2 Samuel 5:1-16 “Recognizing Real Enemies!”
When David killed the murderers of Ish-bosheth (Saul’s son), Israel came to support him. “Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, ‘Behold, we are your bone and your flesh.” (1) In family we seek healing and mercy, not revenge. They also acknowledged God’s favor on, and prophetic appointment of, David as king. Yet David had real enemies still occupying Jerusalem. They demeaned David’s ability: “…’You shall not come in here, but the blind and lame will turn you away’; thinking, ‘David cannot enter here.’” (6b). He was not intimidated, but took the city living in the stronghold making it more secure. “David became greater and greater, for the LORD God of hosts was with him.” (10) Then the king of Tyre showed David favor supplying materials for his house. Yet in all this David realized “…that He had exalted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel.” (12b). When we recognize our real enemies and our heart is for God’s people, we will walk in His strength and the favor of others.
