King of all Israel

Text: 2 Samuel 5:1-6:23

Theme: God’s works in presence are to be celebrated by his people.

Date: 08/15/2021 File name: King_David_09 ID Number: OT10-05

For about seven years after the debacle on Mount Gilboa resulting in the deaths of Saul and his three sons (1 Samuel 31:1-7), the northern tribes of Israel feuded with the followers of David in Judah. Ish-bosheth, Saul’s only surviving son, reigned over the remnants of his father’s kingdom in the north. David ruled simultaneously in Judah. Years of civil war terminated suddenly in treachery. David’s nephew Joab assassinated Abner, the commanding general of Ish-bosheth’s army (2 Samuel 3:22-30). Abner’s death tipped the balance of power decidedly in favor of David. Then two Israelite soldiers assassinated Ish-bosheth, removing the last opposition to David.

“Now the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah, set out, and about the heat of the day they came to the house of Ish-bosheth as he was taking his noonday rest. 6 And they came into the midst of the house as if to get wheat, and they stabbed him in the stomach. Then Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped.” (2 Samuel 4:5–6, ESV)

Thereafter the tribal leaders of Israel assembled at Hebron to accept David sovereignty over all of Israel. They affirm that David’s victory had come through divine providence — that is, David rose to be their king because God had chosen him. At this gathering, David inaugurated a covenant with the tribal elders, and the anointed him as the nations ruler.

I. DAVID’S TOP PRIORITIES

ILLUS. in America, every president enters office with a list of priorities that he wants to accomplish. Traditionally presidents attempt to accomplish their signature legislation within their first 15 months of office before midterm elections and electioneering takes the nation’s mind off of legislation.

1. as a sovereign king David did not have to worry about midterm elections, but he still had some priorities that he wanted to accomplish rather quickly

a. These priorities included, moving Israel’s capital to a more central location, driving the Philistines out of central Israel, in bringing the Ark of the covenant to his new capital

A. DAVID MOVES ISRAEL’S CAPITOL TO JERUSALEM

1. David’s first undertaking as king over a united Israel was the conquest of the fortified city of Jerusalem

“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.”” (2 Samuel 5:6–8, ESV)

2. Jebusites occupied the city at the time the Israelites entered the land under Joshua, the Joshua a lot of the city to the tribe of Benjamin

a. Judges 1:8 reveals that the men of Judah captured Jerusalem at some point and burned the city, however, the warriors of Benjamin and Judah failed to fully drive out the Jebusites from the area

1) the surviving Jebusites re-occupied and rebuilt the city, heavily fortifying it

b. the Jebusites thought their city was impregnable

1) we see this in their taught of David and his troops when they say “the blind and the lame will ward you off”

3. David’s capture of Jerusalem thus fulfilled a long-delayed allotment of territory from the Lord

ILLUS. For those who find these things interesting, David and his men captured Jerusalem by stealth. 1 Samuel 5:8 was always a quandary to historians and Bible scholars until 1867 when British engineer and archaeologist, Sir Charles Warren discovered Jerusalem’s ancient water system. To this day it’s called “Warrens Shaft” and archeologists are pretty much in agreement that it is the water shaft that verse eight refers to.

David’s heavily armed men took the defenders by surprise as they climbed up through the narrow vertical shaft and sloping tunnel that enabled the Jebusites to haul water up from the Gihon Spring outside the city wall into their fortified city on top of Ophel Hill. Adventuresome tourists to Jerusalem can still explore the route.

4. once captured David moved the capital of Israel from Hebron to Jerusalem

a. one of the first things David does is to build a palace

“And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, also carpenters and masons who built David a house.” (2 Samuel 5:11, ESV)

1) David’s and King Hiram’s alliance would endure for decades

B. DAVID FORCES THE PHILISTINES OUT OF ISRAEL

1. David’s next priority was to demonstrate clear opposition to the Philistines (1 Samuel 5:17-25)

a. while King Saul reigned over Israel David and his 600 warriors informed and uneasy alliance with the Philistines

b. after Saul’s death Israel was too preoccupied with the Civil War to worry about the Philistines who had captured Israelite territory

2. When the Philistines learned that David had been made king of all Israel and had taken Jerusalem as its capital, the arrayed their forces against him in the Valley of Rephaim

a. it is a valley descending southwest from Jerusalem, and is an ancient route from the coastal plain to the Judean Hills

3. guided by the Lord, David successfully pushed the Philistines out of the central highlands and back to their own territory

