May 9: 2 Samuel 8-9, 1 Chronicles 18

May 9, 2 Samuel 8-9, 1 Chronicles 18

2 Samuel 8 This chapter is a very brief recap on David’s war victories, from the Philistines to the Moabites and some other kings. Yahweh gave victory to David wherever he went. David was blessed by the King of Hamath for helping, blessed with gifts and concern. David was making quite a name for himself as warrior, and he was also a good administrator. He administered justice and equality to his people, and assigned officials to oversee them. At the end it says that David’s sons were priests .The translations struggle with vs 18 about some of David’s sons that were some priests. This could also mean officials. Either way, this term is not to be confused with Levitical priests. Most likely they helped with some of the rituals, not necessarily Temple work. 

2 Samuel 9 Do you remember back to 2 Samuel 4 when we briefly talked about Mephibosheth? Well, David is inquiring about any descendants left to Samuel and Jonathan. He finds out that Jonathan still has 1 remaining son that is a cripple. David keeps his promise to Jonathan and sends for Mephibosheth. Mephibosheth pays homage to the King when he arrives and David provides for him greatly - treating him as one of his own sons. I find it incredible that David did not do what most warriors do that take over other kingdoms… they typically kill off all the family so that the threats would be minimal to him. David gave to Mephibosheth all of Saul’s and Jonathan’s land to be worked by servants.

1 Chronicles 18 Again, this is a similar account of David’s victories to that of 2 Samuel 8. The Chronicler points out a little more detail on the plunder, because we will soon see that the people and the future Temple will benefit from David’s wars. I like how the Chronicler writes that David dedicated all his plunder to Yahweh! David knew that this was God’s doing for his success, so it belonged to God and to His people. 

To sum it all up:

• Keep your promises that you make to others, just like God does, and you will walk with integrity. God is faithful in His promises.