QT 2/20/2023 2 Sam 5:6-10, Not being corrupted by position

2 Samuel 5:6–10 (ESV) —

6 And the king and his men went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, who said to David, “You will not come in here, but the blind and the lame will ward you off”—thinking, “David cannot come in here.” 7 Nevertheless, David took the stronghold of Zion, that is, the city of David. 8 And David said on that day, “Whoever would strike the Jebusites, let him get up the water shaft to attack ‘the lame and the blind,’ who are hated by David’s soul.” Therefore it is said, “The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.” 9 And David lived in the stronghold and called it the city of David. And David built the city all around from the Millo inward. 10 And David became greater and greater, for the Lord, the God of hosts, was with him.

 

NOTE: The Jebusites were one of the tribes that Israel was required to destroy in the land of Canaan. David fulfills the law by taking the city from the Jebusites. The details are unclear, but it appears that David saw the water shaft as the Achilles heel of the city. The choice of a new capital shows a willingness to compromise. Technically Jerusalem was in Benjamin territory on the northern edge of Judah, whereas Hebron (the old capital) was deep in the territory of Judah. David's actions are certainly more inclusive of all the tribes of Israel. His marrying of other wives was also probably built around developing strong relationships with the other tribes -- a common practice of the time. Still, the verses that follow this passage hint that David may have gone too far (vs 13 "And David took more..".

 

The key verse is 10, "And David became greater and greater, for the Lord, the God of hosts, was with him." David was not perfect but he had a good heart. In some ways, David more illustrates Jesus' statements on the sermon of the mount, where Jesus emphasizes the spirit of the law over the letter of the law. Paul says the Law is good, but it was nailed to the cross because it could not save us. It was worthless in that regard. But it did show us our need for a savior. The heart is what is most important and in that sense David represents the greatest of the men who led Israel.

 

PONDER:

1. They say that absolute power corrupts absolutely, and I have seen that to be true. But all of us are tempted in some way by our own power. Do we show kindness, goodness, and a loving heart in our dealings and relationships with people?

 

PRAYER: Father, protect me from the sin of pride, arrogance, and power. I want to be different and I need your Spirit to guide me to do the right thing.