“And David inquired of the LORD, “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 And David came to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there. And he said, “The LORD has broken through my enemies before me like a breaking flood.” Therefore the name of that place is called Baal-perazim. 21 And the Philistines left their idols there, and David and his men carried them away.” (2 Samuel 5:19–21, ESV)

C. DAVID BRINGS THE ARK TO THE CAPITOL

1. to further unite Israel under the Lord’s rule, David called for his fittest troops to escort the sacred Ark of God into Jerusalem (1 Samuel 6:1-19)

a. during the early years of the Prophet Samuel, the Philistines had captured the ark when Israelite leaders foolishly took it into their battle camp

b. this Philistines attacked and captured the Ark, but because it brought God’s judgment on their cities they soon returned it

2. David’s first attempt to relocate the Ark went badly

“And David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD, with songs and lyres and harps and tambourines and castanets and cymbals. 6 And when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. 7 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah, and God struck him down there because of his error, and he died there beside the ark of God. 8 And David was angry because the LORD had broken out against Uzzah. And that place is called Perez-uzzah to this day. 9 And David was afraid of the LORD that day, and he said, “How can the ark of the LORD come to me?” 10 So David was not willing to take the ark of the LORD into the city of David. But David took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. 11 And the ark of the LORD remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months, and the LORD blessed Obed-edom and all his household.” (2 Samuel 6:5–11, ESV)

a. during the move, one of Abinidab’s sons touched the ark while trying to keep it from falling

b. touching the Ark was forbidden by God, and even though Uzzah did not have impure intentions, he was still struck down by God

3. three months later David again attempted to bring the Ark to Jerusalem and this time he did so as the Law commanded

a. Scriptures dictate that the Ark of the Covenant can be carried only by Levites, who constituted the ancient Jewish priestly class

b. they must carry the Ark by using two wooden poles inserted through rings on its sides, as touching the Ark itself will result in death at the hands of God

4. David’s consolidation of power over all of Israel plus his military victories over the Philistines and Jebusites signaled a dramatic shift in power in the region

a. the Philistines’ territory was greatly reduced and their political and economic influence diminished

b. Israel was no longer a weak confederation of tribes but a powerful kingdom controlling the land bridge between Africa and Asia

II. DAVID’S TRIUMPHAL PRAISE

“As the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, and she despised him in her heart. 17 And they brought in the ark of the LORD and set it in its place, inside the tent that David had pitched for it. And David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD. 18 And when David had finished offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts 19 and distributed among all the people, the whole multitude of Israel, both men and women, a cake of bread, a portion of meat, and a cake of raisins to each one. Then all the people departed, each to his house.” (2 Samuel 6:16–19, ESV)

1. David enters Jerusalem before the Ark a changed man and a very different king than his predecessor

a. he was dancing with abandon

b. he was wearing his heart on his sleeve

c. he was letting his emotions go

2. and Michal, Saul’s daughter, and David’s wife once again, is indignant

“And David returned to bless his household. But Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David and said, “How the king of Israel honored himself today, uncovering himself today before the eyes of his servants’ female servants, as one of the vulgar fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!”” (2 Samuel 6:20, ESV)

a. you’ve got to understand ... she is not complementing David

1) you have to read between the lines and know that Michal is using air quotes when she gets to the word honored himself today

2) no ... she believes that David had dishonored himself and thus dishonored his family in a vulgar display where he shamelessly uncovered himself

ILLUS. Israel in that day was pretty much a shame and honor culture, like so much of the Middle East remains today. Dignity is everything. Michal is exclaiming, “This is not how a king works! A king doesn’t operate like this! That is beneath your dignity!” Kings had to be remote and intimidating. Kings had to carry their dignity, and no one … no one … could even remotely trample the king’s dignity. That’s how power works, that’s how kings operate. Dignity; always dignity.

Now, we’re not a shame and honor culture, but we don’t have to look back too far to see that if you don’t meet the expectations of bureaucratic Washington you’re going to be criticized. President Trump did not always come off as “presidential.” Both the left and the right accused him of not acting like a president should act. Trumps response to the criticism? "Anybody can act presidential," he said at a 2018 rally in Florida.

3. David’s response Michal is essentially the same ... Anybody can act kingly.

“And David said to Michal, “It was before the LORD, who chose me above your father and above all his house, to appoint me as prince over Israel, the people of the LORD—and I will celebrate before the LORD.” (2 Samuel 6:21, ESV)

a. OK, here is essentially what David says, “It was before the LORD, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the LORD’s people Israel …”

b. this is not a proud statement; he is saying, “I was chosen by grace. I was a shepherd boy. I don’t have royal blood. I didn’t fight my way up. God just chose me. I am simply a recipient of grace. How shall I not celebrate?”

c. and then David takes it a step further ...

