September 6 – 2 Samuel 8:1-8

September 6 – 2 Samuel 8:1-8

 

[1] After this David defeated the Philistines and subdued them, and David took Metheg-ammah out of the hand of the Philistines. [2] And he defeated Moab and he measured them with a line, making them lie down on the ground. Two lines he measured to be put to death, and one full line to be spared. And the Moabites became servants to David and brought tribute.

[3] David also defeated Hadadezer the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to restore his power at the river Euphrates. [4] And David took from him 1,700 horsemen, and 20,000 foot soldiers. And David hamstrung all the chariot horses but left enough for 100 chariots. [5] And when the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zobah, David struck down 22,000 men of the Syrians. [6] Then David put garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Syrians became servants to David and brought tribute. And the LORD gave victory to David wherever he went. [7] And David took the shields of gold that were carried by the servants of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem. [8] And from Betah and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, King David took very much bronze.

 

Here we see God’s promises in action as David and his men conquer countries, regain land, take valuables and servants from these countries bring tribute to David.  God promised David he would take care of him.  Yet, David continued to experience war with his adversaries.  I’m reminded of the song “Through It All”.  The beginning words are as follows: Through it all, through it all…I’ve learned to trust in Jesus, I’ve learned to trust in God.  David’s faithfulness certainly plays out in these instances and he has truly learned to ‘trust in God’.  What is life throwing your way that has you burdened?  What battles, fears, anger, broken relationships, finance issues are you experiencing?  Use David as an example of character, persistence, faith, trust and hope to encourage you as you pray to fully trust in God.  Nothing that we go through or experience takes God by surprise.  Take comfort that God is with you ‘through it all’.