2 Samuel 4 & 5

To make up for my lack of post yesterday, we will read two chapters.

In chapter 4, David once again punishes those who would seek to gain favor through murder.  Notice, David never wishes death on his enemies.  He even offers respect towards those attempting to harm him.  So, when someone takes it into his own hands to remedy a problem through violence, David doles out the same punishment.

In chapter 5, we see David becoming king over all of Israel.  He captured Jerusalem by sending his men up a water shaft.  Jerusalem was a long fortified city that better served as a capitol for Israel.  The term, "deaf and blind" used by the Jebusite king suggests that he thought Jerusalem was so well fortified, that it could be defended solely by the lame.  The Jebusites were Canaanites.  The Philistines, another enemy of Israel, attempted to attack Israel.  Notice that David turned to the Lord, asking how he should respond to this attack.  In both instances, David followed God's instructions and the Philistines were defeated.

We may not face armies, but we do face people and circumstances that seem determined to harm us.  What should we do?  Well, respond like David did - pray, listen, follow the instructions of the Lord, honor & respect your enemies.  When we do these things, we will become victors just like David.