So the intrigue continues. David is finally made King of Israel after more treachery and political manoeuvring by various people in a similar vein to those that we explored earlier. Human nature doesn't change. But, the story doesn't end yet; a whole new chapter starts here.
David needs a capital. The Jebusite city of Jerusalem is his choice. However, the inhabitants don't recognise him as King yet. The nation did not unite behind him and the Jebusites were sure that their fortifications, coupled with the street beggars would be enough to keep David at bay. They were wrong. It would appear that 'the blind and the lame' became a tongue in cheek reference to the Jebusites among David and his followers thereafter.
On taking Jerusalem, David starts the work of establishing his kingship. Hiram the King of Tyre, up in the north, sent him a gift of cedar timber and craftsmen to build David a house. Hiram would have been keen to build a good relationship with his southern neighbour. This house would help David to be seen as King among the people of the city. David also gets to work establishing a family line by taking concubines and wives from among the local women (imagine all those mother-in-laws!). The point is that David is working at kingship. Yes, God has said that David will be King, and he is. But that doesn't mean that David can sit back and leave it all to God. David clearly understands that he has to do his part in God's plans. David understands that he has to pray like it all depends on God and work like it all depends on him. That way brings success and we need to do the same.
John Martin-Jones
Read the Bible in a year: Psalm 69:13-28, 2 Samuel 3:22-5:16, Acts 1:1-22
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