Day 147 – David & His Wars

Readings

  • 2 Samuel 8
  • Psalm 60
  • Psalm 144

Prayer

Pray… for God to be your castle and your refuge when you are in your own battles.

Day 147 – David & His Wars

David, the warrior for God

 

  • Today’s passages pull the camera out to give us what, in a film at least, could be called a montage. A montage, as I’m sure you know, is a great film technique to give the viewer the sense of the passage of time whilst giving snapshots of lots of events. 2 Samuel 8 seems like a rather perfect example of one in written form. David is now established on the throne, 400 years or so has passed since Joshua led the people into Canaan, and Israel is having much success defending itself from enemy attacks, several of which we read about today. David, we’re told, continues to put his trust in God, and receives victory and wealth in all that he does.
  • What are some of the battles David won?
  • What do 2 Samuel 8:15-18 teach us about David and his rule at the time?
  • How does Psalm 60 link with the story in 2 Samuel 8? Where does David say his victory and strength come from?
  • David very practically relied on God to deliver him in battle. When was the last time you did that, in the sort of “everyday” battles you have?
  • What are some of the things that David says God is to him, especially in Psalm 144? In other words, how does David describe God? If you rushed through the passages today, hastily squeezing in some bible reading before bed, re-read Psalm 144 again and consider how you could consider whether your relationship with God has any similarities. Do you take refuge in Jesus when you struggle, for example, like David mentions in verse 2?
  • David wrote many psalms, but he often says he will “sing a new song” to God. What do you think that means? Here’s a thought for the day – are you singing the “same tune” over and over to Jesus? Has this bible teaching this year helped you to learn, and now sing, a “new song”?

 

 

Skim your eyes over what we’ve learnt and discussed about David since 1 Samuel 16 up until the readings today. We’ve seen an eager warrior, someone who married honourably (even if it was more than one), protected Saul when he could have killed him, came to God in effective prayer, was decisive and fearless, and who gained in standing with God and man. Today’s readings are a high point.

 

Sadly, this won’t last. In tomorrow’s passages, David will come crashing down to earth as we read of some sinful choices he’s about to make.

 

Sometimes when we feel that everything is going right, and our relationship with God is clear, and our sin is, for want of a better phrase, being placated by self control, we can feel great about ourselves. This is fine, of course – we should be rightly pleased and encouraged when things are going well and we feel closer to God. It is, however, a time when we need to remain careful, because pleasure can easily turn into an over exaggeration of our own “achievements”, which can quickly slip into pride, which in turn can quickly pull us away from God.

 

When things are going well, keep working hard at your relationship with God. Keep coming to Him in thankful prayer, remembering what He has done for you. One of the most dangerous attitudes you can have is complacency, because that relegates God to a side story – even in the lives of people who have previously put Him centre stage. Try and learn from the events we read today and consider what you can put in place in your life to keep the focus on God at all times – both in the good and in the hard.


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