Slices
Prepare
Reflect on how you make decisions. Do you pray first?
Bible passage
David anointed king over Judah
2 In the course of time, David enquired 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 favour 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.
Explore
This part of David’s story appears very political. Parties are manoeuvring for position, sending out olive branches to potential opponents (2:6), picking sides in what will be a long fight (3:1). But amid all these stratagems, verse 1 in chapter 2 reveals how David made his plans. Before he acted, David enquired of the Lord.
David now had years of experience. But he never took God for granted. He never relied solely on that experience. He knew that he was a key player in a drama whose author was God. He wouldn’t take direction from anyone else. To do so would invite disaster.
Looking at our world, watching parliamentary debates, hearing politicians interviewed, makes me wonder if they ever refer to God before choosing the path they will take. And not just politicians. How often have I spent money, forged plans, formed relationships, said things, without first enquiring of the Lord? The answer, if I’m honest, is often.
David reminds us who is in control. When we committed our lives to Jesus, we became his to command. We need to remember that our first thought should be of him and what he requires of us. It’s not easy, but it bears fruit, as we see later in our readings in 2 Samuel.
Respond
If you have a to-do list like me, why not include what’s on it in your prayers at the start of each day?
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: 2 Chronicles 18–20; Ephesians 3
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for Director of Mission Richard Shaw as he oversees the planning for a busy summer of residentials and missions, working in partnership at different festivals and events. Please pray that the many thousands of young people and children who attend will encounter Jesus through these activities.
