In the Bible stories we read as children, we hear of David and Goliath, but, we do not hear much about the long, hard ascension David made to the throne of Israel. From the time he was anointed by Samuel, he endured several attempts on his life, running as a fugitive for years, living with the enemy and in caves. Then when Saul, his enemy finally dies, David pays a nice tribute to the dead king and Jonathan. In response, he then is thrown into years of civil war with the house of Saul and Saul’s army. He was made king of Judah, but the rest of Israel still followed the house of Saul.
David was clearly following God’s lead. He had done nothing to cause the trial and tribulation he faced–still, he faced years of pain and persecution before finally taking the throne for which God anointed him.
There are sometimes just no good answers to why we encounter trials and tribulation. We know we are in a spiritual battle, but even when we do what is right, sometimes things are tough. In those times it is easy to become discouraged and to wonder why we bother to remain faithful. The truth is that we are called to be God’s chosen, His adopted kids. In that place, we are hated by the world, and the enemy; and will always be a target to minimize or neutralize our impact on others. We must endure the struggles and embrace our calling. If we will, we will have a purposeful and amazing life here and an eternity with God in Heaven. No matter how difficult the struggle–it is worth it. Paul said it best in Romans, “ I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18.
God Bless You
In the course of time, David inquired of the Lord. “Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?” he asked.
The Lord said, “Go up.”
David asked, “Where shall I go?”
“To Hebron,” the Lord answered.
2 So David went up there with his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel. 3 David also took the men who were with him, each with his family, and they settled in Hebron and its towns. 4 Then the men of Judah came to Hebron, and there they anointed David king over the tribe of Judah.
When David was told that it was the men from Jabesh Gilead who had buried Saul, 5 he sent messengers to them to say to them, “The Lord bless you for showing this kindness to Saul your master by burying him. 6 May the Lord now show you kindness and faithfulness, and I too will show you the same favor because you have done this. 7 Now then, be strong and brave, for Saul your master is dead, and the people of Judah have anointed me king over them.”
War Between the Houses of David and Saul
8 Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, had taken Ish-Bosheth son of Saul and brought him over to Mahanaim. 9 He made him king over Gilead, Ashuri and Jezreel, and also over Ephraim, Benjamin and all Israel.
10 Ish-Bosheth son of Saul was forty years old when he became king over Israel, and he reigned two years. The tribe of Judah, however, remained loyal to David. 11 The length of time David was king in Hebron over Judah was seven years and six months.
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