David’s life was often one big roller coaster ride. Sometimes, he experienced incredible highs, and other times significant lows. Despite the obstacles David faced, he maintained faith and trust in God.

The last time we studied David’s story, we found him living among the Philistines (1 Samuel 30). After the Amalekites raided Ziklag, David was to defeat them and retrieve everything stolen. God blessed David to be victorious over his enemies.

Saul would have a different experience battling the Philistines near Mt. Gilboa (1 Samuel 31). Due to inadequate leadership and God’s withdrawal from his life, Saul and three of his sons were killed in battle. After being wounded, Saul took his own life. He didn’t want to be captured and abused by the Philistines. While Saul began his reign with humility and potential, his life ended in tragedy and disgrace.

2 Samuel 1-4

  • David receives word of Saul’s death (2 Samuel 1).
    • An Amalekite claimed to have killed Saul out of mercy. His story contradicted what really occurred (1 Samuel 31:1-5). He lied because he believed David would reward him for killing his enemy.
    • His plan backfired! Instead of being rewarded, the Amalekite is killed by David because he claimed to have killed God’s anointed.
    • David then laments and sings a dirge. He grieved over the mighty fallen and the death of his best friend.
  • David takes steps to the throne (2 Samuel 2).
    • Saul had people in his family fighting for his throne. Abner anoints Ish-bosheth, king of Israel, in Mahanaim.
    • David is anointed king in Hebron over the people of Judah.
  • David’s family gets stronger (2 Samuel 3).
  • Ish-bosheth is murdered by two of his commanders (2 Samuel 4).

2 Samuel 5

  • David is finally king of all Israel (2 Samuel 5:1-10).
    • David reigned as king for 40 years (2 Samuel 5:3-5).
    • He was a shepherd king (2 Samuel 5:2).
    • He conquered the Jebusites and made Jerusalem his capital (2 Samuel 5:6-9).
    • The Lord was with David (2 Samuel 5:10).
  • David’s success catches the attention of kings from other nations (2 Samuel 5:11-12).
  • David continues growing his family (2 Samuel 5:13-16).
  • David defeats the Philistines (2 Samuel 5:17-25).

What can we learn?

  • We must wait for God to get us where He wants us to be. In God’s time, David received everything God promised.
  • We must never forget about God. While king, David continued to pray and obey God (2 Samuel 2:1; 5:19, 23-25). He knew God was the source of his blessings (2 Samuel 5:12).
  • David is not perfect (2 Samuel 5:13). God doesn’t want us to believe that David was perfect. He sinned and made mistakes. By faith and humility, he was still able to please God.
  • We must follow our Chief Shepherd (2 Samuel 5:2). Jesus is our King and Shepherd (Revelation 17:14; John 10:11; 1 Peter 5:4).

Conclusion:

God was with David. Is God with you?