Check out all the previous David readings here.
David Reading | Week 4 | Day 3
Prayer
Take a moment to be silent and still. In order to be fully present in body and mind, take a deep breath in and let it out slowly. Do this three times. Pray that God would open your eyes to wonderful things from His word today.
Bible Reading: 2 Samuel 5:17-25
Read these verses three times slowly.
When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, they went up in full force to search for him, but David heard about it and went down to the stronghold. Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; so David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?”
The Lord answered him, “Go, for I will surely deliver the Philistines into your hands.”
So David went to Baal Perazim, and there he defeated them. He said, “As waters break out, the Lord has broken out against my enemies before me.” So that place was called Baal Perazim.The Philistines abandoned their idols there, and David and his men carried them off.
Once more the Philistines came up and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim; so David inquired of the Lord, and he answered, “Do not go straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the poplar trees. As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the poplar trees, move quickly, because that will mean the Lord has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army.” So David did as the Lord commanded him, and he struck down the Philistines all the way from Gibeon to Gezer.
Reflection & Questions
We’ve read this week of David being established as king (which means he is to be a shepherd of God’s people) and of his throne being established in Jerusalem. Today’s verses show us how David went about ruling. And what we see is that it was through a close connection with the Lord.
Twice we read, “David inquired of the Lord.” David didn’t rush in. David didn’t rely on his own wisdom. Even an experienced general that he was, he didn’t consider moving to the left or the right without going to God. He knew that without God, he wouldn’t be able to do anything. And God guided him. As David inquired, God answered. And then critically we’re told, “David did as the Lord commanded him.” There is a beautiful synergy to the relationship of King David and his King (the Lord Almighty).
It is this kind of closeness that Jesus wants to have with us. He calls himself the “Good Shepherd” (John 10:11) and he says, “My sheep know my voice.” (John 10:27) He says, “Apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) And he tells his disciples, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) The life of a believer is meant to be a beautiful synergy with our Lord. We go to Him, we listen to Him, rely on Him and we walk in His ways.
- Are you relying on God in your everyday life? How do you know?
- Sometimes it is hard to discern how God is guiding us. How would you advise a believer who is asking God, but there isn’t a clear response?
Prayer
Talk to God in response to today’s reading.
Worship Song
You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:
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Questions?
Ed Applegate
