v4-5 A look ahead at David's reign. He has 33 years left.
v6-7 David captures what will be known as his namesake, the City of David.
v10 He was great because "the Lord of Hosts was with him."
v12 "realized that the Lord had established him...for the sake of His people Israel." Already we see that David is humbling himself before the Lord. He is not taking credit that belongs to God.
v13 But, meanwhile.... David is building his harem. Does he see this as something a king deserves? Or maybe he sees his "love life" as his own business, while the welfare of the kingdom belongs to God? Nevertheless, women are a vice to this king--one that he'll pass on to his sons, and one that will cause him much pain. On the other hand, David seems to honor the Lord in every other area of his life.
v19 Seeking the Lord's will before battle.
v20 Worshipping after victory.
v23-24 Even relying on the Lord for military tactics.
So, the question here is this: Does God look away from certain sin issues (in this case multiple wives) because there are bigger things (the fame and victory of Israel) to concern Him? From what I know of the Lord, this can't be so. Perhaps He is letting this issue with women build as it will because He knows that He will deal with it in a MAJOR way later in David's life.
When we are young, our sins are obvious to us and to others. We disobey authority, struggle with lying, gossip, impurity, etc. But as we get grow up, some of those habitual sins and struggles are overcome, and the Lord reveals to us other sin issues to deal with. These struggles have been there our whole lives (pride, bitterness, idolatry of culture) but it occurs to us that the Lord was waiting until we were older to deal directly and openly with us on these issues. Seeking the Lord's heart is a gradual, life-long process. I'm grateful He didn't expect instant perfection at the moment of salvation. I know that the Lord understands our inability to do everything at once, and it's my theory that that's what was happening here with David as well.
BUT! In the same breath, I urge you not to wait until the moment when God has had enough of your sin, and brings the issue to the forefront. If you know what you need to deal with, do it now! Seek His help, because you do not want to see the ultimate consequences, the way David will later in his story. Sin left unchecked grows and worsens. It takes hold and blinds you to the Truth.
v6 Uzzah touches (takes hold of) the ark of God.
v7 It is important to remember that there are some things that are more sacred to our Lord than even the life of a human being. We tend to put ourselves at the highest possible rank, but we must remember that we do not hold that rank.
v8-11 Even David forgot this at this moment. He let his inability to understand God drive a wedge between them.
v13-14 Why is David so ecstatic? If you have ever separated yourself from your Heavenly Father, you can put yourself in his place. This is indeed a time to celebrate. Three months is too long to be without Him in your life!
v16 It is important to remember that utter devotion to God is more sacred than how others view us. Michal forgot that here.
v20 Her rebuke of him strikes a deep chord in me. She was sarcastic and rude. She mocked him and shamed him for his actions. This is no way to treat your husband, whether he is a king or not. This is no way to treat your husband whether he is truly in the wrong or not. Michal was the foolish one here.
v23 She paid dearly for her foolishness.
Next time: II Samuel 7-8
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