“I will make myself yet more contemptible than this, and I will be abased in your eyes. ... .”” (2 Samuel 6:22, ESV)

4. when it comes to worshiping the Lord, David is not going to stand on formality because uninhibited worship is more important than personal dignity

III. LESSONS

1. Godly Leaders Depend on and Are Dedicated to the Lord of Armies

“And David became greater and greater, for the LORD, the God of hosts, was with him.” (2 Samuel 5:10, ESV)

a. the author of 2 Samuel emphasized that David’s military and political successes sprang from one overwhelming factor: the Lord God of Armies was with him

b. this phrase combines God’s personal, covenant name with the plural Hebrew term for army

1) it’s a reference to God’s absolute sovereignty

c. David knew that his greatness came from God

“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.” (2 Samuel 5:12, ESV)

1) pagan kings of that day based their greatness on conquest, power, armies and wealth

2) David knew his greatness came from none of those things, but from God

2. Pride Really Does Go Before a Fall

a. imagine the Jebusites standing smugly behind the walls of their citadel shouting at David’s besieging troops, You’ll never take us! Why, our the blind and the lame among us could defend these walls

b. OK, it’s not a major lesson from the text, but it’s still there!

3. Success Takes Time, and Requires Patient Waiting on God

a. in this passage we witness the third kingly anointing of David

1) the 1st came privately when the Prophet Samuel anointed him at home in front of his family

2) the 2nd time came in Hebron when the tribe of Judah anointed him as king

3) the 3rd time comes when all of Israel come together to anoint him as king of a united Israel

b. 2 Samuel 5:4-6 outlines the passage of time for us — David is 37 years old when he begins reigning over a nation united and he ruled for another thirty-three years

1) we’ve seen time and again in this series on David’s life how God is using people and events to mold David’s character to prepare him for this moment

2) success did not come to David overnight, and it normally doesn’t come to us overnight

3) when it does, we frequently don’t know how to handle it

ILLUS I read an interesting article early last week that described how some of the nation’s most well-known mega-church pastors in our nation have risen to spiritual super-stardom only to crash and burn morally. One of the common denominators was how quickly some of these men gained success often growing a new church plant into a congregation of thousands within a decade or less. Many of these men who crashed and burned spiritually did so because they didn’t know how to handle the success and the power and influence it gave them. They didn’t have the years of adversity to mold and shape their character.

4. David Lusted after the Presence of God and Had a Passion for Worship

a. chapter six is all about David’s trial-and-error in bringing the Ark to Jerusalem

1) that he wants to do so speaks loudly as to his relationship with God

b. I don’t have time to go into the full narrative, but there is an interesting story concerning the Ark of the Covenant

ILLUS. In 1 Samuel, chapter four is the story of the Philistines capturing the Ark of the Covenant in a battle against Israel. Having won the victory, the Philistines concluded that their god Dagon was better than the God of Israel. They moved the ark to Dagon’s temple. Very soon God begins to wreak incredible havoc upon the Philistine nation, and they decided to send it back. They load it on an ox cart, take it to the boarder of Israel and smack the rumps of the oxen sending the ark back into Israel. There, for years, the ark stayed at a little place called Kiriath-Jearim, which was just on the border of Israel. So it was really on the periphery of Israel. It stayed there for years. It’s interesting it was there all during the reign of King Saul. That kind of reflected Saul’s ambivalent relationship with God.

c. David is intent on bringing it to Jerusalem

1) as we know, the first attempt did not go well ... poor Uzzah!

2) but then David does some reading of the Scriptures and discovers how the Ark is to be handled – with respect, awe, and dignity, and he leads it into the city to it’s new resting place

d. in the passage some important truths about worship stand out ...

1) there is blessing in the presence of God

“And it was told King David, “The LORD has blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.” So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with rejoicing.” (2 Samuel 6:12, ESV)

2) worship is not worship without sacrifice

“And when those who bore the ark of the LORD had gone six steps, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened animal.” (2 Samuel 6:13, ESV)

3) worship is to be heartfelt and joyful, even exuberant

“And David danced before the LORD with all his might. And David was wearing a linen ephod.” (2 Samuel 6:14, ESV)

4) worship should be corporate

“So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and with the sound of the horn.” (2 Samuel 6:15, ESV)