Study Bible (Chapter 5) 5:6 Jerusalem. This city is mentioned in the Bible more than any other (from Gen. 14:18 to Rev. 21:10). The city was located in the territory of Benjamin, near the northern border of Judah and was excellently fortified because of its elevation and the surrounding deep valleys, which made it naturally defensible on 3 sides. In addition, it had a good water supply, the Gihon spring, and was close to travel routes for trade. The city had earlier been conquered by Judah (Judg. 1:8), but neither Judah nor Benjamin had been successful in permanently dislodging the Jebusite inhabitants (Josh. 15:63; Judg. 1:21). By taking Jerusalem, David was able to eliminate the foreign wedge between the northern and southern tribes and to establish his capital. Jebusites. A people of Canaanite descent (Gen. 10:16–18). Since the earlier inhabitants of Jerusalem were Amorites (Josh. 10:5), it seems that the Jebusites took control of Jerusalem after the time of the Israelite conquest. the blind and the lame. The Jebusites taunted the Israelites and mocked the power of David by boasting that the blind and the lame could defend Jerusalem against him.

What do you know about the Jebusites?

Faithlife Study Bible (Chapter 5) Jebusites Ancient inhabitants of Jerusalem and its environs. They were sworn enemies of Israel and were among the people groups that God instructed the Israelites to obliterate (see Exod 34:11; Deut 7:1–2; 20:17). However, the Israelites were unable to drive the Jebusites out of the land (see Josh 15:63; Judg 1:21).

What did the Jebusites say to David?

Why do you think that would say such a thing?

Logos AI - Maybe you could explain David's conquest of Jerusalem as an example of courage and strategic leadership under God’s guidance. Despite the Jebusites' opposition, David demonstrates faith and perseverance, resulting in Jerusalem becoming the city of David. This challenges teens to break through barriers in their own lives with bravery and God's guidance, reflecting Jesus' ultimate victory over all obstacles.

3. Construction with Cooperation -

2 Samuel 5:11–16 NASB95

11 Then Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David with cedar trees and carpenters and stonemasons; and they built a house for David. 12 And David realized that the Lord had established him as king over Israel, and that He had exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel. 13 Meanwhile David took more concubines and wives from Jerusalem, after he came from Hebron; and more sons and daughters were born to David. 14 Now 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.

What is taking place in these verses?

What happens to David?

What do you think about what David does in verse 13?

The MacArthur Study Bible (Chapter 5) 5:13 more concubines and wives. The multiplication of David’s wives and concubines was in direct violation of Deut. 17:17. These marriages reflected David’s involvement in international treaties and alliances that were sealed by the marriage of a king’s daughter to the other participants in the treaty. This cultural institution accounted for some of David’s and many of Solomon’s wives (see 1 Kin. 11:1–3). In each case of polygamy in Scripture, the law of God was violated and the consequences were negative, if not disastrous.

Logos AI - You could reflect on how David’s building of his palace in Jerusalem with the help of King Hiram of Tyre signifies external recognition and support when God’s anointed is in place. This point might encourage teens that support and acknowledgment will come as they remain faithful to God's calling in their lives. It also points to the broader acceptance of Christ as the true King.

4. Divine Direction -

2 Samuel 5:17–25 NASB95

17 When the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek out David; and when David heard of it, he went down to the stronghold. 18 Now the Philistines came and spread themselves out in the valley of Rephaim. 19 Then David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will You give them into my hand?” And the Lord said to David, “Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand.” 20 So David came to Baal-perazim and defeated them there; and he said, “The Lord has broken through my enemies before me like the breakthrough of waters.” Therefore he named that place Baal-perazim. 21 They abandoned their idols there, so David and his men carried them away. 22 Now the Philistines came up once again and spread themselves out in the valley of Rephaim. 23 When David inquired of the Lord, He said, “You shall not go directly up; circle around behind them and come at them in front of the balsam trees. 24 “It shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then you shall act promptly, for then the Lord will have gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines.” 25 Then David did so, just as the Lord had commanded him, and struck down the Philistines from Geba as far as Gezer.

Who are the the Philistines?

What was David’s reaction to the Philistines?

What does the Lord tell him to do?

What happens in the following verses?

The ESV Study Bible (Chapter 5) 5:22–25 It may be that the sound of marching was a distinct sound caused by the Lord that frightened the Philistines (as in 2 Kings 7:6). Another possibility is that the Philistines knew the sound was the sound of trees, so David was able to use the sound as cover for his attack. By this victory, David drove the Philistines out of the central hill country.

Logos AI - Perhaps consider discussing how David's reliance on God for victory against the Philistines illustrates complete dependence on divine guidance. Despite his growing strength and popularity, David inquires of God before battle, reminding teens of the importance of seeking God's will in their decisions. This reliance on God prefigures Christ's submission to the Father’s will throughout His earthly ministry.

SO WHAT?

How can you apply David's trust in God's timing to your own life decisions?

In what ways might you seek God's guidance like David did when facing challenges?

What are some barriers in your life that you need courage to overcome, as David did with the Jebusites?

How can you seek support and cooperation from others as David did when building his palace?

How does recognizing Christ as the ultimate Shepherd King influence your view of leadership in your life?