1. Men who understood the times (23-37)
God had chosen David to be the shepherd of Israel; but David and Israel had to wait on God's time. After Saul's death, David went to Hebron and was anointed king of Judah. The tribes of northern Israel followed Ishbosheth, Saul's son. After 7½ years, God's time came. Men who understood the times and knew what God wanted came to Hebron to make David king of all Israel. Some were Saul's kinsmen who had been loyal to Saul until this time; all were brave warriors. They came from all the 12 tribes of Israel to unite their nation under one shepherd of God's choosing.
2. Great joy in Israel (38-40)
Contrary to modern opinion, men and nations need shepherds. The men of Israel came to Hebron fully determined to make David their king and shepherd. They were armed for battle, but they did not come to fight--they came with food and drink to rejoice. They had a great party to celebrate, for God had given his shepherdless people a real shepherd.
One Lord: Great joy in Israel
DAVID TRIES IN HIS OWN WAY
1 Chronicles 13:1-14
1. It seemed right to all the people
David wanted to restore God to his central place in Israel's life. So he wanted to bring the ark of God to Jerusalem. He asked his army commanders and priests and other leaders about this and they all agreed. It was right to bring the ark of God to the capital city.
2. Uzzah struck dead
David consulted people, but he didn't consult the Bible. According to the Bible, the ark should be carried only by the Levites (Nu 4:15). David moved the ark on a new cart, with two men guiding it. He and all the Israelites were celebrating with all their might before God. Then, the cart hit a bump and one man steadied it with his hand. The Lord struck him dead. David was angry and fearful. He didn't know what to do. So he put the ark in the home of Obed-Edom for three months. God blessed this family greatly. Good intentions and sincerity are not enough--we must serve God in God's way, not according to our own ideas.
Application: Lord, teach me your ways through your word, the Bible.
One Word: Do it God's way (15:15)