David Made King over All Israel
11 Then all Israel gathered to David at Hebron [a]and said, “Behold, we are your bone and your flesh. 2 In times past, even when Saul was king, you were the one who led out and brought in Israel; and the Lord your God said to you, ‘You shall shepherd My people Israel, and you shall be prince over My people Israel.’” 3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the Lord; and they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of the Lord through Samuel.
Jerusalem, Capital City
4 Then David and all Israel went to Jerusalem (that is, Jebus); and the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, were there. 5 The inhabitants of Jebus said to David, “You shall not enter here.” Nevertheless David captured the stronghold of Zion (that is, the city of David). 6 Now David had said, “Whoever strikes down a Jebusite first shall be chief and commander.” Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, so he became chief. 7 Then David dwelt in the stronghold; therefore it was called the city of David. 8 He [b]built the city all around, from the [c]Millo even to the surrounding area; and Joab [d]repaired the rest of the city. 9 David became greater and greater, for the Lord of hosts was with him.
This passage ends with a stark contrast to the last chapter, “…for the Lord of hosts was with him.” Why? Because God knew David’s heart. He had chosen David to be king long before, when David was only a boy. To Samuel’s surprise, it had not been for his strength or appearance, but because of what was “inside”.
God knows our hearts, and we need to watch the state of our heart as well. It is far too easy to let things slip, to become callous or indifferent to the things of God, or even the things that would lead us astray. So we ought to always be on guard, asking for the Holy Spirit’s guidance to keep us on the right track.
I was reminded of a passage in Philippians last night that says (roughly), “whatever is good, whatever is lovely, whatever is true, whatever is of good report, think on these things.” We would do well to remember that, focusing on the negative will only bring us down, but think on those things which are good, remember the blessings of God, even when times are hard. Think on these things…