APRIL 20. 1947 THE KINGDOM STRENGTHENED AND ENLARGED 2 S a M uel 5:6-10, 17-25
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Outline and Exposition T he J ebusites D efeated (vs. 6-8)
steep valleys. This was the reason it had. not been conquered before. The Lord had commanded His peo ple to drive out all of the inhabitants of the land upon their entrance into it (Num. 33:51-56). Evidently their faith had failed (Judges 1:21). The Jebusites continued to cling to this stronghold, defying all intruders. But “with God all things are possible,” so David, the Lord being with him, saw an impossibility become a glori ous reality. Let all who would serve God take note of this important truth (v. 10). “ And David enquired of the Lord” (v. 19). A similar statement occurs in verse 23. The circumstances were the same. In each Instance, Israel faced a crisis. Before taking any steps, David asked counsel of the Lord. He wanted to be in His will. Thus he set a worthy example for every servant of the Lord. It should be noted that in answer to each in quiry, there was a totally different reply. God is not limited in His methods of bringing blessing to His people. Because He chooses to an swer prayer in a certain way on one occasion, It does not necessarily fol low that He will act in exactly the same way the next time. Our God varies His operations, and His chil dren should be satisfied with His ways of bringing about the results desired. "David and his men burned them” (v. SI). That is, the images of the Philistines. They showed good Judg ment in so doing, for it was not only the commandment of the Lord that they should be burned (Deut. 7:5), but their common sense argued for it, since these idols were useless. The Philistines had brought them into the battle to help them achieve the victory, but of course they were un able to accomplish anything. What is the use of gods who are helpless in time of need? A huge bonfire is needed today to rid the world of its impotent deities. Per the Children D avid and P rince J onathan 1 S amuel 18:1-4 M emory V erse : “By love serve one another” (Gal. 5:13). Note to teachers: The adult ma terial on the lesson for April 13 uHll be excellent background in preparing this lesson. David, the shepherd boy whom God had chosen to be king over Israel, had killed a giant who was threaten ing God’s people. Because of his bravery, King Saul invited David to
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The Jebusites had boasted that even the blind and the lame at Jeru salem would be strong enough to keep David from taking their city. David attacked, promising that who ever smote the blind and the lame, “ that are hated of David’s soul, he shall be chief and captain." With this encouragement, the defeat of the Jebusites and capture of the city were assured. J erusalem E nlarged (vs. 9,10) After taking Jerusalem, David made it his headquarters, calling it “ the city of David,” and then built round about “ from Millo and in ward.” Thus the borders of the city were enlarged and it became the most influential city of the kingdom. David “grew great” because “the Lord God of hosts was with him,” as David was with the Lord. The great lesson here is that God “ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will” (Dan. 4:17,25). T he P hilistines O vercome (vs. 17-25) The Philistines came to attack David “and spread themselves In the valley of Rephalm.” David inquired of the Lord what he should do. He was told to fight, and the Philistines would-be delivered Into his hand. So “David smote them” and when they fled they “left their images” which David and his men burned. Once again the Philistines came against David and once more David asked the Lord’s counsel. He had learned that because God worked in a certain way on one occasion was no evidence that He would work in the same way the next time. He was told to set an ambush, and when “ the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees” was heard, he was to rise and fight. David followed the Lord’s directions, and smote the Phi listines “from Geba until thou come to Gazer.” Thus the kingdom was strength ened and enlarged by the work of David who obeyed the voice of the Lord. How simple! Hearken to the Lord’s voice, do as He says, and vic tory is assured. This is the lesson we all need to learn today. Points and Problems “Nevertheless David, took the stronghold of Zion” (v.7). The loca tion appeared to be impregnable. The city was surrounded on three sides by
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